Sagra dell'Acciuga Salata
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Sea

Sagra dell'Acciuga Salata

The September festival dedicated to salt-cured anchovies and lampara fishing

Monterosso al Mare — La Spezia (011)
Dates 19 Sep — 19 Sep 2026
Location Monterosso al Mare (011)
Prices Free
Status —

About Acciuga Salata di Monterosso

In September, Monterosso al Mare, in the Cinque Terre, dedicates a festival to salt-cured anchovies, the product that has made the village's gastronomic history. Distinct from the Fried Anchovy Festival in June, this event showcases the art of salting: in addition to food stalls, there will be a guided tour of the salting laboratory and a boat trip to witness lampara fishing. A journey into the maritime tradition of the Riviera di Levante.

The art of salting

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.

Not just tastings

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.

A maritime tradition to experience

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.

Acciuga Salata di Monterosso — edition 2026

The Salt-Cured Anchovy Festival returns to Monterosso al Mare in September 2026, traditionally on the third Saturday of the month. Food stalls featuring salt-cured anchovies, a guided tour of the salting laboratory, and a boat trip for lampara fishing in 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.

Programme Acciuga Salata di Monterosso 2026

Program to be defined. Usual festival structure:

  • Food stalls with salt-cured anchovies and traditional maritime dishes
  • Guided tour of the salting laboratory
  • Boat trip to witness lampara fishing

Date and details on the Pro Loco Monterosso al Mare channels.

Highlights Acciuga Salata di Monterosso 2026

Salt-cured anchovies, the guided tour of the salting laboratory, and the boat trip with lampara fishing.

Prices Acciuga Salata di Monterosso 2026

Free admission. Tastings are paid; laboratory visit and boat trip may require booking.

Practical information — Acciuga Salata di 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

In September, traditionally the third Saturday. Food stalls, visit to the salting laboratory, and boat trip.

Admission

Free. Tastings are paid; for the laboratory visit and boat trip, check arrangements and booking details.

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Where does it take place — Acciuga Salata di Monterosso

Centro storico di Monterosso al Mare

Piazza Garibaldi, 19016 Monterosso al Mare

Acciuga Salata di Monterosso in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Sea Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor La Spezia

History of Acciuga Salata di Monterosso