Pitelli: Circular Trails, History and Views over the Gulf of La Spezia

Pitelli combines a dense network of trails numbered by the CAI with a historic town center and views over the Gulf of La Spezia. This creates a destination where short walks, more demanding hikes, landscapes and history follow closely together. The trails lead to the sea; at the same time, they connect Pitelli with the Alta Via del Golfo. This route is approximately 44 km long, has a total elevation gain of 1,800 meters and is divided into three stages.

Circular Trails between the Town, Forest and Sea

For a short, easy tour, the Anello Arancione is a good option: it starts at Piazza degli Orti and takes 30 minutes. The moderately difficult Anello Giallo leads from Pitelli via CAI 450 to Muggiano and returns via CAI 451; its walking time is 60 minutes. The Anello Blu starts in the center of Pitelli at Piazza degli Orti and follows CAI 450V towards Montiamoli.

The moderately difficult circular trail Anello Verde starts and ends in Pitelli and takes 50 minutes. It leads to the summit of Monte Soggio; from there, you can see across the Gulf of La Spezia as far as Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. The Anello Ruffino-Pitelli follows a forest path to the first houses of Pitelli. The different routes give you a clear basis for dividing your days between proximity to the town, forest paths, access to the sea and panoramic views.

History in the Town Center

The historic character can also be experienced directly in the town. Pitelli's historic center features several tower houses with vaulted entrances. Pitelli developed in the 16th century on the site where the medieval port of San Bartolomeo di Cento Chiavi once stood. The ancient Oratory of San Bartolomeo dates from the mid-16th century. The center also has a small museum dedicated to the First World War.

Traditions and Special Dates

The traditional Marcia dei Colli Pitellesi takes place during the feast days of the patron saint, San Bartolomeo. This non-competitive running and walking event includes two routes of 7 km and 14 km. At the Pitei'n Cantina event on August 15 and 16, 2025, guests were included in a communal and interactive presentation. These two occasions show different sides of the town: movement across the hills on the one hand, and a community event on the other.

Planning a Suitable Day in Pitelli

If you are looking for a hotel in Pitelli, the specific differences in route lengths and the destinations in the town center can provide practical guidance for planning your days. A 30-minute easy loop, a 50- or 60-minute moderately difficult circular trail, the view from Monte Soggio, the Alta Via del Golfo and the historic sites each offer a different focus. This allows you to connect your choice of accommodation with the interests that genuinely matter for your trip: hiking, landscapes, local history or community events.

Other destinations for planning your trip include Vezzano Ligure, Arcola, Colombiera-Molicciara, Campiglia, Torza, Ceparana, Varese Ligure and San Pietro Vara.

For the overarching travel overview: La Spezia.