In search of unusual itineraries in the heart of the Cinque Terre
In the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park itineraries can be found which are less known and less taken that the classic ridge road or the trail between the mountains and the coast that links the famous marine villages. For example, the trail from Vernazza to Manarola, which passes through Volastra. Along the initial ascent at the Passo della Cigoletta (612 m), which is the most difficult part of the route, the landscape constantly changes: it goes from the cliffs that drop to the sea, to vineyards, from abandoned terracing overgrown with maquis to pine groves. When the pass is reached, a short stretch of the CAI no. 1 trail is taken; it runs through the entire park, from Porto Venere to Levanto along the ridge. The descent, much more gradual than the ascent, passes through Volastra, the ancient Vicus oleaster (town of the olive trees), of probable Roman origin. In the midst of the splendid views of Corniglia, the trail is bordered by dry-stone walls and easily leads to Manarola. From the centre of Vernazza follow the directions for trail 2 (all of the trails are marked by white/red CAI trail marks showing the trail mark) in the direction of Corniglia, and follow it until it intersects with trail 7, near a small military station. Go up along a steep ridge, until you reach a group of renovated houses, pass them and continue along the northern slope. After a several hundred metres, you come to an unpaved road. Cross it and continue along the trail which becomes quite narrow in some spots as it passes through meadows and gardens until it reaches the small farmer village of San Bernardino from which you can take in a splendid panoramic view of Corniglia. The trail continues through a chestnut grove and then returns along the ridge. The trail crosses the asphalt road in several points, until it meets an unpaved road and follows it for a stretch in the midst of a cluster pines. Following the trail marks, leave the unpaved road on the right and you will shortly reach the Passo della Cigoletta. Once the pass is reached, follow trail 1 on the right, in the direction of Porto Venere. After a short stretch, you will reach a meadow; trail 7/A leaves from the right side of the meadow for Case Pianca and Corniglia. Until Case Pianca the more or less easy descent passes through a cool, shady holm-oak woods. Past Case Pianca the trail descends rather steeply until it meets the intersection for Porciano and Volastra, at about 375 m of altitude (trail 6/D). Without any particular variations in altitude, the trail winds among the vineyards, passing through the ancient village of Porciano which offers splendid views of Manarola and back over Corniglia and Punta Mesco. When you reach Volastra, descend to Manarola along track 6.
A12 Genoa-Livorno Motorway, exit at La Spezia. From the railroad station take the train for the Cinque Terre (La Spezia ? Genoa line). Get off at Vernazza. On the return trip, take the train in Manarola to return to La Spezia.
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Length: ?
Difficulty: T/E
Difference in level: 600 m
Dirt road: yes
Time necessary: 4 hours
Recommended season: all
Ospitality in this area:
Stages of other paths