Hiking from Levanto to Bonassola

We take the train from Monterosso al Mare 5 minutes north to Levanto and start to explore the area north of Levanto, hiking to Bonassola, a new town for us.  Bonassola, wedged between the mountains and the sea, has a long sandy beach and inviting clear blue water.  The hike and bike path between Levanto and Bonssola (and continuing further north to Framura) runs along the coast on an old railway line, passing through several tunnels, with stretches of sea and beach between them.

We'll return to Levanto over the hike and bike path, but start our journey by following a trail up into the hills and along the ridge. 

Arriving at the beach in Levanto

Hike and bike path along the sea

Trail up into the hills

Looking back at Levanto

Views of the sea

Bonassola this way

We continue following the trail along the sea, pass over a ridge, and start to descend into Bonassola.  We reach a marker that informs us that Ottone III (980-1002), already King of the Franks and Italics, travelled this very path, then called the Via del Mare, at the age of 16 on his way to Rome for coronation as emperor of the Holy Roman Western Empire on May 21, 996.

Continuing along the path

Crossing the ridge

Bonassola coming into view

Someone left a chair for enjoying the view

Descending into town

Getting closer

Final descent

Reaching town

Welcome to Bonassola

Bonassola is an ancient fishing village known for its "charm, landscape, and the pleasant climate all year round."  The homes of ancient aristocrats stand next to those of sailors and fishermen, creating narrow streets leading to the sea.  The beach and the cliffs overlooking the sea are spectacular in this charming and welcoming community.

Reaching the sea

Now, to explore this delightful town.

Hiking From Corniglia to Manarola

One of our favorite hikes in Cinque Terre is from Corniglia to Manarola.  The route is generally open along the ridge so that there are continuous expansive views of the hills, the sea, and the towns (one growing smaller, one growing larger as we proceed along the path).  Also, the trail passes through vineyards and the town of Volastra along the way.

We take the train from Monterosso two stops (7 minutes) south to Corniglia and climb the 382 steps (with 33 landings) from the train station to the town.

Steps to Corniglia

View from the top of the steps

After the steps, we follow an alley to the trail which quickly starts up.

Heading up

Corniglia already growing smaller

Continuing up

Monterosso in the distance

We continue up to the top of the ridge, then follow the trail south toward Manarola.

More up

Corniglia much smaller

Manarola starting to appear

Trail along the top of the ridge

 

Looking back at Corniglia and Monterosso

Soon we start passing through vineyards and fields of grapes (mostly picked so far, but a few workers are finishing up the harvest).

Passing through vineyards

Manarola getting closer

Above Manarola, we enter the small community of Volastra, where harvested grapes are still out in the streets prior to entering the winemaking process.

Passing through Volastra

Grapes in the streets

From Volastra, there are about 1,200 steps down to Manarola and we start down.

Stairway from Volastra to Manarola

We descend into Manarola, wander through, and find lunch.

Entering Manarola

Walking through town

Stopping at the harbor

View up the coast toward Corniglia and Monterosso

And for lunch:  cones of mixed fried fish.

Lunch

Another great day in this inviting, bewitching, magical land on Cinque Terre.