Telegrafo – Riomaggiore, SVA

Trail 593, part of the Sentiero Verde Azzurro, or SVA, is an itinerary of great historical and landscape value connecting the mountain ridge of Colle del Telegrafo with the village of Riomaggiore, passing through the ancient settlement of Lemmen and the panoramic Sanctuary of Montenero.

The route winds through varied natural environments, from chestnut and pine woods to cultivated areas with vines and olive trees, offering spectacular views stretching from Palmaria Island to the Punta Mesco promontory.

The itinerary can be walked in both directions, but it is often preferred downhill, starting from Colle del Telegrafo:

1. From Telegrafo to Lemmen: starting from the car park, at 513 metres, the trail descends through dense Mediterranean scrub and woods, alternating dirt sections with irregular stone stairways until it reaches the vineyards of the historic settlement of Lemmen.
2. From Lemmen to the Sanctuary of Montenero: the route continues on a gentle, almost level course with wide sea views, skirting dry-stone walls and fences, until it reaches the square of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero, at 340 metres.
3. From the Sanctuary to Riomaggiore, La Via Grande: from the western side of the sanctuary, the historic Via Grande descends, an ancient mule track paved in 1892 and marked by thirteen votive shrines. The trail crosses Provincial Road SP370 and continues to the Lavaccio car park, before ending in the centre of Riomaggiore along Via Colombo.