The Varigotti Promontory Park, stretching out over the sea and the “cetacean sanctuary,” is a coastal area where landscape, nature, biodiversity, history, and archaeology come together to create a unique and evocative environment.

The urban park

Between 2021 and 2024, the Punta Crena nature reserve underwent a major sustainable environmental restoration project, designed by architect Roberto Grossi and supported by the Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo. the result of a joint effort by the Municipality of Finale Ligure, the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of the provinces of Imperia and Savona, the Varigotti Insieme association, the Group of Nature and Tourist Guides of the Varigotti Promontory, and the Finale section of the International Institute of Ligurian Studies, as part of the activities to promote the MUDIF – Museo Diffuso del Finale (Finale Diffused Museum).

The important sustainable environmental restoration project on the Varigotti Promontory has saved this extraordinary area from degradation, returning it to the local community and tourists thanks to the creation of an urban park where visitors can enjoy a botanical garden, a centuries-old olive grove, valuable historical and archaeological remains, a new Visitor Center, two artificial ponds, and a reptile house.

Between nature and archaeology

On the Varigotti promontory, you can immerse yourself in the typical Mediterranean scrubland, with rare and endemic species.

The footpath leading up to Varigotti Promontory Park starts from the historic coastal town center and winds along a short circular trail through an ancient olive grove dotted with centuries-old dovecotes, with typical terraces supported by dry stone walls. At the top of the plateau, near the watchtower, inside one of the buildings dating back to the 16th century, the new Visitor Center welcomes visitors with a small exhibition space, guides, and information material.

In the botanical garden, you can discover rare and protected plant species, some of which are native to the area, while others have been planted to enrich the biodiversity of these places. Upon reservation, accompanied by the Varigotti Promontory Guides, it is also possible to visit a reptile house, created under the scientific supervision of the Emys Center in Albenga and dedicated to the reintroduction of the extremely rare ocellated lizard, found only in western Liguria and in some areas of Spain, the Mediterranean coast of France, and North Africa. Two artificial ponds for amphibians are home to two rare species typical of this area that need protection: the Mediterranean tree frog and the spotted pelodite.

The remains of a medieval fortification and a Byzantine military settlement, a tall defensive tower, two low buildings, and an imposing bastion, originally intended as a cannon emplacement and now a picturesque viewpoint, are of great historical and archaeological value.

Useful information for your visit

Educational and informational panels illustrate the historical, archaeological, naturalistic, botanical, and faunal characteristics of the park and provide valuable behavioral guidelines. Finally, it is possible to participate in environmental education activities conducted by the Promontory Guide Group, composed of qualified environmental hiking guides, tour guides, and environmental education operators. For proper management and protection, the urban park is equipped with fences and railings to delimit and secure the area and can be visited by following the indicated route. Lighting and video surveillance systems are also in place.

OPENING HOURS:
November 1 to March 30: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
April 1 to October 31: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Once on site, pull the gate open firmly.

For information and to book a nature tour:
Email: info@parcopromontoriovarigotti.it
Website: parcopromontoriovarigotti.it

For information and archaeological tours for groups (minimum 6 people):
Finale Archaeological Museum – Finalborgo: Tel. 019.690020 – Mobile. 351.7306191

The area is accessible to groups of more than 10 people accompanied exclusively by Promontory Park Guides: info@parcopromontoriovarigotti.it

For further information:
Varigotti Promontory Park: +39 3534957637 – WhatsApp only
IAT Varigotti: tel. 019.6890600
IAT Finalmarina: tel. 019.681019
Finale Archaeological Museum: tel. 019.690020 – 351.7306191