Riomaggiore – Madonna di Montenero

Trail 593V, historically known as 3a, is the direct and panoramic variant for reaching the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero from Riomaggiore. Compared with the main route, trail 593, this variant is much steeper and more demanding, but rewards the effort with constant and breathtaking views over the sea and the Cinque Terre coast.

The itinerary begins from the Marina of Riomaggiore. The route initially climbs among the village’s characteristic houses, then takes a stairway branching off to the right towards Via di Loca.

The route develops in several stages:

• First section: climb a stairway until you reach the junction with the coastal road, SP370, directly opposite the Riomaggiore cemetery
• Central section: continue climbing until you meet the coastal road again. Here it is necessary to follow around 200 metres of paved road towards La Spezia
• Final climb: the stairway resumes near the votive shrine known as Madonna della Cintola. The final section climbs through cultivated vineyards and areas of Mediterranean scrub until it reaches the sanctuary square

The trail ends at the Sanctuary of Montenero, at 340 metres above sea level, located on the ridge of Capo di Montenero. From here, the view stretches from Porto Venere to the Punta Mesco promontory.