Monterosso is the only one of the five Cinque Terre villages with a proper beach, and for many visitors that defines what they do here. But the old town — the medieval part on the eastern side of the headland — offers something beyond sunbathing: a medieval church, a network of narrow caruggi, a ruined giant on the cliffs, and paths that lead up through terraced vineyards toward the coast trail connecting the villages.
The other four villages can each be reached on foot via the Sentiero Azzurro, by ferry, or by the short train ride that runs the length of the coast. Monterosso makes a good base because it has the most accommodation and the best beaches, but the villages are close enough to spend time in all of them in a few days.