Top of the World
To get to Monesteroli you can start from the characteristic and perched village of Campiglia, following the path n° 535, or you can take the road to the church of Sant'Antonio and then go down along the mule track in the wood. If you choose the second option, you will meet in a clearing the Menhir of the Devil, a sacred stone erected by ancient Ligurian populations. In the same place there are also the remains of the laying, where the peasants who came back from the vineyards on the path of Tramonti got rid of the load carried on their shoulders and took a breath. At the junction of the two paths the landscape opens up to the sea: the so-called "big staircase" begins, the most famous (and instagrammed) of the area: 1100 stone steps that descend steeply first towards a tiny group of houses clinging to a rocky spur overhanging the sea, and then continue even steeper towards the sea. Halfway down, in fact, the small village of Monesteroli appears, clinging to a spur of rock overhanging the sea. This is where, in ancient times, the grapes harvested from the surrounding vineyards were made into wine, and the baskets of grapes were transported up the 450 metre difference in height. At the bottom of the steps there are rocks (it would be improper to speak of a beach) where you can stop for a break and, if you wish, even swim in the sea. The staircase, defined as a monument to the fatigue of man, is quite challenging both to climb and descend and is not recommended for those suffering from vertigo, being totally exposed and without handrails. It does, however, offer some crazy views that partially distract from the effort.
