From the Sea Villages to the Mountains
From the characteristic Borgo di Mare, a hamlet of Sestri Levante, continue eastward passing over the Petronio Creek bridge, bypassing the shipyards from the beach and continuing northward. The first part of the route runs on the paved road leading to the cemetery, leaving the latter on the left, we climb a hairpin bend where the road turns into a dirt road and is marked by the FIE “OO” marker ( two red marks).

Unfortunately, in 2004 a violent fire broke out that literally devastated the entire mountainous area of the promontory, this trail is developed right in the affected areas but it is still interesting to see how nature with strength, tries to regain its space.

The original trail markers have almost all been obliterated by fire, with a few switchbacks we climb the hill east of Riva where the vegetation laboriously rises again preparing for the arrival of the holm oak and pine trees.

Continuing at high altitude, you reach a junction that after another 10-minute walk leads to Punta Baffe, an ancient watchtower of the Republic of Genoa, now restored and used as a bivouac. Here the view encompassing the gulf is remarkable, a spectacular view of nearby Punta Manara.

After a visit to the tower, and the unique view toward the Levantine coast to Punta Mesco, we continue further up the trail to the junction to Mount Moneglia, where some benches and picnic tables have been placed. Continuing our course to the left, on the head of Vallegrande, we reach an elevation of 350 m. As you leave the inland area of the valley, heading towards the sea, you leave the burned area by passing the Rio della Valletta stream, which flows near Punta Moneglia.

Following the marked path (markers a red line and dot), you descend to the countryside surrounding the village of Moneglia, the signs help you find the right direction to the village and the fastest way to the station.