A Sunset Hike to Remember

Picture by Luca Romi

The destination for this article is one that led us up.

Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes ⏳

Set the mood for your reading with the gentle melodies of this lo-fi track. Press play and let the music transport you to the serene mountains and the sun-kissed coast of Italy.

Get ready to hit the trail and chase the sunset with us.

The hike promises a date with nature, a serene church that sits on top of a mountain and a breathtaking sunset.

Itinerary:

Location:  Varazze, Liguria, Italy

Difficulty: 2/10

Time: 1 hour

Where: Discover the Charm of Beigua Park and Riviera Ligure di Ponente

We find ourselves in the Beigua Park, in the “Riviera Ligure di Ponente”. We’re in the region of Italy known for being the original source of pesto, one of the most popular sauces in the Italian cuisine. Just a short journey from Genoa we find the vibrant coastal town of Varazze, populated regularly by northern Italians drawn by its proximity, looking for a breath from the city, offering that perfect mix of mountain and seaside.    

On the hills of Varazze, a short hike leads to the summit of “Monte Grosso (405m) ”, where a serene church sits by itself. 

If you need more Information on how to reach the destination, click How To Get To Varazze

What: An Immersive Journey to Monte Grosso's Summit at Sunset

Our journey started from Varazze's beating heart – Piazza Bovani, to grab some focaccia slices to enjoy then at the end of the hike. “Vernazza” & “La Vesuviana” Focaccerie are very popular for this savoury treat. Timing was key as we aimed to reach the summit just in time to catch the sunset fading below the horizon. Dressed comfortably and armed with water, we started the hike.

The path is straight forward and easy to follow, beginning as a road, it ascends gently transitioning into a dirt trail as it goes deeper into nature. It’s so grounding that as you hike further, the excitement grows. The itinerary is relatively simple and the path is suitable for all, ideal especially for those looking to connect with nature and escape the noises of the city.

For those who would like to experience this sunset hike, but hiking is not your thing, the location is accessible via car as well until a certain point. The drivable road eventually ends and a dirt trail begins, ascending for about 3 kms.

Upon reaching the summit, the serene church “Santuario di Nostra Madonna della Guardia” stands silently. Here, few benches offer a moment of stillness in the midst of nature.

At the feet of the church, just a couple of mountain rocks lead to a cliff steady enough to sit and enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean coast. We enjoyed every bite of focaccia gazing at the view of the mesmerising sun meeting the horizon. 

Even without sunlight the path is easy to follow to descend the mountain. It takes about an hour at a comfortable pace.

Why: A Blend of Nature, Panoramic Views, and Italian Cuisine

This sunset hike is a chance to see quite an unknown location with a breathtaking panoramic view blending mountains and seaside landscapes with savoury taste of the local cuisine. The hike isn’t just about the view, it’s a physical workout as much as a meditation for the mind.

So, next time you find yourself in the proximity of Varazze, don't forget to hike your way up!

Varazze’s sunset hike lasts about an hour at a steady pace, but you're the boss of your own journey, hiking on your own terms. It’s every step along the journey.

Savoury treat for the activity: