Riserva Naturale del Finalese & Grotte di Valdemino
Just 25 km west of Savona, the limestone plateau of the Finalese conceals a world of sculpted sea cliffs, hidden river gorges and one of the most accessible show-caves in northern Italy. The Grotte di Valdemino near Borgio Verezzi are a UNESCO-listed natural monument, while the surrounding trails above Finale Ligure are Europe's premier sport-climbing destination.
The caves beneath the plateau
The Grotte di Valdemino are a system of stalactite and stalagmite caves discovered in 1933 and developed for guided tours that take you 500 metres into the hillside through chambers of extraordinary formations — including a 14-metre-tall stalagmite column that is among the tallest in Italy. The temperature inside is a constant 14°C, making it a blissful escape on a hot summer day.
The guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes and covers around 800 metres of illuminated passages. Commentary is available in Italian, English and French, and the paths are paved and accessible for most fitness levels.
Trails, cliffs and the sea
Above ground, the Riserva Naturale Regionale del Finalese protects a dramatic karst landscape of orange limestone towers, Mediterranean scrub and ancient mule tracks connecting hilltop villages. The Via Romana trail from Finale Ligure to the village of Perti passes Roman paving stones, a medieval castle ruin and sweeping views over the Ligurian Sea.
Finale Ligure itself — with its long sandy beach, historic Finalborgo village and excellent restaurants — makes a perfect base for a day trip from Savona. The train from Savona Centrale takes just 20 minutes.
More of Savona
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Savona →
