This is known as the Cinque Terre's High Road or La Spezia's
C.A.I.'s n°1 path: a footpath that begins in Portovenere and
ends in Levanto. It begins at sea level (Portovenere) and
reaches a height of 800 metres to then descend again to sea
level (Levanto). It is forty or so kilometres long and one
needs ten hours to complete it and, though
it is tiring, anybody can do it. By following the ridge one
never reaches the summits so there are no difficult climbs
and descents, only gentle slopes, which look over the sea.
Because of this, some stretches are made up of dirt tracks
and tarmac roads. Only experienced trekkers should attempt
to complete the walk in one day, the others are advised to
programme stops along the way. It is possible to sleep overnight
at Campiglia, at Colle del Telegrafo, at the farmhouse in
the Pavi locality, at the Nostra Signora di Soviore Sanctuary
and at the Colle di Gritta, while you can eat at the Nostra
Signora di Montenero Sanctuary. The overall height difference
is about 1,300 metres. The walk is usually split into six
legs even though there are numerous alternatives thanks to
the many paths that cross or spin off the main path, which
is marked by a white stripe and a red stripe. It's considerable
a light mountain path, thus one must wear trekking shoes and
sportswear; also it must be taken with the right attention.
Last note: the path is described starting from Portovenere;
however it's recommendable to take it from Levanto, since
from this side the ascent is slightly smoother.