Monte Ceresa

Directly from the beautiful coastal town of Diano Marina, this 24 km spur route climbs up to the foot of Monte Ceresa in the Ligurian mountains.

From the coastal road SS1, turn onto Via Rossa in Diano Marina. Follow the road, passing under the highway, and continue into the village of Diano San Pietro. A single-lane paved road winds its way steadily uphill through numerous switchbacks, passing olive groves along the way. This section of the route is characterized by Mediterranean forests with a diverse mix of trees, including chestnuts, conifers, and holm oaks.
The second part of the ascent, leading up to the green mountain ridge, transitions to a gravel track. This section features some larger rocky areas and eroded sections, eventually reaching a plateau. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass occasional pastures with grazing cows and horses.
The final stretch of the track, leading to a small alpine meadow, is dotted with sharp stones and is a bit more challenging. Up here, at the foot of Monte Ceresa, you can soak in the tranquility and the panoramic views before heading back down to the coast or stopping in one of the small villages along the way.