Salted Anchovy Festival
The September festival dedicated to salt-cured anchovies and lampara fishing
About Monterosso Salted Anchovy
The Art of Salting
In Monterosso al Mare, in the Cinque Terre (Province of La Spezia), the salted anchovy is a gastronomic heritage rooted in centuries past. Caught using the lampara technique and preserved in salt, the anchovy has been a precious resource for the village fishermen for generations. In September, Monterosso dedicates a specific festival to it, 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-honored preservation techniques up close, and a boat trip to witness lampara fishing, the lamp that attracts small blue fish on fishing nights.
A Maritime Tradition to Experience
The Salted Anchovy Festival 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.
Monterosso Salted Anchovy — edition 2026
For 2026, the Salted Anchovy Festival in Monterosso al Mare is renewed in September, following the tradition of placing 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 exact date and detailed program will be announced by the Pro Loco of Monterosso closer to the event.
Programme Monterosso Salted Anchovy 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 Monterosso Salted Anchovy 2026
Prices Monterosso Salted Anchovy 2026
Practical information — Monterosso Salted Anchovy
Getting Here
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
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 details and booking information.
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Where does it take place — Monterosso Salted Anchovy
Centro storico di Monterosso al Mare
Piazza Garibaldi, 19016 Monterosso al Mare