It is one of the most beautiful trekking paths in the Cinque Terre and connects Portovenere to Riomaggiore. Here's everything you need to know.
The trekking route that winds through the Cinque Terre is called “Sentiero l'Infinito”… and never was a more suitable name. It is the ancient path, surreal and with almost magical features, which connectsPortovenerewith Riomaggiore, the first of the villages ofFive lands not far fromSpice. The path is about 14 kilometers long and starts right in Portovenere, exactly next to the Pro Loco which is located in theBastreri Square. It takes 3 to 4 hours to walk it all, depending on your stamina and pace.
THE ENDLESS JOURNEY BETWEEN PORTOVENERE AND RIOMAGGIORE
The first stretch of the trekking route that winds through the Cinque Terre consists of a long stone staircase that runs along theDoria Castleand offers breathtaking views of the three islets of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. Once at the top, intercept the paved road and then dive back into the path marked by the CAI. Do not lose heart and savor the beauty of what surrounds you. After about 1 hour and a half you will reach the first real stage:Campiglia.
Here you can decide whether to continue on foot towards Riomaggiore, passing through theTelegraph hill(the highest point), or take a bus. Remember that this is the only country where you will have the possibility of "intercepting" public transport to return to La Spezia. From Campiglia, the path continues towards Colle Telefrago, the highest point from which the steep descent beginsRiomaggiore. Here you will also find a refreshment point with a picturesque little church and an open space where you can have a few fleeting meals.
READ ALSO: Guide to the Cinque Terre: transport, itineraries and curiosities
The last stretch is the steep descent towards the village. This part of the trail is fully part of theCinque Terre National Parkestablished in 1999 and, as you will notice, it is immersed in a completely different scenario than the one seen up to that moment. What characterizes this area, in fact, is "the hand of man" that has profoundly changed the landscape. You will pass by strips of cultivated land, the so-calledciàn, supported by the typical dry stone walls, a true identity trait of the Cinque Terre.
Along the descent you will also find a picturesque "private club" waiting for you and the magnificentShrine of Our Lady of Montenero. Very famous throughout Liguria, it can only be reached on foot and rises exactly 340 meters above sea level. From there, the route then runs straight up to the colorful center of Riomaggiore, the pearl of the Cinque Terre. I do not hide from you that, once you reach the seashore, you will feel a slight pain in your legs…. But believe me, it will be worth it!
Find all the offers for accommodation in Riomaggiore
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON THE ROUTE
The trekking route winds through the Cinque Terre and is approx14 kilometres.Most of the trail is uphill (at least up to Colle Telegrafo). The walking time is around 3-4 hours and the difficulty is medium-high. The path is in fact challenging and one must not take it lightly. Don't be afraid to get lost because the path isentirely markedin CAI red-white colors. Access is free. One is neededtechnical clothing, trekking shoes and thermal bottle(the only points where you can refresh yourself are Campiglia and Colle Telegrafo). Once the trail is finished, we recommend aboat tour to visit the wonders of Palmaria Island, Tino and Tinetto.
