The Palmenti of Monte Varet

Experiences Activities

NATURE TRAIL
This peaceful excursion winds through the hills of the charming village of Casignana, crossing places of remarkable naturalistic and historical interest that extend between Monte Varet and the Pianori di Campolico. Here, the majestic rock walls that rise on the banks of the Butramo stream, the vast terraces, the paths, and the panoramic roads that follow one another, adorned by the luxuriant vegetation of oaks and the typical Mediterranean flora, constitute some of the most suggestive landscapes generously offered by nature.

Posizione

Casignana, Rc
Vai
Vai

Info

Trail Description

From Municipio square, proceed by car following the road signs towards "AREA PIC-NIC VARET," until reaching the "Bongiorno" refuge, the starting point of the excursion.

DIFFICULTY: E - Hiking
TIME: 6 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: 470 meters a.s.l. - 740 meters a.s.l.
MUNICIPALITIES INVOLVED: Casignana, S. Agata del Bianco

Start from the "Bongiorno" refuge, following a path among the rocks. Upon reaching the "Saitta" valley, cross it, and ascend among sandstone boulders, crossing a drinking water conduit. Continue uphill to the "Marcatu du Porcariu" hamlet and, after a few minutes, reach the "Gianvittorio" plains, a natural terrace overlooking the Bonamico river valley. Traverse a small pine forest dotted with cardoon plants until reaching a dirt track. At the junction (right sign), follow the track among oak trees leading to the "Piani du Pracusu." After a short distance, you'll encounter a large sandstone boulder ("Puntuni du Zonu") perched on the valley below (Valle Zonu). From here, the view spans 360°, offering a breathtaking panorama (Bonamico river - confluence of the Butramo tributary - Valle delle Grandi Pietre and the entire Zomaro ridge).
After a mandatory brief stop to admire the panorama, continue uphill, following a path among sculpted "crapigne" trees until reaching a TV repeater. Alongside the cliff overlooking the Butramo, walking on a compact sandstone boulder (Prachi Area), encounter a dirt track leading to the road to "Casello Varet." Turn right, pass the "Vallone du Surici," and after a few minutes, you'll reach the Pic-Nic Area (C.da Biveri) where drinking water is available.
Continuing, you'll come across a large oak tree (right marker), turn left, ascend a canyon, and arrive at a two-tank wine press. Proceeding, cross a small stream, and encounter the 2nd wine press (small single tank). Continue among oak trees and, taking an uphill path to the left, arrive at a plateau ("Fossa di Grigliari") dominated by asphodels, winter roses, oaks, and holm oaks, with a small single-tank wine press. Going back a few meters, find a second wine press.
Descend, briefly following a small stream, then, taking a path to the left among oak trees, arrive at a wooded hill ("Piano di Farmeni"). From here, follow the asphalt road to the gate. Leaving the "Piani di Varet," enter the area administered by the Municipality of S. Agata del Bianco. Following a dirt track, encounter a fountain "Acqua da Praca," proceed alongside a metal fence until reaching a second fountain "Acqua du Mirigliu." After bypassing the fence, continue downhill to the left among holm oak trees until crossing a stream "Vallone Simuni." Cross it, and shortly arrive at the "Passo du Cavaleri," offering a panoramic view of the tumultuous waters of the Butramo.
Ascend following the left trail marker for a short stretch, then descend to the right, crossing the "da Viti" valley. Here, the path becomes narrow and slippery, requiring attention. Continue following the trail markers, alternating between ascents and descents in a beautiful oak forest until reaching C.da "Zifrò." After crossing a small stream, encounter a massive sandstone rock and the "Zifrò" fountain.
Ascend to the left, and after a few minutes, arrive at a plateau "C.da li Gudici," where you take a dirt track leading to C.da "Minosciu." Descending, after a short stretch, reach a water catchment "C.da Zimbi i Cicciaregliu." Continue downhill, and after 500 meters, ascend to the left, intersecting the "C.da Due Arie" junction leading to the Campolico plateau.
At the junction, turn left, following the road for about 2 km to the Campolico Forest Gate. Take a short break for lunch, then proceed to the Campolico village. Following the road for about 2.5 km, you'll reach a junction, where you turn left, taking a dirt track through cultivated fields. Arriving at a gate, follow the trail markers to the right, alongside a fence, until intersecting a path ("Passu i Cola i Lupu"). Descend, leaving a large rock to the right, until reaching the barbed wire fence. Cross it, continue among holm oaks until the marker (olive tree), then descend along the ridge ("Serru Rovettu"), until intersecting the paved road leading back to the starting point.