Fried Anchovy Festival
The June festival dedicated to the Monterosso anchovy, queen of the Cinque Terre
About Fried Anchovy of Monterosso
The Anchovy, Monterosso's Gold
In Monterosso al Mare, the largest village of the Cinque Terre in the Province of La Spezia, the anchovy has been a protagonist of life and cuisine for centuries. The Monterosso anchovy is a Typical Agri-food Product (PAT), fished using the traditional lampara technique since the 16th century and preserved in salt in typical containers. In June, the village dedicates the Fried Anchovy Festival to it, one of the most beloved gastronomic events of the Ligurian Riviera di Levante.
A Table with Anchovies
The Pro Loco stands open around noon in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Tina Anselmi, offering crispy fried anchovies, salted anchovies to taste on crostini, pasta with anchovies, fresh salads, and filled sandwiches. It's an opportunity to savor this oily fish in its most genuine form, in a spectacular setting between the sea and the narrow alleys.
Markets, Music, and Sunset over the Sea
In addition to gastronomy, the festival features craft markets and live folk music in the afternoon. The most evocative moment is the Sunset Tour organized by the National Park of the Cinque Terre, with tastings and stories about the history of the festival and the anchovy. A day that combines taste, maritime tradition, and the unique beauty of the Cinque Terre.
Fried Anchovy of Monterosso — edition 2026
The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21 in the historic center of Monterosso al Mare. The Pro Loco stands open around noon in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Tina Anselmi offering crispy fried anchovies, salted anchovies on crostini, pasta with anchovies, salads, and filled sandwiches.
In the afternoon, there will be craft markets and live folk music; in the evening, the Sunset Tour of the National Park of the Cinque Terre, with tastings and stories about the festival and the anchovy tradition.
Programme Fried Anchovy of Monterosso 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026
- From 12 PM — Opening of food stands in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Tina Anselmi (fried anchovies, salted anchovies on crostini, pasta with anchovies)
- Afternoon — Craft markets and live folk music
Sunday, June 21, 2026
- From 12 PM — Food stands dedicated to anchovies
- Evening — Sunset Tour of the National Park of the Cinque Terre with tastings and stories
Highlights Fried Anchovy of Monterosso 2026
Prices Fried Anchovy of Monterosso 2026
Practical information — Fried Anchovy of Monterosso
How to get there
Monterosso al Mare is served by the train station on the Genoa-La Spezia line. Car access is limited: train is recommended. By sea, ferries from La Spezia and other villages.
When
A weekend in June (traditionally the third). Stands open from 12 PM in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Tina Anselmi.
Admission
Free. Tastings are paid, with portions ranging from approximately 5 to 10 euros.
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Where does it take place — Fried Anchovy of Monterosso
Piazza Garibaldi e Piazza Tina Anselmi, Monterosso al Mare
Piazza Garibaldi, 19016 Monterosso al Mare