Trail One in the Cinque Terre: the scenic trek from Portovenere to Monterosso
The Cinque Terre
Discover Trail One in the Cinque Terre: a scenic hike from Portovenere to Monterosso, taking in UNESCO-listed villages, vineyards and sea views.
Are you looking for a scenic hike to discover the most authentic side of the Cinque Terre? Trail One is an experience not to be missed. This walking route takes in the millennia-old history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the islands, following the ancient ridge that links hilltops, woods, terraced vineyards and small shrines. Along the route, spectacular views of the sea and the countryside unfold, offering a unique perspective on one of Liguria’s most captivating landscapes. Following the refurbishment work completed in 2026, Trail One is now even more accessible and safer. However, it isn’t just a trail set amidst nature: it is also a journey through the history and spirituality of the area, taking in ancient shrines to the Virgin Mary and evocative churches that bear witness to the deep bond between humankind and this landscape.
The stages
From Portovenere to RiomaggioreFrom Riomaggiore to Manarola
From Manarola to Corniglia
From Corniglia to Vernazza
From Vernazza to Monterosso
Short walk
Trail One, Stage One
From Portovenere to Riomaggiore
We start in the heart of Portovenere, in Piazza Bastreri, one of the most significant coastal settlements within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portovenere, the Cinque Terre and the Islands. From here, Trail One climbs towards the majestic Doria Castle, passing through a landscape where history, architecture and nature blend in perfect harmony with the rocky coastline. Continuing towards Campiglia, the route winds its way through Mediterranean scrub and holm oak woods, whilst the landscape is dotted with ancient rural structures, dry stone walls and cultivated terraces – symbols of the centuries-old relationship between man and this land. The view gradually opens out onto the Gulf of La Spezia, offering ever-wider vistas until it reaches the village of Campiglia and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero, before the descent towards Riomaggiore.
Trail One, Stage Two
From Riomaggiore to Manarola
The second stage of the Trail One starts from Riomaggiore and climbs up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero, one of the Cinque Terre’s most iconic sites. From here, there is a spectacular view of the Ligurian coast. The route continues towards the Sella della Croce through woods, evergreen forests and ancient terraces supported by characteristic dry-stone walls. The path then winds its way down towards the sea. You pass through Case Bovera and reach Volastra, a small village where ‘heroic’ viticulture continues to shape the landscape. The final stretch of the walk leads to Manarola, whose colourful houses overlooking the sea provide the perfect finale to a stage that encapsulates the very essence of the Cinque Terre.
Trail One, Stage Three
From Manarola to Corniglia
Leaving Manarolabehind,Trail One heads towards Corniglia, passing through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Cinque Terre. The route climbs up to Volastra, a small village nestled amongst the vineyards, which can be reached by following path 506 or the picturesque Sentiero della Donega, an ancient route linking the sea with the high-altitude farmland. Here, terraces, dry-stone walls and traditional low pergolas bear witness to centuries of heroic wine-growing. From Sella di Marvede the landscape changes, giving way to holm oak woods and Mediterranean pine forests which line the route as far as San Bernardino, where it is well worth stopping off at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace. The final descent leads to Corniglia, the only village in the Cinque Terre without a harbour, perched on a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views of the sea.
Trail One, Stage Four
From Corniglia to Vernazza
From Corniglia the route enters the territory of Vernazza, passing through a cool holm oak woodland that accompanies the climb up to Prato di Corniglia, where the route joins the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre. From here, the trail continues along the ridge through woods, terraced fields and ancient dry-stone walls, bearing witness to centuries of human labour on these hills. Once you reach Foce di Drignana, the path descends towards the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio, one of the most important places of worship in the Cinque Terre. Here, the journey takes on an even deeper meaning: through pilgrimages, celebrations and local traditions, the sanctuary tells the story of the bond that has united the community with this area for centuries. The final descent offers increasingly sweeping views of Vernazza, which gradually comes into view with its natural harbour and its compact silhouette nestled between the sea and the cliffs, providing one of the most picturesque finishes on the entire Trail One .
Trail One, Stage Five
From Vernazza to Monterosso
Every journey deserves an ending that does justice to the journey itself. Trail One winds its way through the stunning scenery of the Mesco Headland and the sea at Monterosso al Mare. From Vernazza the route climbs towards the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio and reaches Foce di Drignana, where it rejoins the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre. After a recommended stop at Monte Santa Croce, the route continues towards the Soviore Sanctuary, the oldest sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Cinque Terre, before passing through Colla di Gritta and reaching the Mesco headland. A short detour leads to the Hermitage of Sant’Antonio al Mesco, a symbolic spot from which the view takes in the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto and, on the clearest days, the headland of Portofino. This is where the final descent towards Monterosso al Mare begins, bringing to an end the journey through some of Liguria’s most spectacular landscapes.
Trail One, short walks
Trail One: for those who are short on time
Trail One can also be enjoyed via shorter routes, without compromising on the beauty of the walk. The one-day tour is ideal for those who want to discover some of the most iconic spots in the Cinque Terre, including villages, terraced vineyards and sea views. The three-daytour, on the other hand, allows you to immerse yourself even further in the spirit of the region, taking in the main villages, ancient sanctuaries such as Montenero, Reggio and Soviore, holm oak woods, dry-stone walls and scenic ridges such as the Promontorio del Mesco. Whichever route you choose, Trail One invites you to slow down, to experience the Cinque Terre in a different way and to rediscover the value of simple things: the sound of the sea in the distance, the scent of the woodland, the silence of the ridges and the pleasure of walking surrounded by nature.
