Monterosso al Mare is the westernmost of the Cinque Terre and is reached by walking along the most difficult part of the 'Sentiero Azzurro' footpath. The village is protected by hills covered with vineyards and olive groves and is surrounded by vegetation. Its beautiful beaches, steep rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, make this one of the most charming resorts on the Ligurian Riviera of the east. The medieval tower 'Aurora', located on the hills of the Cappuccini, separates the ancient part of the village from the more modern part. In the church of Saint Francis 'San Francesco' works of great importance such as the Crucifixion, believed by many to have been painted by Van Dyck, are preserved. The village's delightful hotels are popular for their warm and friendly atmosphere and the village's restaurants offer customers the chance to try the local Ligurian dishes accompanied with the Sciacchetrà, the famous Cinque Terre wine.