I woke up early at 6:00am with a hot day. I dismantled the tent, set up the bicycle and after a breakfast at the campsite bar and I walked with the bicycle towards the beach and took a look, a peaceful corner where at dawn I  reflected on the calm sea having some early fishermen.  After taking a few photos I left the campsite.


The first stage - I left the campsite in Albenga and I cycled on the Via Arurelia road (SS1) along the coast with ups and downs with enchanting breathtaking scenery that kept me company passing through the seaside towns of Ceriale, Borgheto Santo spitito, Loano, Pietra Ligure, Finale Ligure.  The route became flatter with views of rocky landscapes overlooking the sea with beautiful beaches, passing by the villages of Varigotti, Noli, after passing Spotorno after some kilometers on the right side of the coast of the road could be seen very closely, more or less 200 meters away, the Island of Bergeggi, also called Sant’Eugenio, a Marine Protected Area, located in front of the municipality of Bareggi. Then I continued on, crossing through city of Savona where there were some cycle sections, and on to Celle Ligure, Varazze, up to Cogoleto.


The second stage - After passing the town of Cogoleto I continued on the same road (SS1) as it had little traffic with splendid views of the sea. Generally, in the vicinity of a coastal town near the seaside resorts there are always short cycle/pedestrian sections that will continue along the seaside towns of Arenzano and then on towards the city of Genoa, the capital of the region of Liguria.


The third stage - I left Genoa and I resumed the Via Arurelia (SS1) along the coast of and Riviera di Levante. The Eastern Riviera is a strip of territory that unites the city of Genoa to the east and extends with the coastal centers of Chiavari, Rapallo, Camogli or Portofino.


The fourth stage - I continued to pedal on the SS1, passing the seaside resorts of Nervi, Bigliasco, Pieve Ligure, Sori and from the town of Recco the road slowly winds inland, with alternating climbs and descents crossing the town of Recco di Camogli. The road then enters deeper into the heart of the hinterland and the panoramic views are truly breathtaking over postcard landscapes including mountain and coastal areas from which you can admire the Golgo of Genoa. After a few photographs I continue with sunset landscapes which are always very beautiful until I reach the town of Rapallo.


The fifth stage -In Rapallo or in the area there wasn't a campsite, it didn't worry me too much, I would have found a different accommodation but I had asked a local person if he knew a campsite in the area and he advised me that there was one at the entrance of the freeway and after a climb I finally reached the Miraflores campsite in Rapallo.


The last leg - After having pitched the tent in the place they gave me, a quiet corner but strangely a little further away was a ball field where they were having a football match. After having a shower I went to the reception to collect the electric plug to recharge my electronic things. There were no markets or restaurants in the area but from the campsite you could order take-away pizza, which I ordered and ate near my tent, it was a good margherita pizza with a fresh Coca-Cola, and with the football match over, I made some notes of the trip, sent a few text messages to friends and relatives as I did every day and finally I fell asleep and was excited for the following day!

















BLOG I DAY 2 I ITALY'S FOUR SEAS: A cycle tour along the Italian peninsula

September 15, 2023  Albenga  - Rapallo, Liguria  I  108.4 Km