Pallare: Hiking among wooded heights and cultural sites
Accommodation in Pallare
Pallare lies in the valley of the Bormida di Spigno River and is surrounded by wooded ridges. These invite you to explore on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Six monumental beech trees stand in the upper Biestro Valley. On the valley floor, the Bormida di Pallare branch of the river crosses the area from Fornelli to Girolungo. Both the wooded heights and the course of the river therefore shape Pallare’s landscape.
Circular Trails and Activities
Three circular trails, each with different local points of interest, are the main options for walking in Pallare. Circular Trail 1 starts and ends at Piazza San Marco. It passes through Veriusa, Pian Molino, Bassa della Rossa, Nottola, Rio Tecchi and Tana dell'Urnera, following the Viazza Valley. Circular Trail 2 leads to Scoglio del Marenco on the Bric Guardacielo ridge and continues via Pian Gallo towards the Tre Abeti area. Circular Trail 3 connects Cabitti and Biestro via Bric delle Coste, rock carvings and the Pietre di Napoleone.
The routes differ in their points of interest: Circular Trail 1 follows the Viazza Valley, Circular Trail 2 leads to Bric Guardacielo and continues towards Tre Abeti, and Circular Trail 3 connects Cabitti and Biestro with several cultural traces. A hiking map of the Municipality of Pallare is part of the “Tre laghi – Tre abeti” project. A difficult gap in the path should be taken into account on one section of Circular Trail 3. Check current trail conditions locally before setting out.
The Le Poiane riding centre near Cascinazze di Fornelli also has facilities for archery and dog agility. If you would like to include the centre in your plans, check in advance what is currently available.
Churches, Stones and Rock Carvings
Among the notable cultural traces are the five large, carefully worked sandstone blocks known as the Pietre di Napoleone, in the woods of Pallare. Their possible function remains uncertain. Rock carvings on the path to Bric della Costa are considered to be much older than the Pietre di Napoleone.
The churches also differ in type and date: the Chiesa dell'Annunziata in Pallare is a cemetery church dating from the 14th century. The Chiesa parrocchiale di S. Margherita is an 18th-century parish church attributed to local craftsmanship. The Prato dello Stallo chapel stands amid greenery beside the Rio Bò; a picnic area is located right next to it.
Valley, Rest Stops and Regional Cuisine
Biestro has a small lake rich in fish, with an adjoining picnic area. If you plan to stop there, check the condition of the facilities on site.
The Strada Provinciale 15 between Carcare, Bormida and Colle del Melogno is the main transport route along the valley floor. Check for possible temporary restrictions on this road before travelling. Lisotto is considered a typical product of Pallare and is associated with Pro Loco festivals. Local food culture and picnic spots thus complement the natural and cultural sites that shape Pallare as a destination for planning a stay.
Discover more destinations: Vara Inferiore, Varazze, Balestrino, Calizzano, Bardino Nuovo, Celle Ligure, Pero, Coasco.
For the overview of the wider area: Savona.
