Cinque Terre Trail 591: Il Termine - Soviore Sanctuary - Colla di Gritta - Sant'Antonio al Mesco

Trail 591, following the ancient and historic "Alta Via" or former CAI Trail 1, is a hiking and cultural route of exceptional value. The itinerary starts from the wooded pass of Il Termine, an important crossroads on provincial road SP38 and a junction with the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre (AV5T). The first section follows the roadside and comfortable forest links until it reaches the ancient and monumental Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Soviore, built in the thirteenth century and immersed in a centuries-old holm-oak grove. Beyond the religious complex, the route descends towards the road saddle of Colla di Gritta. From this junction, the trail climbs again into a dense maritime-pine forest, skirting the summits of Monte Molinelli and Monte Rossini with continuous ups and downs. After passing Colla Bagari, the woodland gradually gives way to low and fragrant Mediterranean scrub opening onto extraordinary sea views. The route ends at approximately 300 metres above sea level on the promontory of Sant'Antonio al Mesco, close to the evocative fourteenth-century ruins of the Eremo di Sant'Antonio and the former lighthouse and semaphore station, which offer the most iconic overall view of the entire Gulf of the Cinque Terre.

• Wear stable hiking boots with a non-slip lugged sole: the surface varies from wide forest roads to rural paved sections and uneven rock that can become slippery with strong marine humidity or dry leaves.
• The section between Il Termine and the Sanctuary of Soviore follows the edge of provincial road SP38 for approximately 2.2 kilometres: pay the utmost attention to vehicle traffic and walk strictly in single file along the left-hand edge of the road.
• A certified drinking-water refill point is available in the square of the Sanctuary of Soviore. Beyond Colla di Gritta there are no further public water sources before Mesco, so carry adequate supplies.