Trekking the Italian Riviera

Between Cinque Terre and Sestri Levante, in the eastern part of Italian Riviera, there are some small villages on the sea and many very scenic paths. The itinerary that leads from Deiva Marina to Riva Trigoso passing through Moneglia is one of the most peaceful and pleasant. This trekking itinerary is definitely one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of this part of Liguria (the other way is the kayak, with which we have visited rock by rock all the coast!)

As for the other paths along the Ligurian coast, it is the train that allows to reach more easily all the different locations, thus making easy also to hike one-way. From the Deiva Marina station, you can start walking towards the small historical center of the village.
Following the indications for Moneglia take a concrete road that starts steep and then becomes a quieter path. Between villas and olive groves you can admire beautiful views ranging from Cape Moneglia to the rocky cape between Framura and Bonassola, with the Maritime Alps in the background on the clear winter days.

Continuing along the comfortable path you arrive at the beautiful village of Lemeglio, perched on a hill behind Moneglia.

From here you descend into the village of Moneglia: you do not need more than a couple of hours at a leisurely pace for this simple but suggestive trekking itinerary.

Moneglia is a small resort, very popular in the summer, but out of season you can have the beautiful beaches all for you. Even the center, behind the road, deserves a quick visit.

On the opposite side of the village (ie to the west, while you arrived from Deiva Marina from the east) you can take the path to Monte Moneglia, Punta Baffe and Riva Trigoso. Also in this case the itinerary starts with a steep climb and then flattens... but this time there will be more ups and downs, for a total of 3-4 hours of walking time to Riva Trigoso. Starting from Deiva, in short, this trekking becomes a beautiful full day excursion.

But it's worth it! Both for the views and for the vegetation: Mediterranean bush, maritime pines and, unfortunately, some fascinating logs burned by an old fire.

There are several paths that connect Moneglia and Riva Trigoso. To lengthen the trek and make it more exciting, you should follow the trails that lead towards the coast. This way, however, there are more ups and downs. The descent towards Vallegrande is particularly fascinating.

Alternatively, you can keep at the higher altitude, following the signs towards Monte Moneglia, then avoid reaching the top and continue towards Riva Trigoso.
In both cases, it is absolutely necessary to walk the short deviation (10 minutes) to Punta Baffe (Cape Baffe).

Here, in fact, there are the ruins of an old tower and there is a splendid views of the Ligurian Sea. The panorama ranges from Punta Mesco (the promontory to the west of the Cinque Terre) to Punta Manara (behind which rises Sestri Levante).

The comfortable descent towards Riva Trigoso requires an hour from Punta Baffe. It goes through a myriad of strawberry trees, whose red spheric fruits are ripe and tasty, in autumn (and have nothing to do with strawberries of course). The shipyards of Riva trigoso are sometimes seen in the background.
When you arrive at the main asphalt road, if you go left you get to the sea in five minutes; going to the right, instead, you reach just as quickly the railway station of Riva Trigoso.
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