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Experience Liguria’s western Riviera beyond the Cinque Terre and enjoy the rugged coastline in nearby Sestri Levante. There are 3 named mountains in Punta Manara. The highest and most prominent mountain is Monte Castello.
A rocky triangle-shaped cape extending into the gulf of Tigullio, Punta Manara is situated between the towns of Sestri Levante and Riva Trigoso in the Italian region of Liguria. The small area has been protected since 1977 and covers just 1.9 sq. km (0.7 sq. mi) with an elevation of 266 m (872 ft).
Punta Manara is composed of sandstone from Monte Gottero, a sedimentary rock more than 65 million years old. The rock originates from the Alpine orogeny, when the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided.
The area offers a spectacular coastline characterized by jagged rocky cliffs intertwined with small pebbly beaches that are mostly only accessible by sea.
Hike through typical Mediterranean vegetation such as holm oaks, strawberry trees, cork oaks, and pine forests and take in spectacular views of the beautiful Baia del Silenzio and Tigullio Gulf.
Wind your way past terraced olive groves and vineyards and experience a mix of deciduous woodland on the northern part of the peninsula, made up of downy oaks, flowering ashes, hop-hornbeams, and even some cork oaks. As you move closer to the sea, the vegetation changes to tree spurges, maritime pines, Aleppo pines, and umbrella pines that provide the region with pine nuts used in its traditional pesto sauce.
Keep an eye out for birds of prey such as the short-toed eagle, peregrine falcon, Eurasian hobby, and black kite circling the skies. Other animals in the area are martens, squirrels, and dormice, along with a protected day-flying moth known as the Jersey tiger.
The nearby town of Sestri Levante was founded by the Liguri Tigulli people and was originally an island before later being connected to the mainland. In Roman times, the town was known as Segesta Tigulliorum and eventually became part of the Republic of Genoa in the twelve century BCE.
Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, best known for fairytales such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, spent a long period in Sestri Levante. He even has a bay named after him, the “Baia delle Favole” or fairytale bay which references his stay here.
Once a quiet fishing village, Sestri Levante has become a popular tourist destination for Italians, particularly for the Milanese who tend to set up home here over the summer months.
Punta Manara offers year-round hiking, best enjoyed in the off-season. Avoid the summer crowds and enjoy perfect Mediterranean hiking from fall to spring.
Enjoy a variety of environments and stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea. Punta Manara is accessible from several points in Sestri Levante, the most picturesque being Vico del Bottone in the town center.
The full ring is around 6 km (4 mi) or you can opt for an out and back route up to Punta Manara. Although it’s by no means difficult, wear sturdy shoes as the paths are rocky at times.
Hike through the beautiful Cinque Terre, five former fishing villages perched precariously along the Ligurian cliffs. Walk along cliff tops through olive groves and vineyards with sweeping views out across the sea.
Stop off in each village to enjoy the atmosphere, take a break, or indulge in the region's local specialties: focaccia and pesto. Tackle the infamous blue path in one day, or make a trip of it, walking each section separately and experiencing each village fully.
Enjoy around 80 km (49 mi) of hiking trails in the nearby Portofino Natural Regional Park. Another promontory, the park offers spectacular sweeping views out over the sea, world war bunkers, and paths running along rugged cliff tops. There’s a mix of different trails suitable for varying abilities. Don’t forget to stop in San Fruttuoso for a dip in the turquoise waters and visit the bay’s beautiful Abbey.
Less of a hike and more of a stroll, this 5 km (3 mi) path follows an old railway line that joins the three towns. Walk, bike, or rollerblade along the route stopping off and enjoying each town, or take a dip at one of the many secret coves and beautiful lookout points. You can rent bikes at the start of the cycle route or bring your own.
Discover a wealth of beautiful towns lining the western Ligurian Riviera. Here are some options to experience the best of the local hiking.
Known as the town of the two seas thanks to the two beautiful bays flanking each side of the island, Sestri Levante is a buzzy little town full of character. Full of boutiques and local restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you busy while staying here.
Relax at the two pretty bays, lined with the typical colorful houses of the region, take a boat trip or kayak along the wild coast, or head up to Punta Manara for some hiking. You can reach Sestri Levante in around an hour from the Cinque Terre and a 45-minute drive from Genoa City Airport. You can also reach Sestri Levante by train from major cities such as Milan and Florence.
Located between Sestri Levante and the Cinque Terre, Moneglia is a great place to base your stay in the area. Enjoy the local beach, explore the surrounding hills peppered with olive groves and lemon trees, or gear up for some hiking in Punta Manara or the nearby Cinque Terre, which you can reach in 30 minutes by train.
Situated next to the Cinque Terre National Park, Levanto is another great option to base your stay in the area. Enjoy the local beaches, stroll around the town and enjoy the local cuisine. Rent a bike or walk along the Levanto-Bonossola-Framura cycle path or pull on your hiking boots and explore nearby Punta Manara and the Cinque Terre. You can even start your hike to the Cinque Terre directly from Levanto.
Explore Punta Manara with the PeakVisor 3D Map and identify its summits.
