Borzonasca - Abbazia di Borzone - Case Bancora - Borzonasca

This straightforward loop trail leads you to the Borzone Abbey complex, a key site in Val Sturla. Historically, it served as a crossroads for coastal paths and is part of the "Sacred Line of San Michele", a spiritual route from Ireland to the Holy Land with various monasteries and sanctuaries.

Begin your hike in Borzonasca, a 30-minute drive from the Lavagna highway exit via SS 586 to Val D’Aveto, or take a bus from Chiavari.

Park in the designated area in the town center (check for time limits). You'll find grocery stores, bars, and restaurants here. Cross the street to enter the pedestrian zone.
On Via Marrè, near the Aveto Park Authority, turn left onto the "Path of Resistance" for a few meters, then right to follow the trail marker . The path is flat through the forest, then descends onto a dirt road.

Cross the bridge and continue left on the drivable road to the sports field. The trail briefly re-enters the scrub, then emerges on a paved road. Follow it right for just over 500 meters until the trail marker directs you back into the woods.

Follow the clear path through the forest to the first houses of Borzone hamlet (Note: after heavy rain, the last meters on water-covered stones can be slippery). Here, you'll see stone faces meant to ward off evil spirits.
Continue on the drivable road, and in a few minutes, you'll reach the stunning Abbey of Borzone (abbaziaborzone.it), about 40 minutes from Borzonasca.

After visiting the Abbey, head behind it and take the paved road for a few meters. Leave it to climb left on loop A9, following FIE trail markers .
This scenic path climbs through meadows, reconnects with the drivable road, then turns right to ascend through Ligurian terraces. After passing an abandoned farmhouse, it continues into the woods.

You'll reach Case Bancora, a small cluster of partially restored stone houses built with ancient methods.

Cross the village and follow a dirt road towards Vallepiana. After a hairpin turn, reach a junction.

Leave the main path to continue on loop A9, which levels out before descending to Pastine and through the villages of Araxi di sopra and Araxi di sotto. You'll pass rustic houses and a small chapel.

Continue right on a path just above the drivable road to return to the Abbey. Follow the same route back to Borzonasca, where a stop at Bar/Pastry Shop Macera is recommended to try their artisanal products.