If you want a stay dedicated to wellness and outdoor sports you are not far from making your wish come true!
The blue sea bathing the Riviera delle Palme invites you to swim and raise sails, and along some beaches the currents and winds lifts waves that attract surfing enthusiasts from every corner of Europe.
Road bikes
A stone's throw from Pietra Ligure and Borgio Verezzi, in the Ligurian hinterland, you will find the right place to stay in close contact with nature or wander through the well-known "Grotte di Toirano" (Toirano Caves) and the "Grotte di Borgio" (Borgio Caves).
The most adventurous who travel across the Ligurian hinterland will have a chance to descend into the karst cavities that open up into the mountains, in search of mineral and animal wonders; climb along the coastal cliffs and the steep limestone walls which originated from the animated geological history of this land; or, again, paraglide yourself from the tops of its hills to make fantastic evolutions and then glide by the sea.
Mountain Bike
Those preferring mountain biking will definitely enjoy the picturesque trails through the hills, from easy paths along the beaches and in the pine forests to steep climbs for the more adventurous. In this area there is a particular style practiced in narrow passages on the rocks overlooking the sea.
You will find on these roads the ideal atmosphere for long and enchanting excursions accompanied by the colors of the sea and the scents of the Mediterranean scrub. In the Riviera delle Palme, a few kilometers from Pietra Ligure and Borgio, on the heights of Finale Ligure, in May, the "24h of Finale mountain bike cup" is regularly held, an important event for MTB lovers.
Trekking
Walking for pleasure and walking for sport. The trekking routes can be enjoyed all year round: winter excursions in the fragrant Mediterranean scrub and pleasant summer walks in the shade of vast pine forests and beech forests of the mountains behind, in Italy’s most wooded region.
You can spend whole days going down and up through the highlands of the Riviera, looking for unusual panoramas or traces of history along the intact paths carved into the stone, gathered on the path of the Alta Via of the Ligurian mountains.
Diving
When we talk about the Ligurian Riviera delle Palme, we immediately think of the coast, its beaches, its rocks overlooking the sea and its pristine waters.
Alongside all this, or rather underneath all this, lies the underwater landscape being a paradise for scuba diving lovers.
Whether you prefer coming into contact with sea dwellers or explore the wrecks and the archaeological finds, the depths will leave you spoiled for choice.
The marine parks, that of the islands of Bergeggi and Gallinara and that of Loano allow diving in absolutely protected and uncontaminated environments.
The waters of the Riviera are therefore suitable for any type of underwater activity: from diving in apnea, to practice fishing or just for simply observing the seabed, up to the descent with scuba tanks for studying the flora and marine fauna.
Among the most suggestive dives in the area, do not miss the Pifferaio, the Canalone, the shoal of the Sponges, the wrecks of the ships sunk in front of the coast and I Gemelli (the Gemini).
Climbing
Trying to climb a vertical rock wall tied to a thin rope while staring at the void is a unique, unrepeatable experience that can be either fabulous or scary.
Today in Liguria there are several climbing gyms for free climbing enthusiasts. The area of Finale Ligure is easily accessible by the Savona - Ventimiglia motorway (A10).
The highway exits may be those of Finale or Feglino. One of the most beautiful and well-known climbing areas in the north-west of Italy. Beautiful walls of pink fossil limestone are just a few kilometers from the sea; the climate is favorable for most of the year and the surrounding landscape is impressive.
In our region, the area between Finale, Albenga and Toirano with Val Pennavaire is one of the richest around Europe when it comes to cliffs (rock walls equipped for climbing): it offers almost 5,000 climbing "routes". We propose you some of the most evocative climbs: Bausu, Caprauna - Rocca dell'arma, Castelbianco, Muzzerone, Rocca Rossa and Ferrata di Magliolo (Magliolo iron path).
Ferrata di Magliolo is very valid in terms of equipped routes. Indeed, with this excursion we reach the 1300m of Bric Agnellino.
The route is highly varied: a first part with short ridges, crests and towers connected by paths and a second one of great verticality characterized by a long Tibetan bridge hanging over a wild canyon.
To climb the Ferrata di Magliolo you do not have to be experienced with iron paths or climbing, but good walking training and fitness are required, the overall effort is not to be underestimated as reaching the summit requires energy and time.
Rafting and canyoning in Liguria
In Liguria, water courses allow the smooth running of river activities such as hydrospeed, canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, rafting. Team spirit and energy-filled rapids: this is why rafting is the most popular river sport among extreme activities!
Contrary to appearances, the descent and the overcoming of inaccessible waterways are not a particularly dangerous sport, if you can handle specific techniques to face obstacles and difficulties. You just need to be able to swim and it is very important to rely on the experience of guides who know the paths and secrets of the currents, as well as having a strong push towards adventurous emotions.
As for the equipment, namely neoprene wetsuit, boots, helmet and life jacket, it is possible to rent it at specialized centers: there are many proposals for associations and routes in Liguria, as well as it is possible to choose routes thanks to a classification of navigable rivers according to their difficulty.
Horseback riding and riding holidays in Liguria
The hinterland of Western Liguria seems to have been purportedly designed to satisfy horse riding enthusiasts because of its equipped trails that run throughout the province. The Ligurian Riviera offers interesting landscapes and itineraries for horseback riding lovers and specialized facilities for both English and American riding able to offer assistance and services.
The many riding schools scattered throughout the territory allow anyone to spend a pleasant day going up from the plains of the coast to the shady beech forests of the inland, where you can follow the course of one of the many streams that cut through the woods and stop to cool off with crystal clear water.
But the Riviera also offers the possibility to follow real horse races at the Fiori di Villanova d'Albenga racecourse and in the various riding centers, where those who want can also embark on a real obstacle course. You will also find two children's playgrounds and a pony area. Moreover, at the Equestrian Center Country Club there is a prestigious riding school.
Horse riding courses for beginners are organized throughout the region via group and individual lessons, aimed at both adults and young people who want to get closer to the world of horses. Riding stables also organize horseback rides of one or more hours: from the headlands and hills overlooking the Gulf of the Riviera di Ponente you can admire the most evocative views of Liguria! Throughout the year, multi-day treks are organized to reach towns across the hinterland or on the coast.
Paragliding
An unforgettable experience to test your courage and your desire for adventure. Lulled by the delicate rustle of air to discover that unique sense of freedom that only flying can give.
A paraglider flying over the Ligurian sea, the ease of controls, the possibility of using extremely safe and reliable sails, and of course the timeless charm of the dream of flying make paragliding one of the most fascinating sports of our times.
Paragliding, which involves take-off from reliefs without free fall, is much more accessible than parachuting. The very small size, the practicality of preparation, the ease of learning to pilot in the initial stages, make it immediately fun, approachable and practicable by anyone, opening up incredible possibilities for the spread of air sports.
It is really within everyone's reach in the two-seater mode, with an experienced pilot leading the flight. We offer you some of the most spectacular take-offs in the area: Bergeggi, Varigotti and Finale Ligure, Monte Pisciavino, Puerta del Sol of Alassio and Monterosso.
Golf
For those who love relaxation and golf, Garlenda offers golfers an 18-hole course, which stretches for more than 6 km with a par 72.
The course is a challenging test for both the most experienced players and golfers with higher handicaps from normal departures.
Garlenda Golf Club is set in the typical Ligurian landscape and its very pleasant course unfurls through centuries-old olive trees and maritime pine trees.
From the highest holes players can enjoy a few-minute break while marveling at the wonderful panorama that stretches from the Maritime Alps to the sea.
Entertainment for the little ones
For small holidaymakers in Ceriale "Le Caravelle" offers one of the most beautiful water parks in Italy where fun is guaranteed for everyone thanks to the kamikaze slides and the rapids of the Rio Cattivo, the Aquadance and the whirlpool tubs.