PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Palmaria Island Loop: a seaside trek past forts and hidden coves

Portovenere, provincia della Spezia · Liguria•1 day•Hiking · 177 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
provincia della Spezia, Liguria
On your own?
No problem
Points
+13
Palmaria Island Loop: a seaside trek past forts and hidden coves
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Palmaria: the sea-loop trek

A whole island, one single loop trail.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Portovenere and in minutes we're already on Palmaria Island, ready to walk the entire loop. We climb through woods and Mediterranean scrub, drop down toward the shore, then climb again: the trail keeps mixing sea views and height without ever getting repetitive. Along the way we pass the CEA, the old Semaforo Battery now turned into a hostel, and we can take an optional detour to the panoramic terrace of Il Roccio, one of the finest viewpoints in Liguria. Those who fancy a break will also find the bar-restaurant at Pozzale beach.

This isn't just any island: until not long ago it was military land, and the forts we pass along the loop still tell that story of cannons and lookouts over the sea.

5 reasons to join - a loop that circles an entire island - views over the Gulf of Poets from every ridge - military forts and lookouts along the way - optional detour to the Roccio panoramic terrace - sea and trail, all in one day

Who it's for Anyone with decent fitness and sure footing on ups and downs: a couple of steeper downhill stretches, nothing technical though.

Portovenere, the sea, an island waiting to be explored: come walk it with the Guidders.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Recommended age 45+
It's not a rule: it just tells you what kind of group to expect. You can still sign up if you're outside this range.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+13 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
353 m D+ · 8 km · 3 h
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 3 h and 353 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Licensed hiking guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Ferry
✕Travel to Portovenere
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
353 m
Max altitude
177 m
Distance
8 km
Duration
3 h
Map
Day
8 km · D+ 353 m · 3 h
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Back to Terrizzo — return to the cars with the Guidders, Piazza Del Terrizzo 3, 19025 Portovenere provincia della Spezia, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
A
09:30MEETING
Departure from Portovenere — meeting with the Guidders
Ci troviamo con i Guidders a La Spezia al porto, pronti a imbarcarci per l'isola Palmaria. L'orario è indicativo e può variare in base alla stagione: quello preciso lo trovi nel gruppo Telegram dell'uscita.
B
10:30HIKING TRAIL
Arpaia promontory and the island's wildest stretch
We climb path 510 towards the Arpaia promontory, with the little church of San Pietro visible in the distance. Here the trail gets wilder, the climb gets steeper and we go step by step through rock and Mediterranean scrub.
C
13:00VIEWPOINT
Pozzale — Coffee Break
We head down a steep stretch to Pozzale beach, stopping at the bar-restaurant for a coffee break with a sea view. The descent asks for a bit of care but rewards us right away with the turquoise water below.
D
14:00VILLAGE
CEA Semaforo Battery — summit lunch break
We reach the Semaforo Battery, the highest point of the loop, stopping for lunch with wide views over the gulf and the Cinque Terre. Here the group enjoys the best moment of the day, between incredible views and the satisfaction of the climb.
E
16:00RETURN
Back to Terrizzo — return to the cars with the Guidders
Chiudiamo l'anello tornando a Terrizzo, dopo aver fatto il giro completo dell'isola con i Guidders. Ci aspetta una birra fresca o una Coca Cola per brindare insieme a questa bella escursione, prima di prendere la barca che ci riporterà a La Spezia.

How do you get to Portovenere? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Visor hat
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Moisturizing cream
RECOMMENDED
Mineral salts and supplements
RECOMMENDED
Change of clothes
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Gianpaolo
Gianpaolo
· 29 outings with Guiddy
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Gianpaolo, an environmental hiking guide and tour leader: from Brianza originally, but long since at home in the province of Parma. My real home, though, is whatever trail I'm walking. I carry the mountains in my heart and a passion for long-distance routes in my backpack, and I don't have a favourite place: lacing up my boots and setting off is enough. What I enjoy most is sharing kilometres and feelings with whoever is walking beside me, because every outing is a journey and every group a new story to live step by step. The backpack is always ready. 🎒 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

After your outing, you can share your story too.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 3 h with 353 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Ask Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Hi, I'm Ibex. Ask me anything about this outing: level, what to bring, meeting point, car pooling, payment.
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice. Prefer WhatsApp?
Palmaria Island Loop: a seaside trek past forts and hidden coves

Palmaria Island Loop: a seaside trek past forts and hidden coves

Portovenere, (SP) · Liguria
1 day · Hiking · 177 m
Elevation gain
353 m
Max altitude
177 m
Distance
8 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
3 h
Guiddy points
+13
4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Palmaria: the sea-loop trek

A whole island, one single loop trail.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Portovenere and in minutes we're already on Palmaria Island, ready to walk the entire loop. We climb through woods and Mediterranean scrub, drop down toward the shore, then climb again: the trail keeps mixing sea views and height without ever getting repetitive. Along the way we pass the CEA, the old Semaforo Battery now turned into a hostel, and we can take an optional detour to the panoramic terrace of Il Roccio, one of the finest viewpoints in Liguria. Those who fancy a break will also find the bar-restaurant at Pozzale beach.

This isn't just any island: until not long ago it was military land, and the forts we pass along the loop still tell that story of cannons and lookouts over the sea.

5 reasons to join - a loop that circles an entire island - views over the Gulf of Poets from every ridge - military forts and lookouts along the way - optional detour to the Roccio panoramic terrace - sea and trail, all in one day

Who it's for Anyone with decent fitness and sure footing on ups and downs: a couple of steeper downhill stretches, nothing technical though.

Portovenere, the sea, an island waiting to be explored: come walk it with the Guidders.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
353 m D+ · 8 km · 3 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 3 h and 353 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Licensed hiking guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Ferry
✕Travel to Portovenere

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 9:30Back to Terrizzo — return to the cars with the Guidders
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
A
09:30MEETING
Departure from Portovenere — meeting with the Guidders
Ci troviamo con i Guidders a La Spezia al porto, pronti a imbarcarci per l'isola Palmaria. L'orario è indicativo e può variare in base alla stagione: quello preciso lo trovi nel gruppo Telegram dell'uscita.
B
10:30HIKING TRAIL
Arpaia promontory and the island's wildest stretch
We climb path 510 towards the Arpaia promontory, with the little church of San Pietro visible in the distance. Here the trail gets wilder, the climb gets steeper and we go step by step through rock and Mediterranean scrub.
C
13:00VIEWPOINT
Pozzale — Coffee Break
We head down a steep stretch to Pozzale beach, stopping at the bar-restaurant for a coffee break with a sea view. The descent asks for a bit of care but rewards us right away with the turquoise water below.
D
14:00VILLAGE
CEA Semaforo Battery — summit lunch break
We reach the Semaforo Battery, the highest point of the loop, stopping for lunch with wide views over the gulf and the Cinque Terre. Here the group enjoys the best moment of the day, between incredible views and the satisfaction of the climb.
E
16:00RETURN
Back to Terrizzo — return to the cars with the Guidders
Chiudiamo l'anello tornando a Terrizzo, dopo aver fatto il giro completo dell'isola con i Guidders. Ci aspetta una birra fresca o una Coca Cola per brindare insieme a questa bella escursione, prima di prendere la barca che ci riporterà a La Spezia.

How do you get to Portovenere? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Visor hat
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Moisturizing cream
RECOMMENDED
Mineral salts and supplements
RECOMMENDED
Change of clothes
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Gianpaolo
Gianpaolo
29 outings with Guiddy
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Gianpaolo, an environmental hiking guide and tour leader: from Brianza originally, but long since at home in the province of Parma. My real home, though, is whatever trail I'm walking. I carry the mountains in my heart and a passion for long-distance routes in my backpack, and I don't have a favourite place: lacing up my boots and setting off is enough. What I enjoy most is sharing kilometres and feelings with whoever is walking beside me, because every outing is a journey and every group a new story to live step by step. The backpack is always ready. 🎒 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

After your outing, you can share your story too.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 3 h with 353 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
No date
€29
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed