Heading back from Bonassola to Levanto

We walk along the waterfront in Bonassola to the beach on the northern end of town where people are sunning, swimming, and diving off the rocks.  We then walk south along the beach to the hike and bike path to Levanto through the former railroad tunnels.

Along the beach

Southern end, looking back at the beach

The hike and bike path is around 5 km (3.1 miles) long, 2.5 km between Levanto and Bonassola and 2.5 km between Bonassola and Framura, passing through old galleries with amazing views of the cliffs and the sea between the cool tunnels. 

Through the tunnels

Beaches and cliffs between the tunnels

Soon we exit from the last tunnel back at the Levanto waterfront and beaches.

Emerging back at Levanto

Hike and bike trail

We reward ourselves with lunch at an old favorite in Levanto, Cafe Roma:  caprese salad and 5 terre bruschetta (and, of course, a carafe of Cinque Terre wine).

Lunch

After lunch, it's a short stroll through town to the train station for the quick trip back to Monterosso.

Strolling through town

It's been a great day exploring a new area.  Next time, we need to consider renting bicycles and following the path all the way to Framura.

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.