Accommodation and Walking Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Bed Breakfast Vacation & Trips
italy 5 terre Guide
Information cinqueterre
Romantic Charme Hotel I Pini 60 km from Cinque Terre
Via Roma 43 Lido di Camaiore Lucca Tuscany far 50 km from cinque terre
55043 Lucca - Italy
Tel 0039. 0584. 66103 Fax 0584.66104
Email: info@clubipini.com
Vacation & Walking
Trips Cinque Terre and Tuscany
(So called because the area includes five villages). Another
delightful itinerary is the one that leaves from La Spezia and goes through the
Cinque Terre as far as Levanto, Bonassola, Framura, Deiva and Moneglia. The coast
road takes one to Riomaggiore and Manarola where, the sea, the hills, the vineyards,
the old fishing villages and the Genovese style churches add together to result
in enthralling scenery. From Riomaggiore to Manarola there is the renowned Via
dell'Amore (lover's pathway) cut out of the costal rock.
A unique characteristic walking cinque terre
of the area are the terraced vineyards sustained by dry walling, a perfect example
of landscape architecture created by man in inacessible surroundings. The rare
and disappering species of flora and fauna are protected throughout the Cinque
Terre as far as Porto Venere in a park that is both nature and marine. Panoramic
foot paths that have been cared for and clearly indicated by the C.A.I. Association,
are well used by walkers and trekkers alike, and along some paths one is likely
to meet up with horseriders. Corniglia winding up the hillside and Monterosso
spreading out at sea level both have notable artistic scenic references.
At Monterosso cinqueterre
are the Medioeval "Torre Aurora" (The Dawn Tower) which divides the old part of
the town from the new part (Fegina) and the Van Dyck Crucifix in the San Francesco
church and on the hillside the 18th century Sanctuary of Soviore.
Liguria is best known for its major city Genoa La Superba (the Proud),
for its most famous sons Cristopher Columbus, Andrea Doria and Pope Julius II,
and for pesto.
I have a particularly fond memory of the region for two very special reasons
of my own. The first is that Genoa continually reminds me of my home town, San
Francisco. The only real similarity between the two is that they are both built
overlooking their respective bays. The objective similarities stop there. Genoa
(like most Ligurian coastal settlements) is perched on the slopes that shoot
up from the water's edge while San Francisco gradually ascends from the flat
marina area to encroach upon and cover the gentle and not-so-gentle hills that
stand at some distance from the water's edge.
Nevertheless, when I am in Genoa, there is something intangible which brings
to mind my city by the bay.
The other motive of my affection for Liguria is because I once spent an unrepeatably
wonderful weekend in the area known as the Cinqueterre (the Five Lands; also
spelled Cinque Terre), located just north of La Spezia. Like virtually all Ligurian
coastal towns, the Cinqueterre seems to balance precariously on the last fingertips
of land jutting out from the continental landmass before it definitively sinks
into the sea. Liguria has been defined as a "corridor" of land caught between
the Apennines and the sea, and the Cinqueterre is the epitome of that description.
When my two friends and I rendezvoused in Milan (each coming from a separate
part of the globe: Rome, Melbourne, Los Angeles), they informed me that instead
of driving to Nice as we had previously discussed, "we" (meaning they) had decided
to go to the Cinqueterre. Perhaps the element of surprise has influenced my
opinion because, although I had heard many good things about the area, I did
not really know what to expect. On arriving, I was immediately overwhelmed with
the rugged beauty.
The Cinqueterre takes its name from five small villages - Corniglia, Manarola,
Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore (pictured below) and Vernazza (pictured at left)
- that defiantly cling to the inhospitably rugged Ligurian coastline. They are,
and have been for many centuries, practically inaccessible by land due to the
harsh, steep terrain which juts up at their backs. The best way to see them
is to take the little train that runs between them. As it goes at frequent intervals,
one can hop and skip from one village to the next: have a coffee in one, lunch
in the next and a digestivo further on. For the latter, I suggest the
terrace of the little bar at the end of the promontory in Vernazza. If you are
there in late afternoon and can stay until sunset, it is an unforgettable spectacle.
Each of the Cinqueterre towns has something different to offer. Monterosso
has the most famous beach, a 16th-century Capucchin monastery with some fine
paintings, and an ancient castle. There are great views of the other towns in
Corniglia, along with a more secluded beach (you'll have to walk through an
abandoned railway tunnel to get there). Vernazza, perhaps the most dramatic,
juts straight out over the water, with crashing waves below to the left and
a postage stamp boat harbor to the right. High above are the ramparts of a ruined
medieval tower. Riomaggiore is hopelessly picturesque, a beehive of crumbling
pastel-colored houses tumbling down to the horseshoe-shaped dock. This is the
best place for those who wish to rent a room in someone's home, and there's
great snorkeling. Manarola (pictured left) also has excellent swimming off the
rocks. An authentic fishing village, it is probably the most genuine of the
"lands."
TREKKING CINQUE TERRE - GUIDE -CINQUETERRE TREK-TRAIL
Trail n. 1: Portovenere - Colle del Telegrafo
516 m
Walking time 3 hours.
The trail begins with a long climb that follows the castle walls.
It goes up rapidly in altitude till Sella Derbi and still continues
climbing with stupendous views of the coast, reaching Campiglia
382 m. and crosses a beautiful pine grove with an outfitted gym
amid greenery arriving to the Colle del Telegrafo.
Trail n. 1: Colle del Telegrafo 516 m. - Sella
della Cingoletta 605 m
Walking time 3 hours.
The trail slightly climbs amid Mediterranean scrub and at the Bramapane
junction one comes upon a dirt road that continues till the Valico
La Croce where it begins climbing again along the crest amid woods
of pine and chestnut trees and beautiful views. After having surpassed
the two Selle del Marrede it reaches the Sella della Cigoletto.
Trail n. 1: Sella della Cigoletta 605 m. - Colla
di Gritta 330 m
Cinqueterre Walking time 3 hours 30 min.
The trail begins climbing till it reaches Mount Gaginara 800 m.
which is the highest elevation of the route from Portovenere to
Levanto. From this point it begins going downhill with some latches
till Termine where the trail meets the Provincial road that passes
by the Soviore Sanctuary and leads to Colla di Gritta.
Trail n. 1: Colla di Gritta 330 m. - Levanto
Walking time 2 hours.
The trails begins from the large square of the bar-trattoria and
goes up steps in a beautiful pine tree wood. Following the latches
of the crest with views of Monterosso and Levanto. It reaches the
Sella di Punta Mesco with a stupendous view. From here one begins
the descent where the trail ends on a promenade below the castle.
Trail n. 2: Riomaggiore - Monterosso (Blue route
along the sea)
Walking time 5 hours.
The trail begins from the square of the FS Station and follows the
Via dell'Amore till Manarola (30 min.). From Manarola it climbs
slightly and then levels out onto a beautiful mule-track that reaches
the Corniglia FS Station and the village with steep stairs (1 hour).
From Corniglia the trail, while maintaining more or less the same
elevation for a long stretch with some difficult points, goes downhill
till Vernazza (1 hour and 30 min.). From Vernazza the longer and
more tortuous stretch begins where one must be careful due to the
nature of the soil. The trail goes up until 180 m. and in view of
Monterosso goes steeply downhill finishing near the town hall.
Trail n. 3: Biassa 312 m. - Riomaggiore
Walking time 2 hours.
The trail begins from the village near the bus stop and goes slightly
uphill through a wood of chestnut trees till it reaches the Colle
del Telegrafo 516 m. From here the trail heads steadily downhill
passing the Lemmen locality and then the Montenero Sanctuary where
a beautiful mule-track leads you to Riomaggiore and ends in the
square of the FS Station.
Trail n. 01: La Foce 242 m. - Riomaggiore
Walking time 3 hours.
The trail begins on the road for Castè that partially continues
till the village and then continues amid cultivated fields till
Carpena 408 m. From here it enters a wood of chestnuts and climbing
reaches the Valico della Croce 637 m. from where in view of the
sea, begins the long descent that takes you to Riomaggiore and ends
in the square of the Station.
Trail n. 7: Riccò del Golfo 148 m. - Vernazza
Walking time 3 hours.
The trail starts on the road for Casella that continues till the
village. From Casella the trail enters the wood and goes up the
Valle del Torrente Chiose that is crossed several times till it
reaches the Sella della Cigoletta 605 m. From here the trail begins
to descend, passes houses in Fornacchi and San Bernardino, then
jumps head first amid vineyards and dry-stone walls on trail n.
2 that leads to Vernazza.
Trail n. 9: Monterosso - Soviore Sanctuary
Walking time 1 hour and 30 min.
The trail begins on the road that crosses the old village and goes
uphill on a beautiful mule-trackamid olive trees, it continues along
the coastal road and starts climbing again rapidly passing by the
little temple of St.Maria Maddalena, terminating in the square of
the Soviore Sanctuary.
Trail n. 10: Monterosso - Punta Mesco 314 m
Walking time 1 hour.
The trail begins on the road in front of the FS Station, it continues
for a stretch passing above the boat club and begins climbing on
a mule-track in a pine tree wood that soon becomes a difficult flight
of steps that takes you on top of the promontory and finishes at
the St.Antonio church with a great view.
Trail n. 12: Levanto - Mount Vè o Focone
Walking time 1 hour and 30 min.
Going beyond the medieval Loggia, you continue in the direction
of the old walls crossing the entrance near the Catarana torrent
(via Prealbs). Crossing over a little bridge a steep climb begins
that enters onto a stretch of paved road for the Mesco. Turn left
and at the first curve take the dirt road (on your left below is
a little white villa) and continue uphill, after a short distance
it narrows until it becomes a trail that leads to the old ruins
of "Tiro a segno" and continues till Bagari, a watershed
between Levanto and Monterosso. From here there are indications
for reaching the top of Mount Focone.
Route n. 14: Levanto - Monte Ve' o Focone
Time 1hr 30mins.
Beyond the Medieval loggia you carryon towards the ancient walls
and crossing the Cantarana stream (Via Prealba). On the other side
of a small bridge there's steep bit that takes you on to the road
for Il Mesco. Turn left and at the first bend take the unmade road
going up. There will be a small white house below on the left. After
a short while the road becomes a pathway leading to a disused rifle
range, and beyond to Bagari the watershed between Levanto and Monterosso.
Trail n. 17: Soviore 464 m. - Passo del Balderone
592 m.
Walking time 3 hours and 15 min.
The trail begins on the road that branches off from the Provincial
one near the Soviore Sanctuary. It continues with an initial climb
and the flattens out, passing by the little St.Bernardo and St.Antonio
churches with a view of the dell of Levanto, till arriving at the
Passo del Bardelone.
Trail n. 19: Passo del Bardelone 592 m. - Foce
di Lavaggio 491 m. - Levanto
Walking time 3 hours and 15 min.
The trail is the continuation of n. 17 along the crest of Levanto's
dell, with a beautiful view. It continues on a dirt road slightly
downhill passing by the Foci di Montale and the Dosso till arriving
at the Foce di Lavaggio. From here trail n. 23 goes downhill on
a beautiful mule-track at Lavaggiorosso and by road at Levanto where
it finishes in the square of the Chiesa dei Frati.
Deiva M. / Framura
Provincial high road, medium difficulty, 3 km., walking time 2 hours.
From the bridge at the torrent Deiva turn left towards the railroad
bridge, follow the ascent around the last white apartment building.
At the end of the climb turn right and continue for around 80 foot
steps the, on your left the entrance for the trail that laps Mount
Serra and takes you to the localities of Costa and Setta, that is
home to the commune of Framura.
Framura / Carpeneggio / Bonassola
Principle high road, medium difficulty, 4.5 km., walking time 2
hours and 30 min. After 200 m. downhill from the locality of Setta
di Framura you reach the small hamlet of Ravecca and after a long
flight of steps that of Anzo. From here through a docile latch you
arrive downhill to the Rio Valle delle Lame. Turning East, after
several small hairpin bends, you reach a small group of abandoned
houses. From the locality of Salice, after having crossed terraces
cultivated with vineyards, the trail goes downhill through thick
vegetation of pines and holm-oaks. Continue for 200 m. on the plain,
beyond the sign that indicates Framura, follow the trail on the
left and, after around 70 meters, climbing towards East along a
smooth trail you reach the Sella di Carpeneggio. Continue a cemented
descent for around 150 meters, then on your right a paved road,
left till the cemetery, then the trail till the village of Bonassola.
Bonassola / Serra / Costella / Montaretto
Mule-tracks and trails, easy, 3.1 km., walking time 2 hours
and 15 min. From the FS Station go uphill towards the castle (XVI)
and taking the flight of stairs, you cross the hamlet of Serra.
Beyond the paved road, that begins again after a short mule-track,
continue till the hamlet of Costella from which you take a downhill
junction to the left, and you reach, after around 300 m., the church
of St.Giorgio; after 50 m. you come upon ¾ that links trail
3. Continue 600 m. of paved road, at the third hairpin turn, climb
a few steps that put you on a very beautiful mule-track that crosses
the St.Giorgio torrent, and brings you after 500 m. to the hamlet
of Montaretto. From the church trail 3 departs and returns to Bonassola.
Bonassola / Montaretto
Mule-track, easy, 2.1 km., walking time 1 hour and 30 min. From
under the railway bridge you follow the uphill road alongside it.
Climb the flight of steps and after 200 m. you cross the road again.
It goes up rapidly for around 350 m. and reaches the plains of "Ciò",
surrounded by a wall, after 400 m. There's the ¾ junction
that links trail 4. Continue for a short stretch alongside the St.Giorgio
torrent, thus a wide trail amid pines will take you to the picturesque
and old hamlet of Montaretto, where it's possible to link up with
trail 4 that arrives on the North side of the church.
Bonassola / Salto della lepre / Carpeneggio
T trail, medium difficulty, 3 km., walking distance 1 hour and 30
min. Follow trail 1 for 80 m. till after the cemetery, then the
flight of steps that will lead you after a short time to a short
stretch of dirt road. From here the trail will continue on the plain
till the remnants of a military emplacement, passing this continue
going uphill in the middle of pines until reaching a vast plain
and turn left first then immediately right that passes near a dilapidated
house. The wide trail winds around pines till it reaches the Sella
di Carpeneggio.
Bonassola / Levanto
Mule-track, easy, 2.4 km., walking time 1 hour and 30 min. From
the promenade at the sea on the Eastern side of Bonassola, you go
up the Scalinata di Via Maxinara, after having gone beyond the paved
road continue climbing through the hamlet of Poggio. The trail continues
in the middle of olive groves and vegetable gardens till arriving
at the Sella di Scernio where it begins to go downhill and catches
a far-away glimpse of Levanto. Amid olive and pine trees you reach
Vallesanto on the western side of Levanto.
Romantic Charme Hotel I Pini 60 km from Cinque Terre
Via Roma 43 Lido di Camaiore Lucca Tuscany far 50 km from cinque terre
Tel 0039. 0584. 66103 Fax 0584.66104
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Vacation & Walking |
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A unique characteristic walking cinque terre of the area are the terraced vineyards sustained by dry walling, a perfect example of landscape architecture created by man in inacessible surroundings. The rare and disappering species of flora and fauna are protected throughout the Cinque Terre as far as Porto Venere in a park that is both nature and marine. Panoramic foot paths that have been cared for and clearly indicated by the C.A.I. Association, are well used by walkers and trekkers alike, and along some paths one is likely to meet up with horseriders. Corniglia winding up the hillside and Monterosso spreading out at sea level both have notable artistic scenic references. |
At Monterosso cinqueterre
are the Medioeval "Torre Aurora" (The Dawn Tower) which divides the old part of
the town from the new part (Fegina) and the Van Dyck Crucifix in the San Francesco
church and on the hillside the 18th century Sanctuary of Soviore.
Liguria is best known for its major city Genoa La Superba (the Proud), for its most famous sons Cristopher Columbus, Andrea Doria and Pope Julius II, and for pesto.
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I have a particularly fond memory of the region for two very special reasons of my own. The first is that Genoa continually reminds me of my home town, San Francisco. The only real similarity between the two is that they are both built overlooking their respective bays. The objective similarities stop there. Genoa (like most Ligurian coastal settlements) is perched on the slopes that shoot up from the water's edge while San Francisco gradually ascends from the flat marina area to encroach upon and cover the gentle and not-so-gentle hills that stand at some distance from the water's edge. |
Nevertheless, when I am in Genoa, there is something intangible which brings
to mind my city by the bay.
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|
|
|
When my two friends and I rendezvoused in Milan (each coming from a separate part of the globe: Rome, Melbourne, Los Angeles), they informed me that instead of driving to Nice as we had previously discussed, "we" (meaning they) had decided to go to the Cinqueterre. Perhaps the element of surprise has influenced my opinion because, although I had heard many good things about the area, I did not really know what to expect. On arriving, I was immediately overwhelmed with the rugged beauty. |
The Cinqueterre takes its name from five small villages - Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore (pictured below) and Vernazza (pictured at left) - that defiantly cling to the inhospitably rugged Ligurian coastline. They are, and have been for many centuries, practically inaccessible by land due to the harsh, steep terrain which juts up at their backs. The best way to see them is to take the little train that runs between them. As it goes at frequent intervals, one can hop and skip from one village to the next: have a coffee in one, lunch in the next and a digestivo further on. For the latter, I suggest the terrace of the little bar at the end of the promontory in Vernazza. If you are there in late afternoon and can stay until sunset, it is an unforgettable spectacle. |
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Each of the Cinqueterre towns has something different to offer. Monterosso has the most famous beach, a 16th-century Capucchin monastery with some fine paintings, and an ancient castle. There are great views of the other towns in Corniglia, along with a more secluded beach (you'll have to walk through an abandoned railway tunnel to get there). Vernazza, perhaps the most dramatic, juts straight out over the water, with crashing waves below to the left and a postage stamp boat harbor to the right. High above are the ramparts of a ruined medieval tower. Riomaggiore is hopelessly picturesque, a beehive of crumbling pastel-colored houses tumbling down to the horseshoe-shaped dock. This is the best place for those who wish to rent a room in someone's home, and there's great snorkeling. Manarola (pictured left) also has excellent swimming off the rocks. An authentic fishing village, it is probably the most genuine of the "lands." |
TREKKING CINQUE TERRE - GUIDE -CINQUETERRE TREK-TRAIL
Trail n. 1: Portovenere - Colle del Telegrafo
516 m
Walking time 3 hours.
The trail begins with a long climb that follows the castle walls.
It goes up rapidly in altitude till Sella Derbi and still continues
climbing with stupendous views of the coast, reaching Campiglia
382 m. and crosses a beautiful pine grove with an outfitted gym
amid greenery arriving to the Colle del Telegrafo.
Trail n. 1: Colle del Telegrafo 516 m. - Sella
della Cingoletta 605 m
Walking time 3 hours.
The trail slightly climbs amid Mediterranean scrub and at the Bramapane
junction one comes upon a dirt road that continues till the Valico
La Croce where it begins climbing again along the crest amid woods
of pine and chestnut trees and beautiful views. After having surpassed
the two Selle del Marrede it reaches the Sella della Cigoletto.
Trail n. 1: Sella della Cigoletta 605 m. - Colla
di Gritta 330 m
Cinqueterre Walking time 3 hours 30 min.
The trail begins climbing till it reaches Mount Gaginara 800 m.
which is the highest elevation of the route from Portovenere to
Levanto. From this point it begins going downhill with some latches
till Termine where the trail meets the Provincial road that passes
by the Soviore Sanctuary and leads to Colla di Gritta.
Trail n. 1: Colla di Gritta 330 m. - Levanto Trail n. 2: Riomaggiore - Monterosso (Blue route
along the sea) Trail n. 3: Biassa 312 m. - Riomaggiore
Walking time 2 hours.
The trails begins from the large square of the bar-trattoria and
goes up steps in a beautiful pine tree wood. Following the latches
of the crest with views of Monterosso and Levanto. It reaches the
Sella di Punta Mesco with a stupendous view. From here one begins
the descent where the trail ends on a promenade below the castle.
Walking time 5 hours.
The trail begins from the square of the FS Station and follows the
Via dell'Amore till Manarola (30 min.). From Manarola it climbs
slightly and then levels out onto a beautiful mule-track that reaches
the Corniglia FS Station and the village with steep stairs (1 hour).
From Corniglia the trail, while maintaining more or less the same
elevation for a long stretch with some difficult points, goes downhill
till Vernazza (1 hour and 30 min.). From Vernazza the longer and
more tortuous stretch begins where one must be careful due to the
nature of the soil. The trail goes up until 180 m. and in view of
Monterosso goes steeply downhill finishing near the town hall.
The trail begins from the village near the bus stop and goes slightly
uphill through a wood of chestnut trees till it reaches the Colle
del Telegrafo 516 m. From here the trail heads steadily downhill
passing the Lemmen locality and then the Montenero Sanctuary where
a beautiful mule-track leads you to Riomaggiore and ends in the
square of the FS Station.
Trail n. 01: La Foce 242 m. - Riomaggiore
The trail begins on the road for Castè that partially continues till the village and then continues amid cultivated fields till Carpena 408 m. From here it enters a wood of chestnuts and climbing reaches the Valico della Croce 637 m. from where in view of the sea, begins the long descent that takes you to Riomaggiore and ends in the square of the Station.
Trail n. 7: Riccò del Golfo 148 m. - Vernazza
Walking time 3 hours.
The trail starts on the road for Casella that continues till the
village. From Casella the trail enters the wood and goes up the
Valle del Torrente Chiose that is crossed several times till it
reaches the Sella della Cigoletta 605 m. From here the trail begins
to descend, passes houses in Fornacchi and San Bernardino, then
jumps head first amid vineyards and dry-stone walls on trail n.
2 that leads to Vernazza.
Trail n. 9: Monterosso - Soviore Sanctuary
Walking time 1 hour and 30 min.
The trail begins on the road that crosses the old village and goes
uphill on a beautiful mule-trackamid olive trees, it continues along
the coastal road and starts climbing again rapidly passing by the
little temple of St.Maria Maddalena, terminating in the square of
the Soviore Sanctuary.
Trail n. 10: Monterosso - Punta Mesco 314 m
Walking time 1 hour.
The trail begins on the road in front of the FS Station, it continues
for a stretch passing above the boat club and begins climbing on
a mule-track in a pine tree wood that soon becomes a difficult flight
of steps that takes you on top of the promontory and finishes at
the St.Antonio church with a great view.
Trail n. 12: Levanto - Mount Vè o Focone
Walking time 1 hour and 30 min.
Going beyond the medieval Loggia, you continue in the direction
of the old walls crossing the entrance near the Catarana torrent
(via Prealbs). Crossing over a little bridge a steep climb begins
that enters onto a stretch of paved road for the Mesco. Turn left
and at the first curve take the dirt road (on your left below is
a little white villa) and continue uphill, after a short distance
it narrows until it becomes a trail that leads to the old ruins
of "Tiro a segno" and continues till Bagari, a watershed
between Levanto and Monterosso. From here there are indications
for reaching the top of Mount Focone.
Route n. 14: Levanto - Monte Ve' o Focone
Beyond the Medieval loggia you carryon towards the ancient walls and crossing the Cantarana stream (Via Prealba). On the other side of a small bridge there's steep bit that takes you on to the road for Il Mesco. Turn left and at the first bend take the unmade road going up. There will be a small white house below on the left. After a short while the road becomes a pathway leading to a disused rifle range, and beyond to Bagari the watershed between Levanto and Monterosso.
Trail n. 17: Soviore 464 m. - Passo del Balderone
592 m.
The trail begins on the road that branches off from the Provincial one near the Soviore Sanctuary. It continues with an initial climb and the flattens out, passing by the little St.Bernardo and St.Antonio churches with a view of the dell of Levanto, till arriving at the Passo del Bardelone.
Trail n. 19: Passo del Bardelone 592 m. - Foce
di Lavaggio 491 m. - Levanto
Walking time 3 hours and 15 min.
The trail is the continuation of n. 17 along the crest of Levanto's
dell, with a beautiful view. It continues on a dirt road slightly
downhill passing by the Foci di Montale and the Dosso till arriving
at the Foce di Lavaggio. From here trail n. 23 goes downhill on
a beautiful mule-track at Lavaggiorosso and by road at Levanto where
it finishes in the square of the Chiesa dei Frati.
Provincial high road, medium difficulty, 3 km., walking time 2 hours. From the bridge at the torrent Deiva turn left towards the railroad bridge, follow the ascent around the last white apartment building. At the end of the climb turn right and continue for around 80 foot steps the, on your left the entrance for the trail that laps Mount Serra and takes you to the localities of Costa and Setta, that is home to the commune of Framura.
Framura / Carpeneggio / Bonassola
Principle high road, medium difficulty, 4.5 km., walking time 2
hours and 30 min. After 200 m. downhill from the locality of Setta
di Framura you reach the small hamlet of Ravecca and after a long
flight of steps that of Anzo. From here through a docile latch you
arrive downhill to the Rio Valle delle Lame. Turning East, after
several small hairpin bends, you reach a small group of abandoned
houses. From the locality of Salice, after having crossed terraces
cultivated with vineyards, the trail goes downhill through thick
vegetation of pines and holm-oaks. Continue for 200 m. on the plain,
beyond the sign that indicates Framura, follow the trail on the
left and, after around 70 meters, climbing towards East along a
smooth trail you reach the Sella di Carpeneggio. Continue a cemented
descent for around 150 meters, then on your right a paved road,
left till the cemetery, then the trail till the village of Bonassola.
Bonassola / Serra / Costella / Montaretto
Mule-tracks and trails, easy, 3.1 km., walking time 2 hours
and 15 min. From the FS Station go uphill towards the castle (XVI)
and taking the flight of stairs, you cross the hamlet of Serra.
Beyond the paved road, that begins again after a short mule-track,
continue till the hamlet of Costella from which you take a downhill
junction to the left, and you reach, after around 300 m., the church
of St.Giorgio; after 50 m. you come upon ¾ that links trail
3. Continue 600 m. of paved road, at the third hairpin turn, climb
a few steps that put you on a very beautiful mule-track that crosses
the St.Giorgio torrent, and brings you after 500 m. to the hamlet
of Montaretto. From the church trail 3 departs and returns to Bonassola.
Bonassola / Montaretto
Mule-track, easy, 2.1 km., walking time 1 hour and 30 min. From
under the railway bridge you follow the uphill road alongside it.
Climb the flight of steps and after 200 m. you cross the road again.
It goes up rapidly for around 350 m. and reaches the plains of "Ciò",
surrounded by a wall, after 400 m. There's the ¾ junction
that links trail 4. Continue for a short stretch alongside the St.Giorgio
torrent, thus a wide trail amid pines will take you to the picturesque
and old hamlet of Montaretto, where it's possible to link up with
trail 4 that arrives on the North side of the church.
Bonassola / Salto della lepre / Carpeneggio
T trail, medium difficulty, 3 km., walking distance 1 hour and 30
min. Follow trail 1 for 80 m. till after the cemetery, then the
flight of steps that will lead you after a short time to a short
stretch of dirt road. From here the trail will continue on the plain
till the remnants of a military emplacement, passing this continue
going uphill in the middle of pines until reaching a vast plain
and turn left first then immediately right that passes near a dilapidated
house. The wide trail winds around pines till it reaches the Sella
di Carpeneggio.
Bonassola / Levanto
Mule-track, easy, 2.4 km., walking time 1 hour and 30 min. From
the promenade at the sea on the Eastern side of Bonassola, you go
up the Scalinata di Via Maxinara, after having gone beyond the paved
road continue climbing through the hamlet of Poggio. The trail continues
in the middle of olive groves and vegetable gardens till arriving
at the Sella di Scernio where it begins to go downhill and catches
a far-away glimpse of Levanto. Amid olive and pine trees you reach
Vallesanto on the western side of Levanto.
Cinque Terre is a very particular sea and coast.
