Loop itinerary from Rapallo to reach the Santuario di Montallegro, with a more adventurous first section along the Tuia stream, and the return via the classic mule track.
Due to several stream crossings and some narrow sections, this trail is classified EE (for experienced hikers); the best season is spring/summer.
The starting point is in Via Tuia, a small side street off the eastern Via Aurelia, recognizable by an information panel installed by CAI Rapallo.
Following the paved road between houses, the first trail markers appear: 
(being phased out) and 
.
In the initial section, the pleasant path runs flat alongside the stream; among the few houses, an ancient mill stands out in excellent condition, known as the Mulino delle Streghe, along with some small cultivated plots.
After passing under the motorway bridge, the trail begins to climb slightly through more shaded sections. At a junction near a large grey farmhouse, the route continues left directly on the streambed, which must be crossed to rejoin the path that climbs among rocks and then enters the forest.
From here, the ascent continues steadily, following the marker , crossing the stream a couple more times.
In two narrow and slightly exposed sections, CAI Rapallo has installed chains to make the passage safer.
After passing the Tuia spring, turn left to exit the forest and reach a small group of houses in Castrusso, where an old olive mill is still visible.
Continuing right leads to the ruins of an ancient hamlet called Casette, offering beautiful views of the sea and the Portofino promontory.
Signposts indicate two ways to reach Montallegro; this itinerary follows the Pianalunga route, longer but less demanding.
In this section, trail markers are scarce, but the path remains clear as it climbs through the forest, crossing dry streambeds. After a short descent, when the trail becomes flat again, pay attention to a path branching left between rocks (marked only by a cairn), as it is easy to continue straight.
The climb continues past abandoned rural buildings of Ca' da Basso, before reaching the larger settlement of Case di Besain, where the trail from Sant'Ambrogio joins.
Continue uphill for about 400 meters following 
to reach the ridge trail connecting Montallegro to Chiavari.
A short but steep climb of just over 100 meters leads to the summit of Monte Castello, where the remains of the ancient Castrum Rapallinum are visible; the summit offers an outstanding panoramic view over the Tigullio Gulf and the Ligurian mountains.
Back on the main trail, continue right along a pleasant flat section shaded by ancient holm oaks until reaching the first hotel/restaurant.
Shortly after, you arrive behind the Santuario di Montallegro (600 m), whose full beauty reveals itself by descending a few steps.
Descending the wide staircase leads to the avenue, passing a second hotel/restaurant and reaching the road (bus terminus: https://www.amt.genova.it/amt/orari_est/TOC/892.pdf), before arriving at the cable car station with a bar.
The path continues as a beautiful mule track, first flat and then descending in switchbacks, following 
.
At a wall hiding an abandoned house surrounded by a park, the descent continues past a small shrine and a rustic shelter useful in bad weather.
As you descend, the forest opens to panoramic views, including a stone bench viewpoint.
The trail ends on a road at Il Pellegrino; follow it briefly left to rejoin the path descending between private properties until reaching the Church of San Bartolomeo.
Keeping left of the church, follow the path down Salita Montallegro, initially narrow and rocky, then easier near the buildings.
Trail markers guide through the town, crossing Via Don Minzoni twice before reaching Via Aurelia near the Auditorium delle Clarisse, and returning left to the starting point to complete the loop.
ERRATA CORRIGE: due to a printing error, the second edition of our paper map shows 
instead of .
