The Cinque Terre and Beyond

The Cinque Terre and Beyond TRAIL MAP We invite you to discover the hidden treasures of the Cinque Terre, immersing yourself in the true beauty of our territory by walking the lesser-­‐‑known trails used by generations of Ligurians before us. We suggest that you walk, “piano, piano” (slowly, slowly) up into the hills and back in time to enjoy the stunning views and a culture that is unique in the world. ITINERARIES BY LOCALS FOR YOU By Save Vernazza Onlus, dedicated to the restoration and preservation of our territory and culture Where Riomaggiore to Manarola* Riomaggiore to Montenero Manarola to Volastra Volastra to Case Pianca to Corniglia Vernazza to Monterosso* Vernazza to Sanctuary N.Madonna di Reggio Reggio to Sanctuary Soviore Soviore to Monterosso Monterosso to Levanto What Warm up with a walk on Via dell’Amore Trail 2 Uphill on Trail 3 to reach Sanctuary of Montenero Stroll up Trail 6 to the Sanctuary Madonna della Salute (alternative: take the Park bus) Wind around on Trail 6d to Case Pianca then wander downhill on Trail 7a to Corniglia Continue on Trail 2 (walk along vineyards overlooking the sea) Time 20 min 75 min 30 min Level Easy, paved Easy Easy 60 min Follow the caruggi (backstreets) through town to Trail 8 going up past the cemetary above Vernazza and up a cobblestone and dirt path lined with orchards and olive groves. Go up the drive and turn left onto the road. Follow the road to the first turnout and take Trail 8b to Soviore Sanctuary From here it’s all downhill! Take Trail 9 to Monterosso Look for the “Gigante” in Monterosso’s Fegina section of the new town; stay to your right, pass through the houses, up the winding road onto Trail 10 out to picturesque Punta Mesco then continue on Trail 1 to Levanto 45 min Easy to medium Medium (many stairs) Easy but uphill 75 min 90 min Easy, flat 60 min 150 min Easy, downhill Easy, flat with hills at start/finish *Pay trail; this is one of the classic “5 Towns” walk along Trail 2 Unless otherwise indicated, all other trails are FREE! Suggested itinerary if you want to see all five towns in one day: do all or part, it’s up to you! Riomaggiore to Manarola by boat (10 mins) / Manarola to Corniglia by trails 6, 6d and 7a (1hr. 1/2) Corniglia to Vernazza by train (5 min) -­‐‑ Lunch in Vernazza / Vernazza to Monterosso by trail 8, 8b, 9 (3 hours) or by boat (15 min) / Monterosso back to Riomaggiore by boat for beautiful views of the entire territory as seen from the sea (30 min) or by train (20 min) We suggest you buy a “giornaliero” daily boat ticket (15 Euro) and individual train tickets for (2 Euro) TRAIL STORIES OUR FAVORITE ITINERARIES Nestled in the hills with stunning views of the sea below, past generations used these trails to access their farmland, transport their produce and to reach neighboring hamlets and sanctuaries. Today we enjoy the fruits of their hard labor, which is evident as we walk past dry stone walls “muretti secchi” that terrace the hillsides showing off vineyards, olive groves and orchards which locals still farm, producing the local white wine, fresh produce, herbs and olive oil for which the area is known. With the idea of promoting education in our territory, we have collected these itineraries with the help of our friends in neighboring Monterosso. We will be adding itineraries throughout the year from our friends in neighboring towns. Please look for our trail updates at www.savevernazza.com. Vernazza to Reggio The people of Reggio came down the hills and established the town, life and trade by the sea in Vernazza around 1000 – 1400s. Ever since Vernazzans have used the pilgrimage trail to go to the Sanctuary of Nostra Madonna di Reggio, climbing back to their roots for the annual festival that celebrates the (Black) Madonna di Reggio the first Sunday in August. We like to do the trail everyday just to keep fit: a 45 minute walk, enjoying breathtaking views while wandering past orchards, vineyards and even a small chapel at the half-­‐‑way point. Just below the church, Piero and Filippo are working hard to clear abandoned land where they are planting cherry trees for the children in town. Save Vernazza is working to restore this trail and planning for educational signage. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the grounds at the Sanctuary – have a picnic lunch, and take in the views of Vernazza and the sea below. This is an “up and back” itinerary but if you’re feeling inspired, continue on to the Sanctuary of Soviore and Monterosso! Monterosso to Punta Mesco /St. Anthony – Bus to Soviore and walk back down to Monterosso A beautiful part of Trail #1, free of charge, can be taken from the point in Monterosso just before ruins of the Saint Anthony monastery, by walking inland. This part of the trail takes you through the forest and along the ridge that divides the coast of the Cinque Terre and the Tigullio coast north of the Cinque Terre, thus giving you views of both. The trail takes you to the 'ʹtop'ʹ of Monterosso where you will find Hotel Monterosso Alto. There is a fork in the main road for vehicular access to both sides into town, but it can be walked and has wonderful views of private cultivations. You must watch for cars. The green bus also has a stop at this fork that can take you up to Soviore Sanctuary (approx. 1.50 Euro) then the trail from Soviore to Monterosso (free) can be walked back down into town (60 min). The schedules for the green bus have not yet been confirmed by the National Park. Levanto to Monterosso Trail (2 hrs 30 min) + boat ride to Vernazza (10 min) Take a train to Levanto. When you exit the train station, walk over the bridge into the center of town, down a long tree-­‐‑lined street that ends at the sea. Take a left at the boardwalk and stroll towards the two big villas you see at the far end of town. When you reach the blue villa look for signs indicating the trail head that takes you up a winding stairway between the houses and out onto the road. Continue right to the trail. This trail offers gorgeous views of the sea and the surrounding territory: orchards, olive groves, forest and vineyards. The trail ends in Monterosso where you will wind down a long road that takes you into town and past the famed “Gigante” who seems to be holding up the cliff above him. Wander through “Fegina” (the new part of Monterosso) and into the “old town”. Have lunch, take a swim or just sit on the beach. Take a boat back to Vernazza or any one of the other 5 Cinque Terre towns. Save Vernazza is a non-­‐‑profit organization, whose goal is to raise awareness and provide an easy, direct way to donate to help rebuild the town, resotre the trails and preserve Vernazza’s territory and culture. If this information was helpful to you please consider making a donation at www.savevernazza.com