Sant'Anna – Baccadore – Monte Castello – AV5T junction

The itinerary starts from the locality of Sant'Anna, located in the first hillside belt behind Levanto. The trail immediately follows an old stone mule track climbing at a steady gradient among dry-stone walls, centuries-old olive groves and small terraced vineyards testifying to the typical agriculture of the Ligurian coast.

The first stop is Baccadore, a small rural cluster of farmhouses and rustic buildings immersed in tranquillity, offering a splendid view over the Levanto plain below. Beyond Baccadore, the agricultural landscape gradually gives way to a denser and wilder woodland environment, initially dominated by maritime pines and holm oaks and later by majestic chestnut trees and tree heath.

The route continues up the mountain ridge along the slopes of Monte Castello, a wooded relief whose name probably derives from the presence of ancient defensive or lookout structures dating back to remote periods. This section develops in the shade of the tree canopy, providing a cool walk even on warmer days. The climb ends upon reaching the main ridge, where the trail joins a marked junction with the AV5T (Alta Via delle Cinque Terre). From this high-altitude point, the view is extraordinary: to the south lie the Ligurian Sea and the Cinque Terre coastline, while to the north rise the mountain profiles of the Val di Vara and the Apennines.

The trail is well marked and presents no technical difficulties, exposed passages or equipped sections. As it climbs continuously, it requires a minimum level of walking fitness. The surface is mixed: paved in the first section and unpaved or rocky in the upper woodland. Take care in the chestnut wood on the slopes of Monte Castello, where damp leaves and exposed roots can make the ground slippery, especially in autumn and winter. Hiking shoes with a lugged sole and trekking poles are recommended.