Up From Monterosso and Over to Colla di Gritta

We take a short hike up from Monterosso al Mare, along the hills surrounding the city over to Colla di Gritta, and then descending back into Monterosso.  We first walk from Hotel Villa Steno in the old town through the tunnel into the new town and up the hill at the end of Via Fegina, north toward Levanto.

Starting up

The road up the hill leads us to a trail heading up more steeply and we start climbing.

Starting up the trail

Looking back at Monterosso

At the top of the hill, we branch off the trail to the left for a bit to take in the view at Punta Mesco, just past the ruins of an old monastery, S. Antonio del Mesco.

Monterosso

Monastery and Punta Mesco

Taking in the view

We have the choice of two trails from here:  one along the sea to Levanto and the other along the tops of the hills around Monterosso.  Today we choose to circle Montetrosso and start heading away from the water.

Heading inland

Away from the Ligurian Sea

We follow the trail to Colla di Gritta at the intersection of roads leading to both sides of Monterosso (old town and new town) and in the other direction toward Levanto.

Views of Monterosso and Levanto

Small towns in the hills

Circling around Monterosso

Descending to Colla di Gritta

Passing through olive groves

On reaching Monterosso, we walk through the streets to the train station on Via Fegina across from the beach.  At the station, we reward ourselves with two cones of fried mixed seafood (anchovies, shrimp, and calamari).

Entering Monterosso

Finding the beach

Lunch!

Back at Villa Steno

A great local Monterosso hike in Cinque Terre!