From Porto to Piana

Head to Porto Beach, the starting point for this walk.

(S/E) Start amongst the rocks at the southern end of Porto Beach. Follow the path along the seafront between the rocks. Take a stony slope. You will then reach a junction; take the path on the right which runs alongside the river, then continue up a very steep climb. You’ll reach a flat, shaded path at the junction with the road leading to Castagna harbour.

(1) Ignore the yellow markings and take the road on the left uphill, moving away from the sea. At the next bend – a hairpin bend to the left – take a path to the right of the road as you come out of the bend.
You’ll come to a dry riverbed; carry on straight ahead and continue up a very steep climb. You’ll emerge at the junction with the D81 road.

(2) Follow it to the right and walk alongside it, taking great care to watch out for traffic. Pass the Francescaghia Bridge to reach another bend.

(3) Turn left onto a barely visible path. Continue along the bed of an old river. Reach the road, turn left onto it and you’ll soon come to a hairpin bend.

(4) Leave the road and turn left onto the path marked in yellow – this is the Palami path. Keep a close eye on the signposting at all times. Continue up this long climb to reach the highest point at the Oliva Bona fountain.

(5) Begin the descent; keep to the right at the next junction to soon reach a large open area with rocks overlooking the Gulf of Porto; carry on until you reach another junction of paths.

(6) Keep to the right again, ignoring the path on the left which leads to Bocca Larga. A few metres further on, at another junction, take the left-hand path. This will take you to the Santa Maria junction.

(7) Turn left again to complete the descent and reach a footbridge over the Prazza Moninca stream just before the Piana Municipal Stadium. Cross the stadium either diagonally or by going round it. At
the car park exit, you’ll reach the designated area. Turn slightly left to reach the junction where there is a water tank.

(8) Turn onto the path on the right, cross the Mezzanu Stream, and continue to follow the yellow markings. Enter the village of Piana, passing the town hall before reaching the church in the centre of the village (E).

Water points: Village of Porto, Oliva Bona fountain, Village of Piana.

Once you reach the highest point of the walk, you’ll find a superb spot for a picnic with views over the Gulf of Porto and the village of Piana.

This one-way route requires two cars, one parked in Porto and one in Piana.