From Toirano to Pietra Ligure

Toirano Caves

The Toirano Caves are one of the largest underground karst complexes with two main cavities, known for their beauty with the myriads of stalactites and stalagmites, and above all the Bàsura cave with the remains of the cave bear and archaeological evidence of human passage during prehistory (footprints).

In Toirano, the Ethnographic Museum of Val Varatella documents the local culture and heritage, including the trades with traditional tools and objects.

Loano

Loano has a seaside charm with its palm-lined seafront, its beach, and tourist facilities. Its historic centre is well preserved, made up of narrow streets and squares, around Piazza Italia with its palaces, the old castle, artistic fountains and small museums.

Pietra Ligure

Another popular seaside resort Pietra Ligure is a pleasant town with its centre, its promenades, its beaches, and the beautiful hills inland.
Its territory offers many opportunities for hiking, good mountain bike trails (very popular with the Germans) and climbing sites.
The town stretches between the old centre of Borgo Vecchio and the new town of Borgo Nuovo.

In the heart of the town the Basilica of San Nicolò is a very beautiful Romanesque building, with a majestic vault adorned with frescoes and sculptures, including rich stuccoes and statues.
The old Castello Doria is an ancient fortress perched on a rock overlooking the centre, dating back to the 12th century.
The Clock Museum of Torre di Pietra Ligure (at Bardino Nuovo a few kilometres inland) houses a large collection of watches and clocks from all eras, as well as various instruments.
The Valdemino Caves are a few kilometres from Borgio Verezzi, with beautiful coloured limestone cavities.
The Monte Carmo di Loano is inland, suitable for hiking and mountain biking and offering beautiful panoramas.
The Cliff of the Hundred Ropes (Falesia delle Cento Corde) is a cliff overhanging the sea serving as a beautiful climbing site.
The beaches of Pietra Ligure are one of the main attractions of the locality, sandy and well maintained. The nearby Bay of the Saracens of Varigotti, is a lovely site with a beautiful beach between beautiful cliffs.

Verezzi

Borgio Verezzi has two old villages, including Borgio near the coast and Verezzi on the heights. The latter is very small but nevertheless full of charm and is even listed among the “most beautiful villages in Italy”. It is nestled in the heart of the beautiful hills covered by the maquis and its fragrant garrigue.
Its small square is a large balcony open onto the Ligurian coast, like the stage of a real theatre. Its small main street crosses steep alleys and mule tracks, embellished with flowers and very well-kept gardens.
Its small houses evoke Arab architecture. The village also groups together 3 other small hamlets.

Map

Information

• Toirano Caves: www.toiranogrotte.it, en.wikipedia.org
• Loano: www.visitloano.it
• Pietra Ligure: en.wikipedia.org, visitpietraligure.it, pietralikelocals.com
• Borgio Verezzi: www.visitborgioverezzi.it, www.agriturismolegirandole.com, www.grottediborgio.it