Levanto – Colla dei Bagari – Monterosso (REL 573 + SVA/509 trail markers)

The itinerary starts in the centre of Levanto and immediately begins climbing along the old mule tracks linking the coast to the hillside hamlets. The first half of the route develops in a steady ascent, initially among olive groves and historic terraced slopes and later through dense Mediterranean scrub offering broad panoramic views over the Gulf of Levanto.

The climb reaches its highest point at approximately 480 metres at Colla dei Bagari, a ridge pass serving as a geographical and hiking boundary. From this wooded saddle, the panorama opens over the open sea and, on the clearest days, towards the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica.

From Colla dei Bagari begins the second part of the itinerary, descending towards the Cinque Terre coast. The trail joins the paths descending from the secondary ridge, crossing the routes leading to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Soviore, and dives towards the sea through a striking wood of holm oaks and pines. As Monterosso approaches, the landscape once again becomes dominated by spectacular terraced vineyards and dry-stone walls. The descent, steep in places but highly panoramic, ends directly in the historic centre of the old village of Monterosso al Mare.

The route requires good fitness because of both its length and its elevation gain, on the ascent and descent. The surface ranges from stone mule tracks to unpaved paths. The descent towards Monterosso includes stone steps that can be demanding on the knees and slippery in damp conditions or after recent rain. Hiking shoes are essential and trekking poles are recommended. There are no water refill points along the ridge section.