Monade Santa Lucia: Cycling and Hiking Trails, Culture in Diano Castello

Around Monade Santa Lucia, two different forms of activity are at the forefront of your trip planning; these are complemented by cultural and historical sites associated with Diano Castello. The Golfo Dianese cycling loop passes through Monade, while the Anello della Rovere hiking trail climbs uphill towards Località Monade. Churches, cisterns, a museum and local events provide further highlights.

Cycling and hiking routes with different characteristics

The Golfo Dianese cycling loop runs along Via delle Vallette through Monade and onwards to Colla di Diano San Pietro. It is approximately 70 kilometres long and can be ridden by both mountain bike and gravel bike. The loop is considered an excursion with numerous historical and cultural sights. Its approximate length remains relevant for your personal planning of a day’s cycling on the loop.

The Anello della Rovere hiking trail climbs uphill towards Località Monade and then continues along an unpaved road. It passes through a small woodland of downy oaks and stone pines before reaching the path to Pineta di Poiolo. The circular route also includes the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Rovere, which is considered a pilgrimage site that has existed since earliest times. For you, this creates a route profile combining an ascent, changing surfaces, woodland and a religiously oriented destination.

Cultural history in Diano Castello

Diano Castello provides the setting for several historical sites. The Romanesque church of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 13th century; the present-day Baroque church of San Nicola da Bari was built between 1699 and 1717. The Lone are underground cisterns in which rainwater was collected. The Convento delle Suore Clarisse houses a museum about the life and work of the nun.

Local themes and the landscape of Borgata Monade

The Premio Vermentino also provides a distinctive highlight. It offers tastings, exhibitions, conferences, guided tours and walks, markets with local products, street food, evening events and themed dishes. This allows you to include regional products as well as cultural activities. The 2025 Christmas programme in Diano Castello also included a Santa Lucia festival in Borgata Monade scheduled for 15 December.

The landscape reveals a transition between built-up areas and open surroundings. On a walk in Borgata Monade, you move from the built-up area characterised by villas with gardens into the countryside. Together with the woodland section of the Anello della Rovere, this creates an alternation between landscaped and natural passages. If you consider the character of your excursions when choosing your accommodation, these differences can help you consciously organise your travel days between cycling, hiking and culture.

More destinations

More places for planning your trip: Cesio, Trucco, Civezza, Pieve Di Teco, Airole, Ceriana, Valloria, San Bartolomeo Al Mare

To the overarching travel overview: Imperia.