Volastra among vineyards, caruggi and hiking trails

Volastra: village character in the hills

Volastra is an old hill village on the Ligurian Riviera, situated at an altitude of 300 metres. The village is laid out in the shape of an amphitheatre and consists of small houses and paved caruggi. As you explore, your first impression is shaped not only by the elevated location but also by the village’s narrow, stone-built structure. Vineyards and, in particular, olive groves are among the landscape features that characterize Volastra.

Trails through vineyards and woodland

This landscape can be experienced particularly vividly on Trail 586. It runs from the village of Volastra to the junction with Trail 587, just below the Case Pianca settlement. Along this section, the trail passes through terraced vineyards with dry-stone walls that are still in good condition. It then continues into a forest of maritime pines of the species Pinus pinaster. The trail therefore connects two clearly different landscapes, without requiring an additional destination within the village.

Trail 585 also reveals another side of the surrounding area. It is an old mule track that connects Volastra with the watershed between the sea and the Vara. From Volastra to the Sella Monte Galera, it climbs along the south-eastern slope of Monte Le Croci through chestnut woodland. Those who want to take different trail characteristics into account when planning their trip will find terraced cultural landscapes, pine forests and chestnut woodland here, described in separate sections of the route.

Hiking and orientation around Volastra

Trail 506 leads from Manarola through cultivated olive groves and then through the village of Volastra. There is a fountain in Volastra along Trail 506. Trail 530 follows the road known as the Strada dei Santuari from its southern end point at Colle del Telegrafo AV5T to Volastra. This trail is accessible by vehicle along its entire route. In addition, Trail 530 has potential for use as a cycling route.

In the area between Riomaggiore, Montenero, Volastra, Groppo and Manarola, hikes through the terraced landscape can be arranged with varying durations and levels of difficulty. When choosing a hotel, you can therefore consider the documented trails, the landscape and the village appearance as distinct aspects of your trip planning. This keeps your decision focused on the actual themes of the village: walking through vineyards and forests, historic trails or a stay with a cultural focus.

Church and traditional history

Volastra’s cultural attractions include the church of Nostra Signora della Salute, Our Lady of Health. It is considered a Romanesque church dating from the 10th to the 11th century. In 1240, it was mentioned under the name San Lorenzo. According to local tradition, Volastra’s origins date back to Roman times. Thus, the village brings together a medieval church, the church’s historic name and a long-standing local tradition.

More destinations for your trip to Italy

Maissana, Manarola, Sesta Godano, San Pietro Vara, Piano di Follo, San Terenzo, Bovecchio, Vignana

For the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.