Trekking for Boxing Day
Flower Riviera, Portofino and the Tigullio, The Cinque Terre
26th December, is also known as the day after Christmas and Boxing Day. In this case, it would work perfectly for a detox trek. The image of historic and symbolic sites allows one to have a spa day for the mind while Liguria's winter views on the sea reveals why you would get mild shocks to the system. With a sprinkle of inner strength one can even partake in a daring winter dip. Here are a few ideas from west to east of the region.
That final beach before France: from Ventimiglia to the Balzi Rossi
In the far western part of Liguria, in Ventimiglia, just a stone’s throw from the French border and the Côte d’Azur, you’ll find a fantastic trail. Starting from the Balzi Rossi along the Via Aurelia, it offers breathtaking views, including Cap Martin and Menton. This sea-view itinerary lets you soak in stunning panoramas, breathe in the sea air, and immerse yourself in culture: from the Archaeological Museum and the Balzi Rossi caves, home to the area’s earliest inhabitants, to Villa Hanbury with its botanical gardens. And if the sun is shining, why not take a dip at one of the beaches?
Val Ponci, the valley of bridges in the Finale area
In Val Ponci, time has stood still. Everything remains as it was in the days of the ancient Romans, who built five marvellous bridges here, dating back to the 1st/2nd century AD. The ancient Via Iulia Augusta, constructed by Emperor Augustus in 13 BC, ran (and still runs) through this valley, connecting the Roman municipality of Vada Sabatia (modern-day Vado Ligure) with southern Gaul. The trail, suitable for walking or mountain biking, starts in Verzi. The first bridge is the Ponte delle Fate, followed by the Ponte Sordo, now almost vanished, and then the Ponte Muto with its perfectly rounded arch. Continuing through the quarry area, you’ll encounter the fourth bridge, the Ponte dell’Acqua, which is partially buried. The final bridge, the Ponte di Magnone, has been submerged by the passage of time.
Punta Manara: the trail from Sestri Levante to Riva Trigoso
This is one of the most scenic and renowned coastal hikes in the Riviera di Levante: from the historic village of Sestri Levante, the "City of Two Seas," to the village of Riva Trigoso. The Punta Manara trail is the perfect choice if you want to immerse yourself in the quintessential Ligurian landscape. Start from Vico del Bottone in Sestri Levante’s historic centre, just a 5-minute walk from the train station. From here, follow the signs for Punta Manara and pass under an archway of typical Ligurian houses. In no time, you’ll find yourself surrounded by ancient olive trees, vegetable gardens, and holm oak woods.
Manarola: trekking behind the scenes of the nativity scene
Stone-paved staircases, blooming heather, vegetable gardens, and terraced vineyards – this is the vertical Liguria you’ll experience on the trail starting from the centre of Manarola, near the Church of San Lorenzo. Begin at a staircase along Via Antonio Discovolo, around number 118. On the first stretch, as you ascend from the village, you’ll come across figures from the famous nativity scene. It’s the “behind the scenes” of the spectacle, offering a glimpse into the magic created by Mario Andreoli, a retired railway worker who used 8 km of electric cables, 17,000 lightbulbs, and over 300 life-sized figurines made from unused or recycled materials. With panoramic views of the village’s amphitheatre and dry stone walls, the path eventually connects to the trail leading to Volastra and Corniglia.
