Noli, Castle, Bric Groppino and Voze

This loop trail starts from the historic centre of Noli, one of Italy's four minor maritime republics, and climbs to the castle of the Marquises of Finale through medieval alleyways and olive-grove paths. From the 12th-century fortress perched on a rocky spur above the sea, views stretch from Capo Noli to the tip of Bergeggi. The trail continues to Bric Groppino (250m), crossing Mediterranean maquis of mastic, myrtle and white cistus. The descent to Voze weaves through abandoned olive terraces colonised by Aleppo pines and fragrant wild rosemary. The return to Noli follows the old coastal road, passing the Romanesque church of San Paragorio, an 11th-century national monument with Byzantine frescoes. In spring, broom and cistus flowers light up the scrubland. Avoid midday in summer due to sun exposure on shadeless stretches.