IM_12 Riva Ligure - Pompeiana

from via Aurelia in Riva Ligure take the road to Pompeiana (via Giuseppe Garibaldi, SP50). After a short strecth uphill turn right (arrow). Follow the mule-track which rises between the houses and greenhouses along the hill. A little further on, cross the asphalt road and carry on walking uphill on the mule-track. By a short but steep concrete stretch you soon reach the top of the ridge: turn right and walk along the narrow asphalt road. You shortly reach a little chapel dedicated to San Giuseppe and a little further on to the right is the saracen tower which overlooks the valley, the so called “Torre dei Panei” built in the XVI century to protect the coast from Barbary pirates' raids (place called Costa Panera, 205 m; 1 hour). After the tower (a plaque on the wall describes its history) you follow the cobbled path slightly descending through an olive grove as far as the first houses of Pompeiana. Turning left you reach Piazza Dante where you keep on walking uphill. To get to the main square it is advisable to cross the historical centre: leave the asphalt road and follow an uphill passageway to the left and then turn left again under an arch to reach the square of the church of N.S. Assunta (1.30 hours). From Pompeiana you can go back to Riva Ligure by doing the same itinerary or by using public bus (line number 18, autolinee Riviera Trasporti; www.rivieratrasporti.it).