Coastal paths between Riomaggiore and Corniglia

Access

By train or by car, leaving it in La Spezia and arriving at Riomagiore by train. In the city, a free parking area is beyond Viale Amendola.

Introduction

The Cinque Terre are world-famous for their breathtaking views and it is a shame that the attention to detail often does not live up to their reputation. Some of the coastal paths, as well as being subject to tolls (!), have been closed for years and who knows how long it will take to see them open again... perhaps in 2024 (only the sections from Monterosso to Corniglia remain subject to a €7.50 fee). There are alternatives that make up for these shortcomings: the 'via Beccara' between Riomaggiore and Manarola (recently recovered) and the high route between Volastra and Corniglia. Both are the subject (in the first case in part) of the present excursion. In addition, the stretch between Costa del Corniolo and Groppo (almost horizontal) and as far as Volastra is unknown and therefore deserted (therefore very interesting!).

Description

Get off the train and visit Riomaggiore. When you reach the car access road, turn left onto via De Gasperi to reach the starting point. Via Beccara (an ancient link) climbs very steeply (to be done at a leisurely pace) with uneven and very high steps...! You quickly gain altitude. Having discarded a diversion for the carriage road, we continue in a less strenuous manner until we find a beautiful viewpoint where we level off at 240 m. From Costa del Corniolo, the steps descend to Manarola, with a gradient greater than the ascent we have just passed. In reality, one makes a different choice, going straight and passing a little gate. Strangely, the direction is absent from the vertical signage on site! Almost immediately the signs reappear, keeping to the left at a fork in the road. We cut across a false plain, bearing in mind that the right signpost is for Groppo (240 m). When you reach the village, cross it until you come to a sign on a wall inviting you to turn right. With a slightly wilder path, you climb up to the houses of Volastra. At the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Salute (12th century) in Volastra (335 m), a break is possible. The path is now almost flat and runs alongside several vineyards. One observes the small hamlet of Porciana (360 m) and then enters a forest. The route then descends towards the village, which is finally reached. At the end of the tour, a zigzag staircase leads down from the station and the train to La Spezia 
In summary. Dif. E - disl. +350 mt - 8 km x approx. 3h30 Tot + access to the station and the visit of the two maritime villages, plus all the other breaks x see the various sights. Convenience: sufficient. Best period: from autumn to spring. Time: excellent. Tour interest: high+ 

Below is the link to the pdf file with many photos, as well as the full story
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/Corniglia022.pdf  

http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/year2022.htm
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2022.htm  

NB: in the case of an excursion, always check with FIE, Cai, any park authorities or other institutions, pro loco, etc, that there have been no changes that have increased the difficulties! No liability is accepted. The present text is purely indicative and not exhaustive. 

Info Hiking Section Cral Galliera: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/esc.htm
trips 2022 at the link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite022.pdf