The Path of Infinity: Hiking from Riomaggiore to Portovenere

The path winds from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, following the Sentiero dell'Infinito (Path of Infinity), one of the most beautiful trails in all of Liguria. Specifically, from Riomaggiore, taking the SVA path (Sentiero Verde Azzurro - Green Blue Path), we will arrive at the Sanctuary of Montenero, a panoramic point overlooking the entire Cinque Terre coast and a good part of the Ligurian coast on the most beautiful days. From there, the path will continue uphill in the typical terraced landscape of the Cinque Terre, recognized by UNESCO, where the cultivation of vines reigns supreme and where wines such as Sciacchetrà Cinque Terre DOC have been produced for centuries, offering us fascinating views of the sea and passing close to the tiny village of Lemmen with its stone houses and the church of San Bernardo. In about 2.5 hours of walking, you reach the Colle del Telegrafo (520 meters above sea level) on the AV5T (Alta Via delle 5 Terre - High Route of the 5 Terre), a long 70 km route that goes from Portovenere to Monte Zatta and runs along the watershed between Val di Vara and the Cinque Terre coast. Through a path in the green dominated by chestnut trees, you will reach the Sella di Sant'Antonio where you will leave the AV5T and then find it again in Campiglia. You will then begin to descend through a well-preserved mule track to the Nozzano fountain, a sandstone spring built by Napoleon's army to meet the water needs of the underlying camp, and then to Campiglia, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the entire Gulf of La Spezia and the Apuan Alps. There we will have our lunch and set off again following the AV5T towards Portovenere. Just after leaving the village you will come across an old renovated windmill, from there the most beautiful part of the whole route will begin and perhaps one of the most beautiful paths in all of Liguria. In particular, the path will wind along a trail overlooking the sea, immersed in the Mediterranean scrub, passing through the Località il Pitone from where you will enjoy a spatial view of the Muzzerone cliff, the promontory of Portovenere, the Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto islands. The arrival in Portovenere will be heralded by the view of the Castle and the famous Church of San Pietro built on a rocky spur at the end of the village. We will conclude the excursion with a quick visit to the town of Portovenere.