Hiking from Monterosso to Levanto and Continuing on to Bonassola

It's been a few years since we hiked from Monterosso al Mare to Levanto, the first city north of Cinque Terre and often considered a gateway to the region.  We cross over into Monterosso's old town and start up the hill to join up with the trail along the sea to Levanto.

Looking back at Monterosso

Following the trail up

Monterosso from further up

Coast around Monterosso

At the top of the trail, we have the option of continuing north along the cost to Levanto or turning right (east) and following a trail along the ridge around Monterosso to Colle di Gritta and Soviore.  We continue straight along the sea and follow the trail up the coast for a little over an hour.

Choosing a path

Continuing along the coast

Around halfway, we pass by and visit Podere Lovara, a cliffside farm that is part of a project to "salvage an ancient agricultural world and to develop the local resources in a sustainable way."  We admire the food products in the small store and the great view and then continue on our way.

View at Podere Lovara

The trail occasionally turns inland for a bit, sometimes down into and back up small valleys, but always returns to the sea.

Continuing along the trail

Returning to the sea

Continuing along the way

Soon, we start to descend into Levanto, with a few more stretches of seaside walk.

Descending into Levanto

Occasionally still along the sea

Levanto appears

We enter the city, pass along the beach, and head over to Cafe Roma for a lunch of  5 Terre Bruschetta (tomato, mozzarella, anchovy, olives) and Zeno Panfocacce (stracchino cheese, pesto with nuts, cooked ham).

Passing by the beach

Lunch

After lunch, we decide to continue up the coast to the next town, Bonassola.  We have two options to get to Bonassola:  a 6 km (3.7 mile) hike and bike path through the old 19th century railroad tunnels along the sea or a trail over the hills above the tunnels.  Since we've just completed a long trek across hills to get to Levanto, we opt for the more-level hike and bike trail and follow the tunnels to Bonassola.

Through the old railroad tunnels

Along the way, in breaks between tunnels, we get fabulous views of the sea and of secluded beaches and coves.

Views along the way

Soon we reach Bonassola and wind up our  journey for the day with a train ride back to Monterosso al Mare.

Arriving in Bonassola

Another great day of hiking along the sea!