Vernazza - Madonna di Reggio - Foce di Drignana

From Vernazza to the Pastenello stairway

The route starts in Vernazza near the railway station and takes the Pastenello stairway. After a short stretch along the road towards the cemetery, the path follows the boundary wall and joins the historic paved mule track.

The Stations of the Cross and San Bernardo

The mule track is traditionally used for the religious Stations of the Cross procession. Along the route, marble bas-reliefs with sacred subjects can be seen in small shrines or set into the dry-stone walls surrounding vineyard terraces. The path continues among olive trees to San Bernardo, where a small dedicated oratory stands.

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio

Beyond San Bernardo, the climb becomes gentler and reaches the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio. The earliest sources concerning the sanctuary date to 1284. The square contains holm oaks, cedar and horse chestnut trees, a spring in an artificial grotto, an equipped area with tables and benches and a cypress considered among the oldest in Liguria.

From the Sanctuary to Foce di Drignana

After rounding the sanctuary, trail 508 climbs through woodland towards Drignana, crosses provincial road SP51 and reaches Case di Foce before arriving at Foce di Drignana. The pass lies on the Vara-Sea watershed and is also a junction with the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre.

Landscape and points of interest

The Park reports holm-oak woodland, cultivated land and maritime-pine woodland along the route. Points of interest include the Stations of the Cross shrines, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio and the Oratory of San Bernardo. Support services are available in Vernazza, while a fountain is located at the sanctuary.

The Cinque Terre National Park recommends walking its trails only in favourable weather conditions, with suitable footwear and good hiking experience. Take care on paved and stepped sections, which may become slippery in rain or humidity, and when crossing provincial road SP51 beyond the Sanctuary of Reggio. Always check the updated trail status before departure.