San Giorgio - Montaretto (REL trail marker 663 / former no. 3)

The itinerary starts from the churchyard of the Church of San Giorgio, an elevated position offering one of the most spectacular aerial views over the entire Bay of Bonassola. Leaving the last stone houses of the village behind, the trail joins an old mule track developing mainly at mid-slope.

The first section crosses typical Ligurian terraces supported by dry-stone walls, where centuries-old olive groves dominate the landscape. Continuing north-west, the agricultural environment alternates with wilder areas: the track crosses small cool and shaded gullies and short woodland sections dominated by holm oaks, hop hornbeams and maritime pines shaped by sea winds. The scent of myrtle, strawberry tree and wild rosemary accompanies hikers throughout the route.

With consistently moderate gradients and a few short ups and downs over unpaved terrain, the trail opens again onto terraces near the destination. The itinerary ends upon entering Montaretto. This old hillside village, with its characteristic colourful houses and narrow creuse, preserves the atmosphere of another era and a strong social identity linked to the territory. From its square, the maritime horizon opens westwards over the coast descending towards Framura and Moneglia, with convenient pedestrian connections towards the beaches or uphill towards the Alta Via del Bracco.

The trail is very well defined, clean and free from technical difficulties or exposed sections. The surface is mixed, with beaten earth, stable scree and old paved passages near the villages. Although the route is easy, take care in shaded sections inside small gullies, where humidity may make fixed stones slightly slippery. Lightweight hiking shoes or trail-running shoes with a lugged sole are recommended. Carry a water bottle during summer months.