Today we present the historic route leading to the Santuario di Montallegro, following the Rio Tuia, a path that remained impassable for years.
Due to several sections requiring stream crossings and some particularly narrow passages, this trail is classified EE, suitable for experienced hikers.
The starting point is in Rapallo, in Via Tuia, a small side street of Via Aurelia towards Chiavari, on the left just before reaching the small church of San Rocco, where CAI Rapallo has placed an information panel.
From here, follow the paved road between the houses, noticing after a few meters the first trail markers 
and 
.
After passing the buildings, the route becomes a pleasant flat path along the stream, where you can spot an ancient mill in excellent condition, known as the Mulino delle Streghe, along with scattered houses and vegetable gardens.
Passing under the motorway bridge, the path begins to gently climb, offering some shaded sections. Upon reaching a large grey farmhouse, the route continues left directly along the streambed, which must be crossed to rejoin the trail climbing between rocks and then into the forest.
From here, continue steadily uphill, following the trail markers and 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 source of the Tuia stream, turn left to leave the forest and reach a small group of houses in Castrusso, where an old olive mill is still visible.
Continuing uphill, you reach the ruins of an ancient settlement known as "Casette". Here the trail splits: both directions lead to Montallegro, but for this route you continue left, taking the shorter option.
The path re-enters the forest and climbs steeply, paying attention to the marker , useful where the trail becomes less visible due to fallen trees and wild boar activity.
After about 20 minutes, you reach the mule track that will be used on the return.
Continuing right, a concrete staircase leads to the cable car station, where there is also a bar with a pleasant outdoor area.
From the road, access the tree-lined avenue leading to the imposing Santuario di N.S. di Montallegro (612 m), passing the first hotel-restaurant; another one is located just beyond the sanctuary, continuing to the right.
For the return, start from the cable car station and descend along the historic mule track, which initially offers panoramic views over the hamlet of San Maurizio dei Monti, before continuing with switchbacks through holm oak woods.
Along the way, following the marker 
, you will pass an abandoned stone shelter, useful in case of bad weather, before reaching a bench perfect for a scenic break.
From here, alternating open and shaded sections lead to the first houses in Il Pellegrino, where you briefly follow the asphalt road to the left before rejoining the trail that continues descending between stone walls hiding beautiful houses.
Upon reaching the small Church of San Bartolomeo, stay on the pedestrian path, now narrower, descending along Salita Montallegro towards the town center.
The trail markers guide you through the streets, crossing Don Minzoni twice, before descending onto Via Aurelia, just after the Auditorium delle Clarisse, and continuing left to return to the starting point and complete the loop.
ERRATA CORRIGE: due to a printing error, the second edition of our paper map shows the marker 
instead of .
