Hiking Monterosso to Levanto

One of our favorite hikes is north from the northernmost Cinque Terre village, Monterosso al Mare, to Levanto, often used a a base for the exploration of the villages and, in addition to being a gateway to Cinque Terre, turing out to be an interesting and fun destination on its own.  In past years, we hiked from Monterosso to Soviore and then followed the ridge around Monterosso to meet up with the trail north along the sea.  This year, we shorten the hike by a few hours by heading north out of Monterosso, directly up to the the tral to Levanto.  We pass through Monterosso, from the old town to the new town and then up to the trail.

Passing through Monterosso, then up

We start to get views over Monterosso and of the coastline and the other villages south of us.  The sky is full of great clouds and we hope to finish before they bring rain.

View of Monterosso and the coast

Continuing up

Monterosso grows smaller as the sky threatens

Vernazza in the far distance

We reach the top of the trail from Monterosso and start along the coast toward Levanto

Trail along the sea

We meet several large groups of hikers heading in the other direction, from Levanto to Monterosso, waiting politely for each group to pass.

Group hike

Continuing along the sea

Soon, the trail starts to descend as we get closer to Levanto.

Trail starts down

With more views of the sea

We reach the end of the trail and follow the road into Leanto.

Road into Levanto

Approaching Levanto

Reaching to town, we walk past the beach with its umbrellas shuttered on this chilly, potentially rainy day.

Levanto on a not-so-good beach day

To celebrate our annual hike to Levanto, we stop at our favorite restaurant, Casa Roma, and share Bruschetta Cinque Terre (tomato, anchovies, olives) and a tomato buratta salad (with ham).

Bruschetta, salad

Another great day on the Mediterranean and another great hike to Levanto!