The Valle Scrivia harmoniously winds along the 100 kilometres of its homonymous river, siding in some sections the track of the ancient Via Postumia.
A stone’s throw from Genoa and the coast, it represents the province’s gateway to Piedmont, Lombardy and Emilia. The greenest of ecosystems, it stands (mainly) within the perimeter of the Parco regionale dell’Antola, established in 1995 to protect and promote local wildlife and habitats. The word Antola probably derives from the Greek anthos, flower: spring, in fact, is the season of luxuriant blossoming – both lily and narcissus – transforming the area into a stunning palette of vibrant colour splashes.
Nature and more. Just across the border with Piedmont, the archaeological site of Libarna, the “Grandi Firme” shopping outlet and the Gavi wine district complete an offer designed for demanding connoisseur travellers.
Wood and stone, chestnut groves, beech forests and mountains: the enchantment of the Valle Scrivia lies in the perfect match between heritage and nature, which features a variety of landscapes and trails enriched by the abundance of flora and fauna (close encounters of the animal type include fallow-deer, too). Gastronomy, folklore, events and a myriad shopping opportunities fill in the picture of one of the most intriguing tourist destinations in Liguria.
The valley is dotted by numberless resources: feudal castles (Spinola, Doria and Fieschi fought for the control of the area), streams and lakes (hence a wealth of roman bridges, mills, sanctuaries, fluvial aquariums and more), Art Nouveau villas (the elegant hideouts of the Genoese bourgeoisie fleeing from Summer heat at the end of the 19th century). But also secluded rural hamlets, tiny museums and gourmet stops - enjoy the pleasures of salumi, cheese (cow, sheep, goat), patata quarantina (mountain potato), rose syrup (do not miss the June fair dedicated to this scenting flower), luxuriant pandolce, canestrelli and honey.
The pleasure of field investigation is left up to the visitor, the area being the ideal choice for several targets such as bicycle tourism fans, trekkers, sports-addicts (e.g. kayak, paraglide…) and – last but not least – families with kids looking for a relaxing “far from the madding crowd” green vacation.
This barycentric boasts excellent connections, from the Genoa – Milan railway line to the A7 autostrada. A network of picturesque national and provincial roads provides plenty of Presepe-like panoramas. But the best entry to the Valle is represented by the Trenino di Casella, a 1929 narrow-gauged train (bicycles are welcomed on board) whose red and blue carriages trot from Genoa across 25 kilometres of breathtaking views over valleys and mountains. Period trains run the track on special occasions (make sure not to forget your camera!).
As for excursions, we limit ourselves to a few hints chosen among an array of possibilities. Experience the ascent to the rocche del Reopasso and the Carrega del Diavolo (the devil’s chair sounds unquestionably tempting...), 957 metres a.s.l. in the neighbourhood of Crocefieschi – the starting point of the wonderful Deanna Orlandini ferrata; the stage of the famous Alta Via dei Monti Liguri from Crocetta d’Orero to the Giovi pass; the old salt route from Casella to Vobbia; the botanical path of Ciaè, between Serra Riccò and Sant’Olcese, displaying 30 species of the local flora, an ancient oak tree, a Roman bridge (almost intact) and a rifugio (accommodating 7 people)...