We started our stay in Monterosso al Mare with a hike to Soviore, on to Colla di Gritta, then back down to Monterosso. Today, we're going to approach Colla di Gritta a different way, walking through Monterosso, hiking north toward Levanto, then turning east along the ridge around Monterosso and following it to Colla di Gritta from the other direction.
We step out and admire the beautiful sunrise over Monterosso and the Mediterranean, then descend into the streets to cross over to the northern end of the village.
Sunrise
Passing by the northern end of the village
Looking back as we ascend
Soon we leave the road and follow a path up the hill.
Path heading up
Along the way, we get views of the sea and the coast stretching south from Monterosso to the other four villages of Cinque Terre.
We reach the top of the trail, with one direction proceeding north along the coast to Levanto and the other to the east on the ridge around Monterosso. We turn east (right) and continue up the ridge.
Trail choices at the top
Continuing up to the ridge
Looking down at Monterosso
We follow the trail up and down the hills along the ridge, with glimpses of Monterosso on the right and Levanto on the left as we proceed.
Continuing along the trail
Views of Monterosso and Levanto
Looking back at the start of the trail (the far peak)
Steeper sections
Final steps to Colla di Gritta
Follow the road
View of Monterosso and surrounding hills
Our rewards