From Sestri Levante to Riva Trigoso via Punta Manara

From the historic center of Sestri Levante, on Via XXV Aprile, 5 minutes from the train station, take Vico del Bottone, following the signs for Punta Manara, under a vault of typical Ligurian houses.

As soon as you enter the alley, you take the Mandrella slope, on the left. Passing through olive groves and vegetable gardens, you arrive at Casa Mandrella, where you can begin to observe the panorama of Sestri Levante that slowly opens up on the right. This leads to the next Colla Mandrella (113m) where you come to a fork in the road, leaving the branch off to the left that cuts across the northern slope of Monte Castello, you continue on the sea side among the typical greenery of the Mediterranean scrub, walking among ancient olive trees, holm oaks, oaks, strawberry trees and maritime pines.

A number of benches, placed in particularly scenic spots, will allow for pleasant stops, offering ideal locations for picnics as well. A few tens of minutes’ walk will take you to the Manara bivouac, also called the “telegraph esplanade.” Here there is theold ruined watchtower, set in a splendid panoramic position overlooking Punta Manara and the sea; continuing up a steep brick staircase, you reach the Punta proper where there are the ruins of the tower, here you can enjoy a spectacular double view: on one side as far as Portofino, on the other Riva Trigoso as far as Punta Baffe.

Having retraced our steps, we continue on the path above Riva Trigoso, descending to the right and steeply downhill on large steps between cottages and cultivated areas, we arrive first at the classic country hamlet “Ginestra,” and then at the second settlement that of Le Rocche, followed by a couple of hairpin bends that lead to the connecting road between Riva and Trigoso.

Continuing in the direction of the sea, one arrives at the renovated promenade abutting thewide and beautiful beach that is very popular during peak season.