Trekking in the Italian Riviera

Among the towns of Liguria, Recco is known more for the focaccia with cheese than for the beauty and for the paths, but it actually offers the opportunity to do this wonderful day trip to the sanctuary of the Madonna of Caravaggio. From a certain point of view, it is also nice to see this hiking route as the slow and scenic way to go from Recco to Camogli.

Leaving the station of Recco (trains are the best solution to move between the paths on the sea of Liguria), go down to the right, go under the railway bridge and start climbing up by creuze and small roads. (The creuze are the typical Ligurian lanes that descend from the hills towards the sea).
This one-day trek starts between villas and small fields; as you go up you start to see the first views on the Golfo Paradiso and the promontory of Portofino.

As you go up, the view becomes wider. The path is always comfortable and when it becomes a large lawn, the panorama also spans the Gulf of Tigullio, with Rapallo in the foreground, the cliffs between Rapallo and Zoagli, then the cities of Chiavari and Lavagna and, in the distance, the peninsula of Sestri Levante.

The last part is instead a steep road - stairway; the last effort is rewarded by the arrival to the imposing sanctuary.

From here, the descent brings back the beautiful views of the Golfo Paradiso, with Recco and the whole Ligurian coast towards Genoa ... and beyond.

We recommend, at this point, to go down to Camogli, both to change route and to visit one of the most beautiful places in Liguria. When you start hiking through the first houses above Camogli, the path passes in truly picturesque corners between stone walls, luxurious villas and lush vegetation.
The arrival in Camogli at sunset, then, is the perfect conclusion for a trek.

For those who want to stay in Camogli and then walk the following day on the promontory of Portofino click here to find the best offers for accomodation. .

As an alternative path, from Recco you may also walk west to Sori, Bogliasco and Genoa: an amazing itinerary with lots to see.
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