Introduction: This is a ridge route, very airy in places, which gives a view of Monte Amaro that is not outstanding but certainly unusual. On fine days, on the other hand, the view stretching as far as the Adriatic Sea is marvellous.
Route features: The path that starts from Palena station is not well marked in its first part, as happens with little-used routes. Although the height gain and the distance are fairly demanding, the hike turns out to be accessible even to the less fit, since the route climbs gradually from start to finish.
Also read the story of our traverse of the Porrara from Palena to Guado di Coccia.
Route description
Near the station there are a few ruins of an old building; from here you would instinctively start walking. It seems, rather, that the path is further north along the tarmac road (the one we drove along coming from Campo di Giove); the result is the same. If we climb along the ridge line that starts from the station, the route gets tangled among the trees, but it is still hard to get lost. If instead we climb by the path, we will reach the ridge line more comfortably. The ridge is reached at a not very obvious little saddle. Gradually you come out of the wood and the view opens up to the right and left of our way. As far as the summit of the Porrara you keep slightly to the eastern side of the mountain. On the summit there is a very conspicuous metal cross, visible only in the last moments of the climb.
You go over the summit, carrying on in a steep descent to the saddle joining Cima Ogniquota and the summit of the Porrara. The path, very well marked, runs as far as Cima Ogniquota on the eastern side. Finally, the descent from Cima Ogniquota is fairly steep and quick, with a few slippery little moves, not too exposed, close to Guado di Coccia. Here it is obvious to descend following the ski runs down to the car park where we left the second vehicle.
Variants and alternatives
The variant is actually the Normal Route leading to Campo di Giove. From Guado di Coccia, near the buildings of the Guado, you take the northernmost gully. Here, keeping right, you come to a path that goes into the wood and will bring you close to Campo di Giove.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
At Stazione di Palena you can eat. Campo di Giove has many bars and restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Monte Porrara traverse?
The traverse from Stazione di Palena to Guado di Coccia is about 11 km, with 1000 metres of total ascent and an overall time of 5 hours 30 minutes. It takes in Monte Porrara (2137 m) and Cima Ogniquota (2100 m).
Is the Porrara traverse difficult?
It is graded E+ (Escursionistico, hiking path; the + marks the upper end of the grade): there are no technical mountaineering difficulties, but the height gain and the length should not be underestimated and the start of the path is not very obvious. The gradual climb makes it accessible even to the less fit; it is not suitable for children.
