THE VARIGOTTI WALK – NOLI

Starting from the hotel, you will have access to one of the most fascinating paths in Liguria, immersed in the Mediterranean maquis overlooking the sea: the Sentiero del Pellegrino (Pilgrim’s Path). The departure is from Strada Vecchia, a few minutes’ walk from the Varigotti Promenade: we recommend a very first stop at the Cassina Bakery to stock up on some goodies, such as focaccia or the famous jam-filled sfogliatine! The first stop is at the Church of San Lorenzo, a Benedictine abbey dating back to the period between the 11th and 13th centuries that dominates the famous Bay of Saracens. Returning towards the marker you can admire the striking Cerisola Mausoleum, a multicoloured wall decorated with lifebuoys and lifeboat ropes, made of cement and terracotta, phrases and notice boards narrating the exploits of Giuseppe Cerisola known as the Australian, a seaman from Varigotti, who spent part of his life in Australia. Continuing on, you will reach two of the most panoramic points of the route: from the first you will not only be able to see Punta Crena, but you will also be able to see a large part of the western Ligurian Riviera; from the second, paying a little more attention to the steep bottom, you will be able to enter the magnificent Grotta dei Falsari – also known as Grotta dei Briganti. Where does this unusual name come from? Legend has it that, in ancient times, some smugglers used this cave as a base for their shady dealings!

Continuing along the path, step by step, you will be approaching Noli, crossing the vegetation covering the overhangs of Malpasso: hidden here in the middle you will find the remains of the Romanesque Church of Santa Margherita and the Hermitage of Captain De Albertis, built at the end of the 19th century.

The route will continue through the typical Ligurian stripes, leading you to the centre of Noli, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

For the return to Varigotti we recommend using bus line 40, which you can wait for near the Passeggiata di Noli, still admiring the sea.

Useful information

The walking time is about two hours for the ascent and two hours for the descent.
For the ascent, follow the signposts consisting of a red X, while for the descent, follow the signs ‘Sentiero del Pellegrino’ (Pilgrim’s Path), with a crossed out red circle.

Our advice! Remember to bring water and something to munch on, comfortable clothing and above all, non-slip shoes!