The September festival dedicated to salt-cured anchovies and lampara fishing
In Monterosso al Mare, in the Cinque Terre (Province of La Spezia), salt-cured anchovies are a gastronomic heritage rooted in centuries past. Caught using the lampara technique and preserved in salt, anchovies have been a precious resource for the village fishermen for generations. In September, Monterosso dedicates a specific festival to them, distinct from the more summery Fried Anchovy Festival in June.
In addition to food stalls offering salt-cured anchovies and traditional dishes, the festival provides a more immersive experience: a guided tour of the salting laboratory to discover the time-honoured preservation techniques up close, and a boat trip to witness lampara fishing, the lamp that attracts small pelagic fish on fishing nights.
The Sagra dell'Acciuga Salata is an opportunity to discover the maritime soul of Monterosso al Mare in a quieter season than summer, when the village reveals its most authentic dimension. Amidst the sea, terraces, and narrow alleys, it's an event that combines gastronomy, culture, and landscape in the heart of the Cinque Terre.
For 2026, the Sagra dell'Acciuga Salata in Monterosso al Mare is renewed in September, following the tradition of holding it on the third Saturday of the month. Alongside food stalls with salt-cured anchovies and traditional dishes, the program includes a guided tour of the salting laboratory and a boat trip to witness lampara fishing.
The precise date and detailed program will be released by the Pro Loco of Monterosso closer to the event.
Program to be defined. Usual festival structure:
Date and details on the Pro Loco Monterosso al Mare channels.
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.
In September, traditionally the third Saturday. Food stalls, visit to the salting laboratory, and boat trip.
Free. Tastings are paid; for the laboratory visit and boat trip, check arrangements and booking details.
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Centro storico di Monterosso al Mare
Piazza Garibaldi, 19016 Monterosso al Mare