Levanto – Colla dei Bagari (REL trail marker 573 / Alta Via junction)

The route starts directly in the urban area of Levanto, leaving the level streets of the town centre to follow the old pedestrian routes climbing the south-facing hillside.

The first part of the route climbs steadily between dry-stone walls, vegetable gardens, olive groves and historic rural houses, offering broad and spectacular views over the Gulf of Levanto and the coastline stretching westwards. As the altitude increases, the typical vegetation of the terraced slopes gradually gives way to increasingly dense Mediterranean scrub, dominated by maritime pine, strawberry tree and tree heath, before entering cooler, shaded woodland.

The ascent ends at Colla dei Bagari (also known as Sella dei Bagari), at an elevation of approximately 480 metres. This pass is an exceptional panoramic viewpoint and a major hiking junction: from here the view simultaneously extends over the open sea and the outlines of the Val di Vara. The pass is a key crossroads for hikers planning longer traverses, with connections eastwards towards Monte Soviore and the Cinque Terre, or westwards towards Monte Bardellone.

The trail has a significant and continuous elevation gain and requires a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness. The surface consists of historic cobbled sections, which can become very slippery in rain or heavy morning humidity, and unpaved trail with fixed and loose stones. Trekking boots with good ankle support and an adequate supply of water are recommended, especially during the warmer months because the first section is exposed to the sun.