The Gassetta Mill

Santa Margherita Ligure
Arriving to Nozarego by car or with the 77 bus, continue walking towards the paths to Gave and Mulino. (Follow the signs “+”)

The departure is a well-marked cobbled climb that is located near the bus stop after the church. After the initial climb, the trail advances on the plains overlooking the Gulf and, in particular, Punta Pedale and the Cervara Abbey, until reaching the Gave, a crossroads of paths characterized by a small chapel dedicated to Saint Jerome. From here continue to the right following the “+” signs towards Olmi. After Sant’Anna, a small village near the Acqua Morta stream, where there is a tap of drinking water on the underpass, the cobblestones line up; climb up and after the last flat stretch, you’ll arrive to the Gassetta.

Difficulty level: medium
Average duration: 45 minutes

Paraggi
Arriving by car or with the 82 bus stop at Paraggi, proceed towards the parking lot. At the furthest left of the restaurant (now closed), begins the path towards the Valley of the Mills*; the hike consists of a steep walk, but very fascinating and special one, well-marked with signs displaying the history of the mills, until finally reaching the Gassetta Mill.

*Along the way, in fact, you can see what remains of the 35 mills that once were operating in this area; a series of descriptive panels illustrate the various functions. The path, consisting mainly of stone steps, continues into a valley where you will find a small stream running along the first part of the trail. Near some mills, now transformed into houses, and through the thick vegetation you can glimpse a slice of the sea. After a last ramp, under the chestnut trees, you’ll arrive at the Gassetta Mill.

Difficulty level: medium
Average duration: 1hr 20 minutes

Portofino Vetta
Arriving to Portofino Vetta by car, continue walking towards the paths leading to Pietre Strette, Bocche, Crocetta, the deviation for the mill. Very varied walk through natural environments.
The path, mostly flat with some slightly sloping sections, starts behind the hotel and passes under the Rai antenna. After 5 minutes you’ll arrive at Gaixella, a small area, a crossroads of numerous paths equipped with benches, wooden tables and a tap for drinking water. Take the path (square signposts) that, in short and without difficulty, arrives at Pietre Strette, the fulcrum and crossroads of the entire Monte di Portofino. Here you continue straight ahead (always following the square signs), up to the crossroads of the Olmi, where there is the junction signaled to the left for the Gassetta.

Difficulty level: low
Average duration: 1hr 45 minutes