Riomaggiore – Manarola, Via Beccara

Trail 531, known as Via Beccara, is the historic connection between Riomaggiore and Manarola, used before the construction of the Via dell’Amore.

It is a short but very steep route, crossing the ridge between the two villages via Costa Corniolo. It is one of the most direct and panoramic trails in the Cinque Terre, but also one of the most demanding in relation to its length.

The route starts from Riomaggiore and climbs rapidly among vegetable gardens and terraces until it reaches the ridge. From here, a wide view opens over the coast: on one side Riomaggiore and the Montenero promontory, on the other Manarola and the coastline towards Corniglia.

From the ridge, the trail descends towards Manarola along a long stairway, partly in stone and partly carved into the rock, maintaining a steep and continuous profile throughout.

The trail is short, but physically very demanding and not recommended for those who are not trained or who have difficulty with stairways. Via Beccara is the most direct and authentic alternative to the Via dell’Amore, but it requires a completely different level of effort.