The Five Villages Trail (San Gottardo - Lavaggiorosso - Groppo - Dosso - Montale)

The itinerary starts from the wooded saddle of San Gottardo, an important ridge hiking crossroads. Leaving the main trail, the route descends along the south-facing slope through coppice chestnut woodland before suddenly opening onto cultivated terraces preceding the arrival at Lavaggiorosso. Perched on a rocky ridge, this village enchants visitors with its closely packed stone houses and narrow pedestrian lanes.

After leaving Lavaggiorosso, the trail descends to the bottom of a cool wooded hollow, crosses a small stream and climbs the opposite slope to reach Groppo, a small rural settlement with an atmosphere of absolute tranquillity. Remaining at mid-slope, the route continues among dry-stone walls and centuries-old olive groves, offering constant views over the Levanto plain and the sea in the distance, until it enters Dosso, another splendid example of spontaneous Ligurian architecture with painted façades.

The final section develops in a steady and pleasant descent along an old stone-paved mule track, known locally as a creusa. Crossing areas intensively cultivated with vines, the trail ends at Montale, dominated by the monumental Parish Church of San Siro, dating from the twelfth century and historically the most important religious and civic centre in the entire valley before Levanto's coastal development. From Montale, hikers can return to Levanto on foot within a few minutes or use local transport services.

The route develops over highly varied terrain: historic stone mule tracks, unpaved trails and short asphalted rural-road connections within the villages. There are no technical difficulties or exposed passages. However, take care on the stone-paved mule tracks between Dosso and Montale: after recent rainfall or in high humidity, smooth stones may become extremely slippery. Lightweight hiking or trail-running shoes with a lugged sole are recommended.