Passi di Speranza — Charity Trek for AIRC in Palmi

Casa di Leonida Repaci · Palmi, Costa Viola, Calabria

2 August 2026

On Sunday 2 August 2026, at 5:30 pm, Palmi hosts «Passi di Speranza» (Steps of Hope), a charity trek along the Costa Viola that gathers at the House of Leonida Repaci. Walking together along the coastal stretch of the Sentiero Leonida — past the Scoglio dell'Ulivo (Olive Tree Rock), the Grotta Perciata, the Grotte di Trachina and the panoramic Guardiola terrace — participants support AIRC's research against breast cancer, in memory of Eleonora. The entire proceeds are donated to AIRC through the Rete del Dono fundraising platform. The walk ends with a convivial gathering. Booking is required by 1 August through Ilaria and Arianna. Every step counts, and yours can make the difference.

A walk for research, in memory of Eleonora

«Passi di Speranza» is far more than a stroll: it is a collective act of solidarity. The initiative was created to walk alongside AIRC, the Italian Foundation for Cancer Research, and to support the work of researchers striving to make breast cancer ever more curable. The entire proceeds of the event are donated to this cause through the Rete del Dono platform, which AIRC uses for fundraising campaigns run by groups and individuals. The walk is dedicated to the memory of Eleonora: a memory kept with affection, turning grief into shared energy and into hope for those facing the illness. As the organisers' invitation says, every step counts, and yours can truly make the difference.

The trek along the Costa Viola

The meeting point is set for 5:30 pm on Sunday 2 August 2026 at the House of Leonida Repaci, the starting point of the walk. From here the group sets off along the coastal stretch of the so-called Sentiero Leonida, the trail named after the Palmi-born writer that links the most striking spots of the Costa Viola cliffs. It is a tourist and hiking trek, designed to share the landscape and its light in the late afternoon. The exact length and difficulty of this specific route are not stated in the official material: for precise information about the path it is best to contact the organisers directly when booking.

The places along the route

The route crosses some of Palmi's natural and cultural symbols. It starts from the House of Leonida Repaci, the Villa Pietrosa that the writer, playwright and painter Leonida Repaci (Palmi 1898 – Marina di Pietrasanta 1985), founder of the Premio Viareggio, donated to the town together with its park and art collection; set among about five hectares of centuries-old olive groves, it is one of the FAI's 'Luoghi del Cuore' and in 2025 was reborn as a house of culture. Along the way you reach the panoramic viewpoint over the Scoglio dell'Ulivo (Olive Tree Rock), the rocky islet of the Tonnara crowned by an ancient wild olive tree, a natural monument of the Costa Viola. The trail then looks out over the Grotta Perciata, a sea 'through-cave' of the cliffs, and the Grotte di Trachina, which preserve traces of prehistoric habitation. Finally it arrives at the Guardiola, the belvedere of Villa Repaci's park: on clear days the view sweeps from the Aeolian Islands all the way to Capo Vaticano.

The convivial gathering

The walk does not end with the last step. As is the tradition of charity initiatives, «Passi di Speranza» closes with a convivial gathering: a chance to pause together, share the meaning of the day and strengthen that sense of community which is, ultimately, the heart of the event. It is the finest way to seal a walk made of solidarity, nature and memory, and to remember that behind every step lies concrete hope for those who support research.

Practical information

Date: Sunday 2 August 2026. Meeting time: 5:30 pm. Starting point: the House of Leonida Repaci, in the Pietrosa area, along the Costa Viola of Palmi (RC). The exact street address is not stated in the official material: when booking, it is best to have the organisers confirm the precise meeting point and access arrangements, as the villa is normally open only on a limited basis. Since this is a coastal trek in the late afternoon, it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and, if possible, a small torch. To plan your stay in Palmi you can browse the available accommodation in town and the restaurants where to eat in Palmi.

How to take part and book

Taking part requires compulsory booking by 1 August 2026. For information and to reserve your place you can contact Ilaria on 331 3596472 and Arianna on 366 3149078. The official material does not state a fixed registration fee: as this is a charity event, the entire proceeds go to AIRC for breast cancer research, and the organisers will explain how to contribute through the Rete del Dono platform. We recommend booking early, both to help with the organisation of the day and to secure your place on this walk of hope.

Frequently asked questions

When and where does «Passi di Speranza» take place?

On Sunday 2 August 2026, gathering at 5:30 pm at the House of Leonida Repaci, in the Pietrosa area along the Costa Viola of Palmi (RC).

How do I book my participation?

Booking is compulsory by 1 August 2026. For information and reservations you can contact Ilaria on 331 3596472 or Arianna on 366 3149078.

How much does it cost to take part and where do the proceeds go?

The official material does not state a fixed participation fee. This is a charity event: the entire proceeds are donated to AIRC, the Italian Foundation for Cancer Research, to support breast cancer research, through the Rete del Dono platform. The way to contribute should be confirmed with the organisers when booking.

What is the route like and how difficult is it?

It is a tourist and hiking trek along the coastal stretch of the Sentiero Leonida, taking in the Scoglio dell'Ulivo (Olive Tree Rock), the Grotta Perciata, the Grotte di Trachina and the panoramic Guardiola. The exact length, elevation gain and duration of this specific route are not stated in the official material: ask the organisers to confirm when you book.

What should I bring?

As this is a coastal walk in the late afternoon, comfortable hiking shoes, water and, if possible, a small torch are recommended. For specific advice on equipment, contact the organisers directly.

Where exactly is the meeting point?

The meeting point is the House of Leonida Repaci (Villa Pietrosa), in the Pietrosa area of Palmi. The precise street address is not stated in the official material and the villa is normally open on a limited basis: have the organisers confirm the exact starting point and access arrangements when you book.

Who is the event dedicated to?

«Passi di Speranza» is dedicated to the memory of Eleonora and supports research against breast cancer. It is a way to turn remembrance into a concrete gesture of hope and solidarity, walking alongside AIRC.

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