We meet in the beautiful Finalborgo, the medieval village just at the junction of two rivers, flowing from Pora Pora and Aquila valleys. It is filled with mountain biking and climbing shops, as well as gems of medieval architecture. We can get a swift breakfast coffee ‘al banco’ in the Italian style, we check our gear and fill up our water bottles before heading up along the ancient cobblestone highway up into the hills.
Route description
First we walk past the fortified castle Forte San Giovanni with its elegant ramparts. Then we climb a path up to admire the remains of an older fortification Castel Gavone with it’s stunning “Diamond Tower“. This is one of the most significant standing examples of the European Reneissance period castles built both as living quarters and foritifications.
Our panoramic ancient highway continues above the olive groves to the rural hamlet of Perti Alto. There, surrounded by the green and rocky landcape is an elegant Reneissance church known as Cinque campanile or Nostra Signora di Loreto . We take the path to the west of the houses, traversing north and eventually climbing up to the summit cross of Rocca di Perti. As the path traverses along the rocky north ridge of Rocca di Perti we get impressive views over the mountains and the sea, before we descend down into Monte Sordo.
We eat lunch either at picnic tables or we take a different trail back to the beautiful hamlet of Perti Alto and its little restaurants, booked by prior arrangement.
In the afternoon we walk to the other side of Monte Sordo valley to explore its spectacular prehistoric caves.
Grotta Pollera is one of the most significant caves in the Finale Ligure region, it is an important archeological site and the results of the excavations can be seen in the Archeological Museum of Finale Ligure. The two large entrances give light into the large cavern where the rays of sun are filtered through the forest and dance magically on the cave walls. We leave the deepest depths of the cave to the expert cavers, but we will use our headtorches to explore this ancient human habitation.
Following the valley and passing several rock climbing sites, we arrive to the Grotta dell’Edera cave. It is a magnificent carstic formation high up on the Monte Sordo. Depending on the group ability we can scramble into the cave to admire the rounded luminous cavern. Alternatively we can admire the tufa formations and watern worn rock of the cave from the large upper entrance.
From the high slopes of Monte Sordo we descend into Valle Aquila and walk through the ancient terraces and olive groves into the hamlet of Aquila. Our narrow cobblestone path winds through typical local houses. We walk all the way back into Finalborgo on the shaded alleys and under the canopy of the dense Mediterranean vegetation.
Details
Distance 12km
Vertical ascent/descent 700m
Duration: day. Walking time 5-6h
Options
We may switch the morning and the afternoon activities around, depending on the weather conditions. We can skip climbing to the summit of Rocca di Perti in the interest of time or if the weather is not good.
What is included
The guiding and a search and rescue insurance during the activity.
What is not included
Lunch is not included in the price, but can be arranged if local restaurants are open and a supplementary fee will be applied.
Personal, travel or medical insurance
Materials
Head torch
Hiking poles are recommended
Comfortable outdoors footwear, ideally with sticky rubbery sole for slippery rocks
Sun hat or a cap
Water bottle
Note
Minimum 3 people to form a group, to be confirmed at latest 24h before the departure. If we need to cancel the day due to low numbers, we will issue a full refund or arrange for an alternative day if you prefer.
Normal rainy day is not grounds for cancellation, but please remember to bring waterproof clothing if needed.
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