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Hiking in Cinque Terre to the Sanctuaries above the Villages
Each village in the Cinque Terre has its own pilgrimage church, located above the five villages. The inhabitants feel deeply connected to the patron saint high above them. There is a hiking trail between the sanctuaries that leads through forests and vineyards above the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. This route is almost 25 km long and can be covered in two days.
What to Expect on a Hike to the Sanctuaries in the Cinque Terre
The sections between one pilgrimage church to the next are mostly narrow paths, sometimes steep uphill and downhill. The hike requires surefootedness and can only be done in dry weather. At every pilgrimage church there is the possibility to interrupt the hike and descend into the village. A path leads from each of the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore to the respective pilgrimage church. The ascent is always steep, the walking time is 1 to 1.5 hours. To some pilgrimage churches, environmentally friendly minibuses leave from the parking lot of the Cinque Terre villages.
Description of the Hike in Cinque Terre in the Path between the Sanctuaries
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty level: 3 out of 5
- Distance: 9.1 km on day 1 and 16.4 km on day 2
- Lowest altitude: 300 m
- Highest altitude: 744 m
- Total climb: 1556 m
Day 1: 494 m, Day 2: 1062 m - Total descend: 1715 m
Day 1: 616 m, Day 2: 1100 m
Starting Point of the Hike Nostra Signora di Soviore 466 m
The pilgrimage church of Nostra Signora di Soviore is located above Monterosso al Mare and is the starting point of the hike between the pilgrimage churches of the Cinque Terre. To get to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Soviore, you can take the minibus from Monterosso al Mare or walk up the path. The trail goes uphill through a forest of oak and chestnut trees, past chapels to the pilgrimage church of Our Lady of Soviore.
First Track: From Santuario di Nostra Signora di Soviore to Santuario di Reggio di Vernazza
Distance: 3.8 km
Minimum height: 331 m
Maximum height: 516 m
Ascent (total): 120 m
Gradient (total): 266 m
From Sanctuary Nostra Signora di Soviore, take path 591 past the houses and along the road, from which the narrow hiking path 582 branches off to the right through the Mediterranean scrub to Madonna di Reggio. You walk over 500 meters above the cliffs and can enjoy the scents of plants and breathtaking views along the way. Before arriving at the pilgrimage church, the road descends slightly downhill.
Second Track: From Santuario di Reggio di Vernazza to Madonna San Bernardino
Distance: 5.3 km
Minimum height: 294 m
Maximum height: 401m
Total climb: 374 m
Gradient (total): 350m
After a short rest with the wonderful view from the Balcony of Reggio, continue on hiking trail 581 towards San Bernardino. After a short stretch of road, you must not miss the climb using the steps on the left on the wall. The narrow path leads to the dry walls of the vineyards and through olive and chestnut forests. In between, plots are traversed. Care should be taken to lock the gates again. They serve to protect the grapes from wild boar. In the forest, you have to cross brooks and you come through Muro Superiore and above Muro Inferiore. A stretch of path with wonderful views before reaching San Bernardino.
Third Track: From Madonna San Bernardino – Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute
Distance: 8.2 km
Minimum height: 304 m
Maximum height: 744 m
Total climb: 560 m
Gradient (total): 561 m
From San Bernardino, you have a wonderful view of the coast. The towns of Corniglia and Manarola lie deep below the sea. From San Bernardino, the path 507 climbs steeply to Fornacchi and Cigoletta. The serpentine road has to be crossed a few times before the hiking trail continues steeply through the bushes. Once at the Cigoletta intersection, take the AV5T hiking trail (Alta Via delle Cinque Terre) towards Riomaggiore. But after a short time, you have to descend on path 506 towards Volastra. The trail goes downhill through forests directly to Volastra and the Church of Nostra Signora Della Salute.
Fourth Track: From Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute – Madonna di Montenero
Distance: 8.2 km
Minimum height: 426 m
Maximum height: 330 m
Total climb: 502 m
Gradient (total): 538 m
From Volastra you go back a little on the same path 506 to turn right at the crossroads onto path 530 towards Riomaggiore / Telegrafo. On a wide path, it goes for long distances along a contour line. At the intersection, take the SVA 593 turnoff to Madonna di Montenero.
Descend to Riomaggiore
Two paths lead down from the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero to Riomaggiore. You can take the steep step path (593C) or the path through the forest (593V), on the edge of which there are plaques donated by families from Riomaggiore.
Why Hiking in Cinque Terre to the Sanctuaries with milano24ore?
Services Included in the Price
We provide a Cinque Terre authorized Mountain Guide that speaks your language. Our guide will accompany you on this hike. He or she will give you interesting details on the way and draws your attention to the special features of the region and the special cuisine.
Additional Services
– Accommodation
– Dinner and breakfast and lunch during the hike.
– Accommodation before and after the hike
– Multi-day tour pre-arranged with more overnight stays, guide, meals
– tasting of the Cinque Terre wine with food and olive oil tasting
– Private transfers
– Extension of the trip through Tuscany
Exclusive and in Your Language
The hiking tour is organized only for you and your fellow travelers. They are conducted in the language you choose. We have experienced local guides for German, Italian, English, French. Other languages on request or with an interpreter.
Pricing
The above price has been calculated for a group of 8 participants on a 2-days hike (only in one direction). For the return, you can go by ship or we organized a private transfer. Please let us know the number of participants and special wishes with your request.
Arrival and Meeting Place
Your guide can meet you at Madonna di Soviore or at your hotel in Monterosso al Mare. We can organize transport to the meeting point and collect you from the endpoint.
Stages of the Hike
Nostra Signora di Soviore 466m
The sanctuary of Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore lies above Monterosso al Mare and is of Romanesque origin. The small church dates from 1300 and the bell tower are in operation. The Santuario Madonna di Soviore has a restaurant and bar for the small hunger as well as a souvenir shop. The place of pilgrimage also offers accommodation.
Madonna di Reggio, Vernazza 317 m
The spacious grounds around the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio with the spring and the picnic area are surrounded by centuries-old trees and radiate peace and shade. There is a small supply point here where you can buy drinks. However, you cannot rely on the fact that it is always open. The church is open for worship only on Sunday afternoons. It houses a picture of the Black Madonna and Child.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Bernardino, Corniglia 341 m
On the church, the residents of the village installed a wine barrel floor with the inscription Paese dei Basso e di-vino. The family name Basso is the most common in this district and di-vino is to be understood ambiguously: divine: holy and di-vino: of wine. San Bernardino reveals a fantastic view over Corniglia and the sea.
Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute, Volastra 340 m
The name Volastra comes from the Latin: oleaster and means something like a village in the olives. The church was first mentioned in 1240. It was not until the end of the 16th century, following the Madonna cult, that it was dedicated to St. Madonna Della Salute. The church is open and can be visited. In Volastra there is a bar and restaurant.
Madonna di Montenero (Riomaggiore) 335 m
The Sanctuary of Madonna Montenero on the hill above Riomaggiore probably dates from 1335, after which it was reconstructed several times. The church consists of three naves. According to unsubstantiated stories, the cult of the Madonna di Montenero comes from a Byzantine icon who disappeared in a mystical way and in whose place a picture of the Assumption of Mary between the apostles and San Tommaso appeared. The festival of the pilgrimage church takes place on Whit Monday. On the night of August 14, a procession takes place that leads down from the Santuario to Riomaggiore.
Hiking Alone in the Cinque Terre
You are welcome to get inspired by our description of this hike. However, we recommend to not hike alone and do not go without an experienced local licensed guide. Mountains are dangerous and you can get lost or surprised by the weather. Also, our description might have small errors, be incomplete or outdated. Therefore, we recommend you book the tour with us and let us take care of the organization.
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