593V (former 3a) Riomaggiore - Madonna di Montenero

• Forward time:   55 minutes
• Return time:  30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: E - Hiking (level)
• Length: 1.334 km
• Difference in height: 296m

The alternative trail 593V connecting Riomaggiore to the Montenero Sanctuary, part of the former 3A trail, sets off from the harbor and, as it climbs steeply up the hill, offers more panoramic sights. The trail first crosses the municipal road that links the village to SP 370 Litoranea, then it runs along the local cemetery and climbs uphill on a long stairway.

It meets the paved road SP 370 and follows it for about 200 meters toward La Spezia, then continues off road on the steep stairway to the Sanctuary of Montenero, ascending among terraces and Mediterranean shrub. A tabernacle of the Assumption of Mary, called "Madonna della Cintola" (Our Lady of the Belt) can be spotted along the stretch in common with SP 370.

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero (340 mt. a.s.l.) stands on the crest of the promontory of Capo di Montenero, which closes the Cinque Terre Gulf to the east.

Points of Interest:

• Localities crossed: Riomaggiore, Sanctuary of Montenero
• Plants: Pinewood of maritime pines, cultivated fields, Mediterranean scrub, high shrubland, wood of holm oaks
• Archaeological evidence: Cavaneo
• Ethnographical evidence: Dry stone walls, mill, votive shrine of Madonna Montenero di Terzo, other votive shrines, stone altar, Lemmen sandstone basin
• Architectural, historical and artistic Beauties: Ancient stone bridge, Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero, Oratory of San Bernardo
• Services and shops: Riomaggiore
• Points of water: Riomaggiore

More information at mappe.parconazionale5terre.it:

• Detailed description
• Photos of the path
• Altimetry profile
• Interactive map