Stage 8 · Chiavari → S. Croce del Corvo
- Distance
- 114 km
- Elevation gain
- 1,220 m D+
- Suggested days
- 2
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Surface
- 100% asphalt, 0% gravel · 54% on cycle routes
- Terrain
- Ligurian Coast
- Cycle path
- Only the Levanto-Bonassola-Framura stretch, about 6 kilometres, is a protected cycle path through the old railway tunnels. The continuation toward Deiva Marina and Tuscany remains at the project stage.
- Hospitality
- Convent
GPX 1.1 file with the track, elevation and the abbeys as waypoints. Tracks are calculated on real roads and cycle routes (OpenStreetMap): check them on the ground before you set off.
Stage map
Map of the stage Chiavari → S. Croce del Corvo: track, start, finish, places to stay and abbeys
Hover the profile to see the spot on the map
Tracks calculated on real roads and cycle paths (OpenStreetMap); elevations from SRTM data — to be checked on the ground
Main climb: 9.2 km at 5.6% (up to 558 m)
Other climb: 3.1 km at 8.6% (up to 283 m)
This stage on Komoot
The same track is on the project's Komoot profile: save it in the app and ride it with voice navigation.
Overview
Along the Riviera di Levante with the rolling climbs typical of this rocky coast. The route alternates seaside stretches with short ascents up to the Bracco Pass, ending in the silence of the Monastery of Santa Croce del Corvo above Bocca di Magra.
Notes from the road
The coast alternates continuous ups and downs, pacing matters more than speed. The Aurelia carries tourist traffic and trucks along this stretch, especially in summer. Beyond Framura the cycle path toward Bocca di Magra stays unfinished, worth checking the state of the works beforehand. The Bracco climbs at a steady grade to six hundred metres, then drops fast toward the sea. From Levanto to Framura the old railway becomes a path through lit tunnels, a safe, cool stretch.
What to see
Chiavari and its harbour, Sestri Levante and the Baia del Silenzio, Bracco Pass, Gulf of Poets, views of Portovenere and the islands, Montemarcello, Monastery of Santa Croce del Corvo
Where to sleep
Foresteria Santa Croce del Corvo; coastal B&Bs (70-95€); Levante hostels (45-65€)
Where to eat
Trofie al pesto, pansoti with walnut sauce, focaccia di Recco, Ligurian fried seafood, mussels marinara
Tips
Moderate tourist traffic in summer. Many ups and downs: manage your energy. The Bracco is long but rideable. Fountains are rare on the coast: fill up in the villages. At weekends the Bracco is busy with bikes and motorbikes: cross it on a weekday if you can. On the real track it is 114 km and 1,220 m of climbing: better over two days, stopping at Levanto (around km 50).
Water & supplies
Frequent services as far as Sestri Levante; then the roughly 15 km of the Passo del Bracco have no fountains or refreshments. Tourist traffic on the Aurelia in summer; water in Sestri and in the villages towards the Gulf of Poets. Sun reflected off the sea: sunscreen and full bottles.
Places to stay on this stage
- Monastero Santa Croce del Corvoguesthouse
Bocca di Magra, Ameglia (SP)- Price:
- n/a (board-style rates)
- Open:
- year-round, booking required
- Facilities:
- 90 rooms, refectory, seaside grounds
- Source:
- monasterosantacroce.it (Carmelitani Scalzi)
Carmelite guesthouse at S. Croce del Corvo, stage finish at the mouth of the Magra.
Abbeys on this stage
- Finish abbey: Eremo di S. Croce del Corvo
An amateur, non-profit project. The tracks are indicative: everyone rides independently, at their own risk.