Il Sentiero del Crinale
The Sentiero Alto (high path) (no. 1) (the high path) is an old mule-track, perhaps dating back to Roman times, which runs along the ridge which separates the coast from the hinterland.
A large part of the success of the Cinque Terre is due to the network of paths which cover the sea side of the mountains like a web.
For centuries the only connection not only between the five villages, but also with the municipality of La Spezia and the hinterland, were these routes which today are one of the best ways of getting to know and appreciating the Cinque Terre. The three main paths all reasonably easy for reasonably fit people, appropriately dressed are well marked by the section of the CAI of La Spezia with a red and white sign. The first is path number 1 which runs along the crest that separates the edge of the Val di Vara. The second is the path of the Santuari (Sanctuaries) which links halfway up the hill the places of worship of the respective villages. The third is path number 2, more well known as Sentiero Azzuro (blue path) which links up all the five villages.
The road of the Sanctuaries
To each of these five villages of the Cinque Terre, halfway up the hill, corresponds a santuario (Sanctuary) to which the inhabitants have always been tied by profound devotion.
The Sentiero Azzurro
Path no. 2, more well known as the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), is one of the most appreciated pedestrian routes of the whole peninsula, both because it does not present particular difficulties and for the many views given to the millions of walkers that walk there in all seasons of the year.
Other paths
The three main paths, the Sentiero di Crinale (Path of the Crest), that of the Santuari and l’Azzurro (Blue Path), are only the most important itineraries of the Cinque Terre.
