PASSEGGIATA ANITA GARIBALDI

In the heart of Nervi, where we live, is a beautiful promenade by the sea, passeggiata Anita Garibaldi.

It is easy to find if you come by train: step out of Nervi station, walk 10 metres and you will see a sign "Marinella" on the left. Go down the stone path and you have arrived.

  This is my favourite place anytime of day. Early in the morning you will see people jogging and walking their dogs. At lunchtime small, informal looking beach restaurants open for business and tables fill in quickly. Late afternoon it is time for a quick espresso or a generous portion of ice cream. In the evening there is a gentle breeze from the sea and it is the perfect place to build up an appetite and have a quick drink, an aperitivo, before dinner.
 

 

 

The fully covered path, 2 km in length one way, officially starts from this small port for small leisure boats (see pic above).  

 

 

 

This area is worth exploring too: there are many restaurants, cafes and ice cream bars. Also, a communal outdoor swimming pool at the end of the pear, which is currently closed. However, it is possible to walk all the way to the end of the pear and have a swim from there. 

 

 

 

The path twists and turns with a full view of the sea. Very, very long time ago - from 1820s onwards - the same route was used by fishermen and farmers. In 1945 the city of Genoa named it according to Anita Garibaldi, wife of general Giuseppe Garibaldi. The passeggiata looks very green and tropical in places, there are huge palms and other trees along the way.

 

 

 

 

Along the passeggiata there are couple of kayaking clubs and a diving school. Often on the weekends, it is fun to watch people playing water polo with the kayaks. A natural rock pool is open during the hottest months of the year.  In many places, there are also steps down leading the rocks. Quite good for fishing too, judging by the number of hopefuls with their fishing rods every weekend.

 

 

 

During the weekend, especially on Sundays, you will not see passeggiata as empty in this pic above. The benches are full of people reading newspapers, talking to phones, chatting with friends...

 

 

Ships queueing to get to the Genoa port are a common sight. I love watching the ships, often 3-4 together forming a chain.

 

 

 

Several well marked small tunnels and steps from the passeggiata lead to Parco di Nervi. This very big park is a great area for walking and if sea views are not enough to keep one entertained, three art galleries certainly will!