Exploring the Natural Parks of Liguria: Adventures Between Sea and Mountain

Liguria is a region of extraordinary beauty, where the sea and mountains merge into unique landscapes. One of the best ways to discover this land is by exploring its natural parks, true oases of biodiversity that offer endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, and outdoor adventures. From coastal trails with spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea to lush forests in the hinterland, Liguria is a paradise for nature lovers. Here’s an overview of the most fascinating natural parks in the region.

Cinque Terre National Park

Cinque Terre National Park is perhaps the most famous of the Ligurian parks. This stretch of coastline, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises five picturesque villages nestled between the sea and terraced hills: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The park offers a network of trails that allow visitors to explore these towns and their surroundings, walking among vineyards and dry stone walls with breathtaking views of the sea. The Sentiero Azzurro, which connects the villages along the coast, is one of the most spectacular walks in Liguria.

Portofino Regional Natural Park

Portofino Regional Natural Park is one of the gems of the Riviera di Levante. With over 80 kilometers of trails winding between the village of Portofino, Camogli, and Santa Margherita Ligure, this park offers extraordinary views of the coast and lush nature. One of the most picturesque routes leads to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, an ancient monastery hidden in a secluded bay. The park is also ideal for activities like birdwatching, thanks to the richness of local flora and fauna, and for diving in the crystal-clear waters of the marine reserve.

Aveto Regional Natural Park

If you wish to explore the Ligurian hinterland, Aveto Regional Natural Park is a must-visit destination. Located in the hinterland of the Ligurian Levante, this park is characterized by dense forests, alpine meadows, and fascinating mountain landscapes. The park is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and offers routes leading to peaks like Monte Aiona and Monte Penna, where spectacular views of the Alps and the Ligurian Sea can be enjoyed. The Aveto is also rich in wildlife, with the chance to spot deer, chamois, and golden eagles.

Montemarcello-Magra Regional Natural Park

Located at the border between Liguria and Tuscany, Montemarcello-Magra Regional Natural Park is a place of great scenic and natural interest. The park stretches from the mouth of the Magra River to the hills of Montemarcello, offering a unique combination of river and hilly ecosystems. The park’s trails wind through oak forests and Mediterranean scrub, providing panoramic glimpses of the Val di Magra and the Gulf of Poets. The park is an ideal place for tranquil walks and for discovering the rich biodiversity of the region, including rare species of flora and fauna.

Ligurian Alps Regional Natural Park

For mountain lovers, Ligurian Alps Regional Natural Park offers a different but equally captivating experience. Located in the hinterland of the Riviera di Ponente, this park features an alpine landscape with high peaks, flowering meadows, and beech forests. The park’s trails are perfect for experienced hikers, with routes that cross valleys and mountain ridges to reach spectacular viewpoints, such as Monte Saccarello, the highest peak in Liguria. During hikes, it is possible to spot a variety of wildlife, including deer, chamois, and marmots.

Beigua Regional Natural Park

Beigua Regional Natural Park is the largest natural park in Liguria, extending along the Ligurian Apennines and offering a wide range of landscapes from the coast to the mountains. Monte Beigua, which gives the park its name, is one of the most scenic spots in the region and offers incredible views that stretch from the Alps to the Ligurian Sea. The park is ideal for hiking and trekking, as well as for activities like mountain biking and paragliding. Beigua is a UNESCO Geopark, recognized for its extraordinary geodiversity and numerous sites of geological interest.