Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

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ITALIAN COASTAL WALKS
CINQUE TERRE HIGH TRAIL, LIGURIA
The oh-so-picturesque medieval fishing villages of the Cinque Terre (‘Five Lands’)
tumble down the cliffs of the Ligurian Riviera, seemingly detached from the rest of
the world. A network of centuries-old coast paths links them, the most popular of
which is the 7.5-mile (12km) Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). However, a tougher but
less-trodden option is the High Path No1, which takes a loftier route above
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, offering
sea-glittery views throughout. Going from south to north, the trail starts in the
harbour town of Porto Venere and follows the coastal range, running via fragrant
pine, leafy vineyards and tiny hamlets to Levanto. A highlight is reaching the Sella
di Punta Mesco, from where you can look out over all five villages at once.
Start // Porto Venere
End // Levanto
Distance // 25 miles (40km)
© Michael Heffernan
Riomaggiore, one of the Cinque Terre