Hike from Levanto to Monterosso

Starting Point

The hike starts in Levanto, a place close to my heart and now my second home, having spent a few winters there as an adopted resident. I recommend staying there for at least a week to have time to enjoy all the beauty it has to offer; it’s a place rich in history that deserves its own story! Located on the western edge of the Cinque Terre National Park, it possesses all the charm of the Cinque Terre without their now nearly unmanageable hordes of seasonal and day-tripping tourists.

The exact starting point isn’t hard to find: just walk along the seaside promenade from the town center toward the rock known as “della Pietra” and the Agnelli family’s villa and park. Once you reach the castle, which overlooks the town, you’ll find a flight of steps leading up to the left: at the base is a sign with the classic red-and-white markings that will guide you on your hike. The first section takes you up mule trails and narrow roads that overlook the village of Levanto from above. At one point, you’ll cross the provincial road and follow it for a short stretch, but by following the signs, you’ll find the trail again after a few hundred meters.

Corbezzolo, November 2025

Mesco Promontory

The scattered houses you encounter as you climb the Mesco Promontory from Levanto— with their truly enviable view overlooking the sea—blend into the trees without spoiling the landscape. In any case, after a short while, they give way entirely to the vegetation: maritime pines, holm oaks, and mastic trees, against whose evergreen foliage the sea and sky stand out. Several sections of the trail, however, are more exposed (hence the advice to avoid excessively hot days): where the Mediterranean scrub is shorter, arbutus, myrtle, and broom bushes dot the blue backdrop. You’ll find yourself faced with a palette of hues that is sure to captivate any photographer or artist (this hike is perfect for any painter or aspiring painter who wants to let their creativity flow en plein air!).

Case Lovara Farm

Just before reaching the summit of the Mesco promontory, you’ll come to an ideal spot for a short break: an old farmstead that became part of the Italian Environment Fund in 2009. Since then, the farm has been home to a project aimed at restoring and revitalizing forgotten farming knowledge and practices, beginning with the restoration of traditional dry-stone walls and terraces, and the cultivation of the surrounding land using sustainable methods that preserve its biodiversity. The farm is open to visitors from March through December during the hours and at the prices listed on the FAI website. Upon entry, you can also enjoy a tasting of local products.

Sunset, November 2025

Punta del Mesco

Once you reach the summit of Punta del Mesco, you’ll find yourself facing all five of the Terre, set like jewels along the rugged coastline: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and further on, Portovenere; opposite, the island of Palmaria with Tino and Tinotto. Yes, it’s truly a viewpoint—the very definition of an “incredible spectacle,” —one that leaves you speechless or repeating , “Wow, how wonderful!”

The trail splits. To the left of the fork, the path descends toward Monterosso; to the right, it veers slightly off the main route and leads to an ancient place of worship, of which only the stone ruins of a Roman apse and a section of wall remain today. This isthe Hermitage of Sant’Antonio del Mesco, founded by Augustinian monks presumably around the 13th century.

Arrival in Monterosso

The descent begins , which, as every hiker knows, isn’t always the easiest part. Your knees are put to the test by the slope and the steps—or rather, the massive steps! When you meet someone coming up the hill who asks, panting , “How much further?”, you can’t help but be grateful that you didn’t choose to take the route in the opposite direction.

A good option, if you’d like to hike the trail in the other direction, is to return to Levanto via Punta del Mesco, without starting the descent toward Monterosso. In that case, if you’ve timed it right, you’ll be able to enjoy an incredible sunset, especially during the winter months. If, on the other hand, you’ve decided to complete the hike all the way to the village, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing swim, an aperitif, or ice cream (depending on the season and your preferences). From Monterosso, you can return to Levanto by train in just a few minutes, although the ticket price (8 euros in high season and 5 in low season) might make you want to tackle the climb all over again!