Lemon Festival
The Cinque Terre village scented with lemon, between gastronomic walks and contests
About Lemon Festival of Monterosso
The lemon, symbol of Monterosso
In Monterosso al Mare, the largest village of the Cinque Terre in the Province of La Spezia, the lemon has always been an identity symbol, cultivated on terraces overlooking the sea. The Lemon Festival, established in 1967, celebrates this citrus fruit and is one of the most beloved spring events on the Riviera di Levante.
8000 steps with the scent of lemon
The highlight of the festival is the gastronomic walk "8000 passi al profumo di limone" (8000 steps with the scent of lemon), an itinerary that guides visitors through the narrow streets, terraces, and panoramic points of the village, with tasting stops along the way. In Piazza Garibaldi, for both days, stands from local producers offer sweets, artisanal products, and lemon-based specialties from the Riviera.
Contests, music, and tradition
The festival also features fun challenges: the contest for the best lemon cake, the largest lemon, and the award for the most beautiful shop window. Traditional Ligurian music, performed by the Banda La Monterossina and other groups, animates the narrow streets. Recognized among the Authentic Ligurian Events, the Lemon Festival is the perfect way to discover Monterosso in spring, away from the summer crowds.
Lemon Festival of Monterosso — edition 2026
The 2026 edition takes place on May 16-17 in Monterosso al Mare. The heart of the festival is the gastronomic walk "8000 passi al profumo di limone" (8000 steps with the scent of lemon) through the village's narrow streets and panoramic viewpoints. In Piazza Garibaldi, for both days, local producers' stands will offer lemon-based specialties, sweets, and artisanal products.
Among the initiatives are contests for the best lemon cake, the largest lemon, and the most beautiful shop window, with musical entertainment by the ensemble "Lemonfisà" and the Banda La Monterossina animating the village alleys.
Programme Lemon Festival of Monterosso 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Producers' stands and lemon specialties in Piazza Garibaldi
- Gastronomic walk "8000 passi al profumo di limone"
- Contests: lemon cake, largest lemon, most beautiful shop window
- Music with the ensemble "Lemonfisà" and the Banda La Monterossina
Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Local producers' stands and lemon specialties
- Continuation of tastings and musical entertainment
Highlights Lemon Festival of Monterosso 2026
Prices Lemon Festival of Monterosso 2026
Practical information — Lemon Festival 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 travel is recommended. By sea, ferries run from La Spezia and other villages.
When
A weekend in May (traditionally the third). Stands in Piazza Garibaldi on both days.
Admission
Free. The gastronomic walk and tastings are paid.
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Where does it take place — Lemon Festival of Monterosso
Centro storico di Monterosso al Mare
Piazza Garibaldi, 19016 Monterosso al Mare