Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano

Demanding trail

• Trail Conditions: On foot
• Interest: Panorama, Religion, Hystory

• Departure: Porto Azzurro
• Arrival: Porto Azzurro
• Duration: 4 hour/s
• Difficulty Level: demanding
• Length: 9.6 km
• Difference in height: Uphill 443m

The loop hike begins in Porto Azzurro, in the heart of old Porto Longone, a fortified landing place built by Spain in the 17th century to control the access to the Gulf of Mola. The path is mostly wide and easy to walk, but some stretches near Monte Castello are exposed and only suitable for expert hikers. Path No 222, also known as the Carmignani walk, begins at the foot of the ancient fortress of San Giacomo, which currently houses a prison; the path runs along its southern and eastern walls and then descends to the sea near the Barbarossa Beach, that takes its name from the infamous Turkish pirate who ravaged the Mediterranean coasts in the first half of the 16th century. The beach of Naregno, Forte Focardo and Mt. Calamita can be seen from the path. Then take path No 224, which goes inland. Cross provincial road No 26 and take the path into the valley of Monserrato until a centuries-old pine. From there, path No 226 takes to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monserrato, built in 1606, which can be seen on a rock spur in the middle of the valley. Path No 225, instead, goes west, enters a thick pine wood and goes gently uphill until the watershed between the valleys of Botro and Monserrato. At the spurs of Mt Castello the path leaves the wood: friable rocks on the ground make this stretch tricky, and caution necessary. At the fork, path No 225 continues on the left, and takes to the cross overlooking the valley, where you can enjoy the wonderful view; on the opposite side, take path No 218 and then 205, where the most demanding stretch is. On a flat area (319 m a.s.l.) cross the wide GTE road and go south.Walk downhill to the junction with path No 210 and reach Porto Azzurro.