Punta Manara Coastal Path
The headland south of Sestri Levante hides one of Liguria's most rewarding short hikes: a two-hour loop to Punta Manara where the Mediterranean stretches uninterrupted to the horizon and the town's twin bays appear in perfect miniature below you.
The Trail Up
The trailhead starts at the southern end of Baia delle Favole near the railway underpass — look for the red-and-white CAI trail markers for path number 3. The first twenty minutes climb steeply through fragrant macchia scrubland of rosemary, cistus and wild lavender, and the effort is repaid almost immediately by the views opening up behind you.
The path is rocky in places so wear proper trainers or light hiking shoes rather than flip-flops. Total elevation gain is around 180 metres, manageable for anyone of moderate fitness.
The Panorama at the Top
At the headland itself a ruined medieval watchtower marks the high point. From here on a clear day you can see the Portofino promontory to the northwest and the Cinque Terre cliffs fading into haze to the southeast — essentially the entire arc of the eastern Ligurian Riviera.
Bring a picnic: there is a flat grassy area beside the tower with a stone bench that is arguably the finest outdoor dining table in the province. Sunset visits in late spring and early autumn are especially spectacular.
The Return Loop
Rather than retracing your steps, take the lower path that skirts the cliff edge and drops back down toward the small beach of Riva Trigoso. From there a local bus (line 4) or a 25-minute flat walk along the coast road returns you to Sestri Levante centre.
The entire loop is approximately 7 km and takes two to three hours at a relaxed pace. Trail maps are available free at the tourist office on Piazza Matteotti.
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