Framura (Setta) - Costa - Castagnola - Monte Sant'Agata (REL trail 650)

The itinerary is the historic transition route linking the coastline to the mountain watershed of the Framura area. It starts from the hillside hamlet of Setta, characterised by typical tower houses and its fourteenth-century watchtower. Following restored historic pedestrian paths paved with stone and brick, the route climbs to the nearby hamlet of Costa, dominated by its renowned ninth-century Carolingian tower. From here the track officially follows trail 650 and heads inland through the rural localities of Rovereto and Castagnola, at approximately 160-200 metres above sea level, among centuries-old olive groves and dry-stone walls. Beyond Castagnola, the rural landscape gives way to dense woodland. The trail becomes steeper and climbs the forested slope to the 634-metre summit of Monte Sant'Agata. At the top, in addition to a 360-degree view over the Riviera, hikers will find the evocative ruins of the Church of Sant'Agata, dating back to the tenth century, and the foundations of the old medieval castle of Lagneto.

• Wear stable hiking boots: the historic mule tracks and the final woodland section include loose stones and natural steps requiring excellent grip.
• There are no certified drinking-water sources along the final wooded ascent. Refill completely in Setta, Costa or Castagnola before leaving the rural area.
• Take care in seasonal humidity: historic paved sections inside the villages and rocks in the undergrowth may become very slippery after recent rainfall or during periods of high overnight humidity.