Trail SVA #592 (aka The Blue Path Trail)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

The first segment of this trail, between Riomaggiore and Manarola, is known as the Via dell'Amore. The trailhead is near the train station in Riomaggiore. A couple of flights of steps lead up to the stone-paved path, and from here until Manarola the trail is nearly flat, right over the sea. A ramp descends behind the Manarola train station and on to a tunnel to the village center.

At the exit of the tunnel in Manarola, turn left and follow the main street, lined with colorful pastel houses, until the sea. Turn right and follow the coast around Punta Bonfiglio. The trail climbs for a short distance before leveling off, then continues through Mediterranean scrub overlooking the sea. Just beyond the train station, the 350+ switchback steps of "Scalinata Lardarina" take you up to the village of Corniglia.

At the top of Scalinata Lardarina, cross the main road and continue straight ahead through the upper part of Corniglia. Continue past the church of San Pietro, until the trail joins the road. Turn right on the road and continue until the trail marker on the left. Cross the "Ponte del Canale" which passes over "Rio della Groppa", and continue on the winding trail through olive groves and Mediterranean scrub, high above Guvano beach. At the hamlet of Prevo, the trail descends to Vernazza, with a stunning view over the village, and with Punta Mesco in the distance.

At the intersection with Via Roma, the main street in Vernazza, cross straight ahead and follow the trail markers through the narrow village streets. Upon leaving the village, the harbour of Vernazza will be visible on your left, as you climb through vineyards and olive trees, and then Mediterranean scrub, along "Costa Messorano" and "Costa Linaro". After crossing a stone bridge and passing Acquapendente, a steep staircase descends through vineyards and lemon groves to Monterosso.

Along the trail, you'll see grapevines, olive trees, fruit trees and Mediterranean scrub.