The world of scuda divers:
The underwater world abounds in sea life and fortunately nowadays scuba
divers are only armed with cameras and video cameras. You con easily come across moray and larger conger eels but also octopus of significant dimensions and maybe a grouper careful not to be chased out of its lair. And then starfish, sea anemones, and coral in a continuing array of shapes and colours, constantly changing and infinitely fascinating.
Beaches, Rocks and Coves:
At the heart of Moneglia, a long clear, clean strip of sand extends the length of the bay, partly 'equipped' and partly free access, in front of the old town area, convenient for the centre of town and ideal to alternate sun, sand and sea with a quick walk among the shops, restaurants and wine bars. The short rocky promontory of Saint Elmo separates the beach from the 'Secca', standing at the foot of an oak tree covered hill, from the slopes of which emerge villas and hotels. These are excellent options for those who prefer to be surrounded by the greenery that reflects in the blue of the sea, leaving a stroll in the narrow alleyways of the old town for after sundown.
Typical products of Moneglia:
Simple, genuine dishes trom land and sea, from fish to vegetable pies, aromatic herbs, virgin olive oil and good wine. The region is above all the land of olive oil and wine. In fact the theory cannot be discarded that the monilia, 'the jewels' that lent their name to the primitive village, were in reality the olive tree and the vine.
Oil from Moneglia is among the most prized in Eastern Liguria and the Olive Oil Show, held on Easter Monday, is the best occasion to try it. Bianco di Moneglia is a perfect white wine to accompany fish dishes, but also to drink on its own, very chilled, as an aperitif. It is mostly produced in the hills around San Saturnino and Lemeglio. This kaleidoscope of Mediterranean cooking finds its own niche in Moneglia where classic ingredients merge with local aromatic herbs.
