Flying in the sky (Rocca Massima

Return variant. You can easily return to the car park following first of all via del Brecciaro and then via Torre Paola towards west.

Torre Paola and il Quarto freddo seen from the beach (© photo archive Circeo National Park)

Watch out: when publishing this guide book docking at Varo was forbidden by PAI (Hydrological Association) for problems related to geological safety.

Itinerary. The excursion starts with the docking in Caletta del Varo, from where the path with steps begins. This first section, situated on the southern side of the island, is characterized by typical Mediterranean bush with specimens of everlasting flowers, mastic trees, phyllirea, euphorbia, cistus and genistateae. The path goes up to the ex hunting house (currently not accessible) (1) nearby the remains of the Cistercian monastery (Monastery of Santo Spirito di Zannone) erected in 504 and abandoned 3 centuries after due to the continuous Saracen raids. From this area it is possible to observe some specimens of mouflons introduced for hunting purpose last century, even if it is easier to see the animal near the rocky coast. Continuing along the path on the left (2) you reach Monte Pellegrino (3), highest peak on the island, from where it is possible to catch a glimpse of Ponza, Palmarola, Ventotene and Mount Circeo ( on clear sunny days, it is easy to see the imposing ridge of the Lepini mountains rise right behind the Promontory of Circe). From Monte Pellegrino you continue by heading into the woods of Cavone del Lauro towards Punta Lauro. The woods consist of large holly oak trees, strawberry trees and tree heather. From Punta del Lauro (4) follow the coast along Punta di Levante towards Scoglio del Monaco and near Punta di Levante head up towards the monastery going back through the typical vegetation of Mediterranean bush you met at the start of the itinerary. Now, downhill following the path taken on the way there, you return to Varo. (by Venusta Pietrocini)

Variant. There is a variation of the path along the stretch between the Benedictine monastery and Monte Pellegrino which descends on the opposite side (north side) and enters the woods ending at the Capo Negro lighthouse from which you return by the same road.

Podarcis siculus patrizii (© Pietrocini) 