TRAILS AMONG NATURE
A unique network of trails
Walking is the most natural and accessible outdoor activity, requiring no special equipment. In the Finale area, there are many different ways to enjoy trekking: from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, exploring freely and discovering a wonderful area.
The trails in Finale Ligure are well marked and suitable for everyone. You will also find lesser-known trails without signage, which should be tackled with an expert guide who will lead you at the right pace (yours) and choose the best routes depending on the season.
Discover the BEST SLOW trails in the Finale area
We have selected ten trails to discover the Finale area at the right pace: among dry stone walls, natural balconies overlooking the sea, shady woods and traces of a thousand-year history.
Suitable for everyone and also marked on the map of the town and main trails available free of charge at the information points in Finale Ligure, these routes invite you to slow down, take a deep breath and let yourself be surprised by nature and the authentic beauty of this unique area.
A
A-ANELLO DELL’ORERA
The Borgio Verezzi – Finalborgo Trail is a scenic hiking route that combines nature, history and spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea. From the medieval village of Finalborgo, the trail climbs towards the little blue church of Regina Pacis, then crosses the woods to Verezzi, where the Church of San Martino offers unique views of the coast. The route continues towards Caprazoppa and the cliffs of Rocca dell’Orera, offering a striking view of Finalborgo before returning to the starting point.
B
B – STRADA BERETTA AND ANELLO DEL PURCHIN
A route that intertwines history and nature, starting from Piazza del Tribunale in Finalborgo along the Strada della Regina (1666). It touches on iconic landmarks such as Forte San Giovanni, Castel Gavone with its ‘diamond tower’, and the Church of the 5 Bell Towers, before reaching the spectacular ‘Testa d’Elefante’ with its view over the bay of Loano. The return journey is via the Porta Romana, closing a loop rich in cultural charm, breathtaking views and medieval charm.
C
C – ANELLO DEI CIAPPI
An easy trail on the San Bernardino plateau leads to Ciappo delle Conche, a large slab of Pietra del Finale stone that preserves rock carvings from the Iron Age. The excursion, along the ancient municipal road between Finale and Orco, crosses a unique karst landscape of hills and valleys shaped by water. Among the most evocative stops are the permanent nativity scene in the woods and the nearby Ciappo dei Ceci, until reaching the main site, rich in crosses, figures and basins carved into the rock.
D
d – ANELLO SAN BERNARDINO – CAMPO ROTONDO – LACREMà
One of the most fascinating treks in the Finale area, this circular route from San Bernardino leads to the discovery of archaeological sites and unique landscapes. Passing through meadows, dry stone walls and ancient settlements, you reach Camporotondo, a highly evocative megalithic enclosure. The trail continues towards rock shelters such as Casa del Vacchè and Cerisola, up to Ciappo delle Conche with its rock carvings and basins carved into the rock, before returning to San Bernardino along ancient terraces.
E
e – PONTI ROMANI IN VAL PONCI
One of the most fascinating routes in the Finale area, Val Ponci leads along the ancient Via Iulia Augusta, built by Augustus in 13 BC. Starting from Verzi, the itinerary crosses a picturesque natural landscape where the remains of five Roman bridges emerge: from the well-preserved Ponte delle Fate to Ponte Muto, Ponte dell’Acqua and Cave Romane, evidence of a thousand-year-old past. A unique trek that combines archaeology, history and nature, which can also be explored by mountain bike.
F
F – BALCONE SUL MARE
An easy and spectacular panoramic loop trail that leads from Varigotti to the famous Balcone sul Mare (Balcony over the Sea), along the ancient Strada del Boriolo, a paved mule track dating back more than nine centuries. Amidst centuries-old olive groves, dry stone walls and the scent of Mediterranean scrub, you will encounter unique sights such as Villa Terruzzi and the Madonnina di Sciaccanegrette, until you reach the highest point of the route, with breathtaking views of the coast and the seaside village of Varigotti.
G
G – SENTIERO DEL PELLEGRINO
The Pilgrim’s Path is one of the most evocative itineraries on the Ligurian Riviera: a scenic route that combines nature and history, suspended between sky and sea. From Varigotti, the trail climbs through olive groves and Mediterranean scrub to the small church of San Lorenzo, overlooking the Baia dei Saraceni. Along the way, you will encounter the Cerisola Mausoleum and the 16th-century Torre delle Streghe (Witches’ Tower), before reaching Capo Noli, offering spectacular views overlooking the sea.
urban trekking
Three urban trekking itineraries to immerse yourself in the authentic soul of Finale Ligure: among medieval alleys, lively squares and sea views, the city reveals itself as an open-air museum. An opportunity to experience the area at a leisurely pace, guided by the history, art and Mediterranean atmosphere that make this destination unique.
H
H – PASSEGGIATA DEI CETACEI
A picturesque walk connecting Finalpia to Varigotti, immersed in the atmosphere of the Pelagos Sanctuary, an area frequented by dolphins and cetaceans. The walk runs alongside the small port of Capo San Donato and the promontory with its 16th-century watchtower, now the Mausoleum of General Caviglia. The route ends in the narrow streets of the Saracen village of Varigotti, a Mediterranean gem with colourful houses that tell stories of pirates and ancient raids on the Ligurian Sea.
I
I – varigotti – finalmarina
The route, approximately 5.5 km long and taking about an hour and a half to complete, is easy and starts from Varigotti, near the Church of San Lorenzo Nuovo. From here, take the scenic Via dei Cetacei, which offers views of the coast and stretches immersed in Mediterranean scrub, until you reach Finalpia, where the Benedictine Abbey stands with its Romanesque bell tower in Pietra di Finale. The itinerary ends in Finalmarina, in front of the Arch of Margherita di Spagna (1666), symbol of the town.
L
L – finalmarina – finalborgo
The route starts from the Arch of Margherita di Spagna in Finalmarina and winds through the narrow streets of the historic centre until it reaches the Oratory of Santa Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi, also known as the Church of the Blacks, and shortly afterwards the monumental Basilica of St. John the Baptist, one of the main 17th-century religious buildings in western Liguria. The itinerary, approximately 2.7 km long, continues along Via Brunenghi to the Oratory of Santa Rosa da Lima and the Monastery of the Dominican Sisters, a late Baroque complex with a church, convent and garden, usually closed to the public. The walk ends in Finalborgo with a visit to the Basilica of San Biagio, famous for its precious marble, white marble pulpit and elegant octagonal bell tower built on top of a tower of the ancient walls.