The short train ride from Levanto to Monterosso is mostly through tunnels. Monterosso is the northernmost of the coastal towns known as Cinque Terre (5 lands). Due to the steep terrain, all five towns were connected primarily by sea and steep footpaths before the railway opened in 1874. Paths still connect the towns with each other and the terraced hillsides on the steep hills tumbling down to the sea.
The Sentiero Azzuro (Blue Route hiking trail) runs between the towns. South of Monterosso, the trail rises steeply about 500 vertical feet from Monterosso on a series of irregular stone stairs (1). The path then follows a terrace before rising to about 700 feet above the sea, which is visible far below.
A gentler grade descends back to the sea at the next town, Vernazza (2). Here we enjoyed some gelato as a reward for our three mile hike, and strolled through the town before hopping the train back to Monterosso (3). A late-day swim in the sea soothed our tired legs.
(1) We brought our hiking boots on this trip for later, but they were a good choice for this hike.
(2) There is still no road connecting Monterosso and Vernazza. Travel by car requires climbing to or from both towns over the mountains to reach the main north/south road on the other side of the ridge.
(3) Vernazza station is located at a small opening between two tunnels. A strong wind accompanied an express train nearing the station, followed by a noticeable sucking feeling as the train re-entered the tunnel.
Views to Monterosso
Ascending from Monterosso al Mare
Along the Ridge
Descending to Vernazza
Vernazza Train Station
Waxing Gibbous at Monterosso
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