Riomaggiore: The path Infinito and the stairway of Monesteroli
We are now at the ninth and last stage of #LiguriaTrekkingeXperience.
An adventure which from the extreme Western Liguria showed us all the most interesting hiking pathways in the country.
Today we reach one of the real charming areas along the Eastern Liguria: the Cinque Terre.
To conclude this trekking experience in fine style, we choose the wonderful path Infinito in the National Park of the Cinque Terre.
It is a path leading from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, although today we stop before in order to enjoy the scenic staircase of Monesteroli:
a series of steps overlooking the sea.
Are we ready for this new adventure? Let’s go!
Data of the trail
Difficulty:
E (Excursionist).
It is a path that presents no particular difficulty,
despite it can be strenuous because of some slopes along its walking.
Standard Time:
6/7 hours
Ascent:
500 m asl
Description of the route
A precious land, worldwide famous for its magic sea villages, its stunning views and its lush vegetation is located along the Eastern Liguria between La Spezia e Deiva Marina. We are talking about the National Park of the Cinque Terre, a must-see destination for all hiking lovers.
In fact here in an interconnected trail network we can chose among more than one hundred walking routes.
We find one of most beautiful paths in the world for its landscapes and scenographic views: the path Infinito.
Along this route, after leaving Riomaggiore we reach the Santuario of Montenero, the Colle del Telegrafo and the little Church of Sant’Antonio. It is not so difficult to meet monorail trains crossing the vineyards, the only mechanic mean in this steeping and inhospitable land where working is possible only thanks to the vineyard workers’ sweat.
The path Infinito leads from Riomaggiore to Portovenere but we walk just a part of it so that we have enough time to enjoy another surprise hidden in the Park: the incredible stairs of Monesteroli.
It is a very steep staircase: if we look at it from the above, it seems to plunge into the sea waters, from below it seems to go up to the sky.
1200 steps of rare beauty and great tiredness too which, anyway, is rewarded by an enchanted landscape out of the world where it dives: the Mediterraean shrubland, the terraces cultivated with vines, the small village of Monesteroli and at the bottom all around the very large expanse of the blue sea waters.
Directions
We leave the rail station of Riomaggiore behind us and we go to the upper part of the village.
Here we read a panel showing the way. Nearby starts a climb consisting of a large staircase with long and cobbled steps leading to the Santuario di Montenero at an altitude of 340 metres above sea level.
From the sanctuary we take the trail terminating at Colle del Telegrafo. The easy and pleasant stroll crosses the little hamlet of Lemmen with some houses built around a little church.
While walking there we notice the several terraces cultivated with vines whose wine is called “heroic” just because it is produced in extreme conditions.
After an hour and a half we reach Colle del Telegrafo: it is the highest point of our route at 513 asl. In this area we find the first refreshment point where we can eat or buy provisions.
From Colle del Telegrafo we take a large and easy dirt road taking twenty minutes to get to the Church of Sant’Antonio where a second refreshment point is open.
Near the church we find a crossroad; we can go ahead towards Portovenere where we can take a ferry to come back to Riomaggiore, or we can follow the dirt downhill road leading to Monesteroli.
After a kilometer we meet a nice stone Menhir and after a while a path closed with a little gate and the handwritten word “Monesteroli” on.
Onwards are the famous stairs: at the beginning they are large and comfortable, then they become higher and higher, narrow and irregular.
Hiking downhill and uphill is very difficult; as the sun staircase is very hard we suggest to avoid it during the warmest part of the day. Principally in the warmest months.
Suggested equipment
In addition to the usual hiking equipment, we suggest wearing a hat or any other kind of sun protection.
Moreover as the climb is very challenging we must be sure to have a good supply of water and food with us.