Massa Carrara in May - Montemarcello hike from Bocca di Magra to Tellaro

Before we left the weather forecast had not been that optimistic but so far we've had mostly sun with just a few clouds. Anyway the forecast for Monday is good as we set off for a hike between Bocca di Magra and Tellaro. Going up from Bocca di Magra where we find easy parking right near the start of the walk, the views back across the river mouth and of the village below are pleasant. Then the track stays amongst the trees with views of the coast towards Marina di Massa occasionally, passing behind a large building which is a Convent of Carmelitani

until we take the detour down to the rocks and cliffs of Punta Bianca. This is quite a wild area and the path down is actually officially closed, probably because it could be dangerous, and down on the rocks there are just a couple of fishermen. It's a hard slog back up the path and then we continue mostly in the woods, so with no views of the sea (our objective actually....) until the well-kept and quiet little village of Montemarcello, one of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia". 

It is indeed very pretty place, in particular the square which together with some of the historical centre was partially destroyed during the second world war. After a short rest to eat a snack in the sun we continue up to the Montemarcello Botanical Garden, which has potential but seems a little abandoned somehow. We also feel a little done out of the promised sea views. At this point the path continues towards Zanego and finally we come out of the words into the open with some really beautiful views of Tellaro. 

This is more like it! We stop for our picnic in a sunny place along the path now that we have finally attained the desired view, we are actually right on the path but there don't seem to be any other walkers.  Then it's time to plunge back into the woods for the long walk back. I now understand why the walk is described as suitable for a hot sunny day - most of it is in the woods, so yes a nice walk if you want the woods but not  Cinque Terre-like hike with spectacular views of the coast.....

By the time we get back to the car we are quite tired so after a quick look around the small but quite pretty village of Bocca di Magra we stop at the first beach we find on the way back by car, Spiaggia Fiumaretta. It's nothing special but we are pleasantly tired and lazy and it's warm and pleasant  to rest a while and paddle tired feet in the cool sea. A nice day.