PATHS DEIVA MARINA

The Mezzema-Incisa-Deiva Trail - Duration: 5 Hours

From the town's center one climbs along the provincial road that runs along the Deiva stream until the road forks for Mezzema, from where a paved road must be followed until reaching a curve after which to the right three stone steps must be climbed so as to follow the old trail that once connected Mezzema to the valley. During the climb one may take note of a typical magmatic dark rock formation called serpentine. Thus the ancient Longobard village is reached, which even Dante Alighieri is said to have passed through. Higher up the mountain, after having passed the village, one must turn right after having passed a fountain, thus heading towards Monte Carmo, another Ligurian Pre-Roman castle ruin where relics from the Copper Age have been found. Before reaching Carmo, within an olive grove's environs, one must deviate towards Monte Incisa through a splendid chestnut and oak forest until reaching the Lena spring, where the rare, yellow-breasted ululone bird (Bombina pachypus) may be admired. Proceeding along the steep climb, one will arrive in Monte Incisa, where, upon reaching the mouth of the spring, one must turn left and proceed along the stunning mountain ridge between the Deiva and Moneglia valleys. Having reached the Valico di Castagnole mountain pass, one must descend to the left towards Deiva Marina, amid a stunning backdrop of Mediterranean bush.