Monterosso – Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore (REL trail marker 509 / former no. 9)

The route begins in the upper part of the historic centre of Monterosso al Mare, taking the turn-off from Via Roma. It immediately starts to climb and becomes a classic Ligurian stone stairway. This first section is deeply connected to the local farming culture: passing the devotional shrines of the Stations of the Cross, the trail cuts through steep terraces planted with olive trees and vines, supported by imposing dry-stone walls, with broad and spectacular views over the sea and Punta Mesco.

After the mid-slope agricultural area, the landscape changes and the trail enters a cool, dense wood of holm oaks, chestnut trees and maritime pines, where the gradient becomes more regular. The route crosses the road (S.P. 38) at a couple of points before the final climb in the shade of centuries-old trees. It ends directly on the monumental tree-lined square of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore. First mentioned in documents dating from 1244, although its origins are even older, the complex offers refreshments, accommodation and a spectacular aerial view that, on the clearest days, reaches Corsica and the Apuan Alps. Several connections to the Cinque Terre High Route (trail 591) also start from the sanctuary.

The route mainly follows a stone mule track and stairways, with sections of dirt trail in the woods. There are no exposed passages or objective hazards, but the climb requires a fair amount of physical effort because of the constant gradient and the stone steps, which can be very slippery in rain or morning dampness. Trekking shoes with good grip are recommended. A drinking-water fountain is available in the sanctuary square.