Liguria. Final Outdoor Region

In the province of Savona, there is a place that has managed to impose itself on mountain bike enthusiasts. It is Finale Ligure, the Finale Outdoor Region, which offers more than 150 routes, mostly unpaved, to enthusiasts and it is here, along the Riviera delle Palme, that the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro World Cup stops. The area is wide and the routes offer all levels of difficulty up to rocky trails with steep and challenging descents. In addition to being well trained, one needs a good mountain bike with suspension forks and protection for arms, legs, head and body. There is also a shuttle service to reach the trails and return to the base. For all its services, it attracts enthusiasts from all over Europe. Among the many to be mentioned is the Via del sale, a route of intermediate difficulty that crosses the Finale Ligure hinterland and is within reach of those seeking a less demanding but scenic ride. This trail is also popular for its views of the Ligurian coast. Other routes to try are those to reach the Melogno Pass, the Le Manie plateau, and the former NATO base from which several trails start. Also worth trying is the route, mostly unpaved, that joins Borgio Verezzi and Finale Ligure via Mount Caprazoppa and its woods. Nearby Pietra Ligure also offers several trails, including those of Monte Grosso and Ranzi and the Sentiero del fieno (Hay Trail) with particular ups and downs leading to the Cabanun, an ancient dry-stone construction used in the past as a shelter for farmers and shepherds. You will then descend to the church of San Michele, in the municipality of Giustenice. And from here you will return to Pietra Ligure using the asphalted road, mostly downhill.