While Monterosso al Mare is famous for its beaches, a rainy day in the largest of the Cinque Terre towns offers a chance to experience its cozy, cultural side. You can spend a few hours exploring the Church of San Giovanni Battista, known for its striking black-and-white striped marble facade and 14th-century architecture. For a culinary experience, many local "enotecas" (wine bars) and "focaccerias" offer indoor tastings where you can sample the region’s famous Sciacchetrà dessert wine and fresh pesto Genovese. Visiting the Convent of the Cappuccini, located on the hill separating the old and new towns, provides a peaceful indoor sanctuary with historic artworks. Additionally, you can take a short train ride to the nearby town of La Spezia, which has several indoor museums like the Technical Naval Museum. Many travelers also use the rain as an excuse for a long, multi-course Italian lunch at a local trattoria like Ristorante Miky, enjoying the sound of the rain against the Mediterranean while indulging in fresh seafood and handmade pasta.