Tour: The path of infinity from Riomaggiore to Portovenere and the Monesteroli staircase

Discover Vertical Liguria with us on a weekend backpacking trip through endless stairways and breathtaking views along a path that never leaves the sea.

You will be surprised by Riomaggiore, the easternmost of the 5 lands, for its delightfully colorful, vertically built houses squeezed between two steep terraced hills. You will enjoy magnificent views of the islands of Tino, Tinetto and Palmaria from the Shrine of Montenero.

You will understand what is meant by Vertical Liguria, that steep stretch of coastline between Riomaggiore and Campiglia, where men have managed to build small settlements suspended between sky and sea. You will be fascinated by the ancient paved mule tracks that go up to sanctuaries or down to seaside villages. In all this you will not be able to miss “the most incredible staircase in the world” that leads to Monesterols, one of the most inaccessible locations in Liguria.

Day 1: Riomaggiore - Monesteroli - Campiglia. Approx. 11 km, +/- 900 m elevation gain

Meeting at 10:30 a.m. in Riomaggiore. Meeting with the guide and start of the trek, along the infinity path to Campiglia. Although the hike does not have an excessive number of kilometers, it is very challenging in terms of the number of steps to descend/climb and the exposure of the steps to the sun. From Riomaggiore one climbs to the sanctuary of Montenero. Continue halfway up the hillside among the beautiful Ligurian terraces overlooking the sea. Possibility to descend to Monesteroli, the most incredible staircase in Liguria, walking its famous 1100 steps (as many to climb!). Ascend to reach the mid-coast path and from here continue to Campiglia. Packed lunch by participants along the way. From Campiglia transfer by minibus (included in the fee) to Le Grazie. Hotel accommodation in reserved rooms, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 Le Grazie - Sella Derbi - Muzzerone - Portovenere 8 km approx., +/- 800 m elevation gain

After breakfast, depart on foot from Le Grazie. You will reach the Path of Infinity and walk along a beautiful stretch overlooking the sea that follows the southern slopes of Mount Muzzerone. Continue to Portovenere, where through splendid views you arrive in the early afternoon. Time at leisure to visit the pretty town and return.

What to bring: On a walking trip, preparing your backpack well is essential, so that you have everything you need, but also do not have the superfluous. The backpack should be at most 10% of one's weight. Absolutely essential: small first aid kit with basic medicines (especially remember your regular medicines, if you take them). Socks, breathable sweaters, hiking pants, sweatshirt for the evening, rain jacket (alternatively cape), hat or bandana. Sunscreen.

The trek will be backpacking, so bring the bare minimum.

Hiking poles are recommended but not essential.

Comfortable hiking boots, possibly not new.

TREKKING IS NOT RECOMMENDED to those who suffer from vertigo (the stairways are often exposed), to those who are not trained, to those who suffer from taking stairs. Between going up and down the first day is more than 4,000 steps!

TREKKING IS RECOMMENDED To those who just want to explore do not feel fatigue, to those who love to be amazed.