From Riomaggiore to the Montenero sanctuary: trail 593V, the Via Grande, the loop and the bus plus 593C. Times, ascent, history and views.
Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero above Riomaggiore
Altitude
about 340 metres above sea level
Most direct trail
593V from the Marina1.3 km and about 300 metres of climbing
Time
about 55 minutes up30 minutes down
Difficulty
hiking gradeE), lots of steep steps
Cost
freeno Cinque Terre Card needed
Feast
procession on Whit Monday
The sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero sits on a pine-shaded plateau about 340 metres above Riomaggiore. It’s the classic walk straight from the village: an hour’s climb, almost all on steps, and at the top the widest view over Riomaggiore and the Cinque Terre coast. Here’s which trail to take, how long it takes and what to see up there.
By Italian Riviera editorial team·Updated on ·4 min read
The sanctuary: history and legend
Tradition says an icon of the Virgin, perhaps Byzantine, was buried to hide it from the Lombards and found centuries later beside a spring that had suddenly appeared, where the villagers built the first church. That’s the legend; the first document mentioning the sanctuary dates from 1335. Today’s building is the result of works in 1740 and 1847.
The church has three naves and an 18th-century fresco by the painter Battaglia from Castelnuovo Magra. The venerated image is a small painting of the Assumption with the Apostles, restored in 1947. On Whit Monday it is carried in procession: the day that matters most to the people of Riomaggiore.
How to walk up to the Montenero sanctuary
Trail 593V: the stairway from the Marina
The most direct and most scenic route. From the Marina, walk up Via Gramsci towards the coast road between the tall houses, then take the stairway towards Via di Loca. At the main road by the cemetery, cross over, skirt the cemetery and climb until you meet the coast road again. Walk about 200 metres towards La Spezia: after a bar and a small car park, beside a roadside shrine to the Madonna, the steps start again. The last stretch crosses farmed terraces and scrub up to the sanctuary square.
It’s 1.3 km with about 300 metres of ascent: allow 55 minutes up and half an hour down. The gradient is steady and almost all on steps, but the view over the village opens up after a few minutes. In summer start early, as the lower section is in full sun.
Trail 593: the Via Grande
This is the old mule track climbing from the upper village, lined with shrines to the Madonna. It’s less steep than the stairway but also less scenic. Trail 593 carries on past the sanctuary to the Colle del Telegrafo: 4.5 km and about 470 metres of ascent in total, an hour and three quarters coming down from the Telegrafo and a bit more going up.
The Riomaggiore loop
The best way to see it all: go up the gentler Via Grande and come down the 593V stairway, with the village and the sea in front of you. The loop is about 3.5 km and takes an hour and a half of walking, plus your stop at the top.
By bus and trail 593C
If you don’t want to do the whole climb, take the Park bus from Riomaggiore to the Casen stop on the SP370 road. From there trail 593C climbs to the sanctuary in about 20 minutes, with just 56 metres of ascent. The bus is included in the Cinque Terre Card; check current times on the Park website or at the station info point. You can then walk back down to the village on the 593V.
What to see at Montenero
The square in front of the church is a natural balcony: below you the tower houses of Riomaggiore, around you the terraced vineyards and dry-stone walls, ahead the whole Cinque Terre coast. It’s the same view as a painting by Telemaco Signorini, View of Riomaggiore from the Montenero sanctuary, from around 1890. Signorini first reached the village in 1860 by this very route, coming down from the sanctuary.
Bring water and a snack: there’s room for a break in the shade of the pines. The church has no guaranteed opening hours; if it’s closed, the view is still worth the climb.
Practical tips
When to go: October to May, or in summer early in the morning or late in the day. Sunset from the square is spectacular, but bring a torch for the way down.
Footwear: hiking boots or trainers with a good grip; the steps can be slippery after rain.
Trail status: as of 1 October 2026 trails 593, 593V and 593C are listed as open. During weather alerts the council closes the trails: check on the Cinque Terre National Park website.
For keen hikers: from the Colle del Telegrafo the ridge trail runs to Portovenere, or you can head down towards Manarola.
With children: the bus plus trail 593C option works for them too.
Back in the village, our Riomaggiore guide covers what to see between the Marina, the church and the castle, how to get there and where to stay.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Montenero sanctuary
How long does it take to walk from Riomaggiore to the Montenero sanctuary?
About 55 minutes on trail 593V from the Marina, and 30 minutes back down. The loop via the Via Grande takes about an hour and a half in total.
Is the Montenero trail difficult?
It isn’t technical, but it’s tiring: about 300 metres of ascent, almost all on steps. You need a basic level of fitness and proper shoes.
Can I reach the sanctuary without the full climb?
Yes: take the Park bus to the Casen stop on the main road, then walk 20 minutes up trail 593C.
Do I need the Cinque Terre Card for Montenero?
No, the trails to the sanctuary are free. The Park bus, if you use it for the way up, is included in the card.
When is the Montenero feast?
On Whit Monday, with a procession of the image of the Virgin. The date changes every year, falling in May or June.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Riomaggiore
All places to stay in Riomaggiore on Booking: compare prices and availability.
