Marcia Internazionale Mare e Monti 2026 — Arenzano’s Walking Festival

Every September, the coastal town of Arenzano welcomes walkers and hikers from across Europe for the Marcia Internazionale Mare&Monti, a non-competitive walking event that celebrates the unique geography of the Ligurian Riviera: where mountains plunge directly into the sea. For over four decades, this event has drawn thousands of participants for a weekend of walking, intercultural exchange, and piazza parties.

Four Routes, One Stunning Landscape

What makes the Mare&Monti special is its setting. Arenzano sits on the Riviera di Ponente (the western Riviera), backed by the Parco Naturale Regionale del Beigua, a UNESCO Global Geopark. The walking routes exploit this dramatic geography, starting at sea level on the palm-fringed lungomare and climbing into the terraced hills and chestnut forests of the Ligurian Apennines within a few kilometres.

Participants can choose from three or four marked routes, typically ranging from a family-friendly 6 km coastal stroll to a challenging 25+ km hike reaching altitudes of over 1,000 metres with panoramic views stretching from the Portofino promontory to the French Riviera on clear days. Each route is fully signed, with rest stops offering water and local snacks (focaccia, farinata, and fresh fruit).

The event is officially recognised by the International Marching League (IML) and attracts walking clubs from Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and beyond. It’s as much a cultural exchange as a sporting event — the weekend includes parades, concerts, flag ceremonies, and communal dinners that turn the town into a festival of international friendship.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Arenzano is 20 minutes by train from Genoa Piazza Principe on the Ventimiglia line. The town centre and starting area are a short walk from the station.
• Registration: On-site registration is available at the starting point; arrive early on Saturday morning to avoid queues. The fee (typically €5–15 depending on the route) includes a bib, map, rest-stop refreshments, and a finisher’s medal.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the longer routes. The mountain trails can be rocky and exposed — bring water, sun protection, and a light jacket even in September (the hilltops can be cool).
• Combine with: Before or after the walk, explore Arenzano’s other attractions: the Villa Negrotto Cambiaso park with its monumental greenhouse, the Santuario del Bambino Gesù di Praga (a major pilgrimage site), and the town’s signature focaccia arenzanese (focaccia topped with melted stracchino cheese). The Beigua Geopark offers spectacular hiking year-round.
• Admission: Registration fee varies by route.