Looking for an easy walk near Genoa? If you’re on the Riviera di Levante, stop in Sestri Levante and try the the Punta Manara walk with kids. It’s a family-friendly hike with incredible views.
The trail takes about one hour. It gently climbs along a scenic path with several breathtaking viewpoints. At the end, you reach one of the most beautiful panoramic spots on the Riviera di Levante.
Punta Manara is a triangular-shaped promontory overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. It stretches between Sestri Levante and Riva Trigoso. From its 176 meters (577 ft) above sea level, you’ll enjoy spectacular views that extend from Portofino all the way to Punta Mesco.
The Punta Manara hike is fairly easy and suitable for families, but strollers are not allowed on the trail.
Where to Start the Punta Manara Hike
We started the trail from the historic center of Sestri Levante, exactly from Vico del Bottone, located halfway along Via XXV Aprile.
Enter the small alley (well signposted), pass under an arch, and start climbing through gardens, orchards, and small vegetable plots.
The first section is the most challenging because it goes uphill along Salita della Mandrella. However, the surface is packed dirt, the climb is short, and it alternates with flatter stretches.
There are several ways to access the Punta Manara promontory:
- From the historic center of Sestri Levante (Via XXV Aprile): start from Vico del Bottone and continue along Salita della Mandrella. Follow the trail marked with two solid red squares.
- From San Bartolomeo della Ginestra or Riva Trigoso, passing through the houses of the Ginestra area. Trail markers: first two empty red triangles until the Monte Castello junction, then two solid red dots.
- From the Sestri Levante cemetery, climbing toward Mandrella. There are no official trail markers, but the path is clearly visible.
Another access point starts along Via Fascie, near the Cantine Molinetti area. Trail marker: two solid red dots.
The Punta Manara Hiking Trail
The trail begins in Sestri Levante and, after passing Punta Manara, continues down to San Bartolomeo (Riva Trigoso).
However, once we reached the panoramic viewpoint on the promontory, we turned back toward Sestri Levante.
The route is well marked. Along the way you’ll find scenic corners and benches where you can stop and admire the view of Sestri Levante slowly opening up on your right.
After about 10 minutes, you reach the first viewpoint overlooking the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence). If you have limited time or very young children, you can stop here and enjoy just this short section of the walk.
The trail passes through olive groves and Mediterranean vegetation, including holm oaks, maritime pines, oaks, and strawberry trees.
If you’re hiking with older kids and continue farther, you’ll eventually reach Bivacco Manara, also known as the Spianata del Telegrafo. Here you’ll find shaded picnic tables.
From this area, a steep staircase leads to the actual Punta Manara viewpoint. The panorama stretches from Portofino to Riva Trigoso and all the way to Punta Mesco.
This final stretch is not recommended for very young children because there are no protective railings. We let our kids walk only as far as the remains of the Saracen tower before returning to the bivouac area.
The Punta Manara Tower
The Tower of Punta Manara stands about 180 meters (590 ft) above sea level. It was originally one of several circular watchtowers built along the Ligurian coast.
Over time, the tower was converted into a windmill. In the last century, it found a new use as a telegraph base. For this reason, the promontory is also known as “Il Telegrafo.”
The Trail to Riva Trigoso
From here you can also continue along the trail toward Riva Trigoso, which is just as easy and well marked.
Pay attention when you reach a paved road. Shortly afterward you’ll see a yellow house and signs pointing toward Riva Trigoso or San Bartolomeo. From there, the path leads directly to the alley next to the church of the same name.
Reaching Punta Manara and Returning to Sestri Levante
We decided not to continue to Riva Trigoso. Instead, we retraced our steps and returned to Sestri Levante along the same trail.
Useful Tips for the Punta Manara Walk with Kids
There are no springs or fountains along the trail, so bring enough water with you.
The walking time from start to the viewpoint is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes at most, excluding breaks.
You don’t need hiking boots, but we recommend comfortable shoes with a non-slip sole.
The trail is suitable for younger children as well. A 4-year-old walked with us, although in some sections you may want to hold their hand.
The Punta Manara walk with kids is highly recommended. The path is shady, scenic, and dotted with benches and small panoramic resting spots where you can take a break.
Useful things to bring for the hike:
- a light snack
- a small backpack
- a water bottle
- a hat
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- comfortable walking shoes
Read also our guide to Sestri Levante with kids.
