Balestrino between Forests, Paths and History

Balestrino between the Coast and the Valley

Balestrino lies in the immediate hinterland of Loano, 7 km from the coast; this is a ten-minute drive. The town is situated in the green valley of the Rio Ponte, which later becomes the Barescione stream, a tributary of the Varatella. This combines proximity to the coast with a distinctive valley landscape.

Olive groves, gardens and vineyards line Balestrino. Opposite lies the untouched Erexea Forest, the valley’s green lung, forming a scenic contrast to the cultivated areas around the town.

Paths and Excursions

The Sentiero delle Terre Alte is a circular trail in Balestrino that passes the valley’s most important historical and archaeological points. You can reach Poggio Balestrino via a path starting in the town centre and winding through the forests. An unpaved road leads from Balestrino to the Prati di Groa. The different types of paths are relevant when planning an excursion: the forest path and the unpaved road mark two different routes starting from Balestrino.

Getting There and Finding Your Way Around

From Borghetto S.S., you can reach Balestrino via the Pietra Ligure motorway exit. Drive towards Toirano and then continue along the provincial road to the junction; there, turn left towards Balestrino. Free parking is available in Balestrino.

An Old Village and Its Buildings

Access to Balestrino’s old village is prohibited for safety reasons; however, you can view it from the outside. The village was abandoned in the 1950s, but its ruins still include houses, churches and alleyways. The exterior view is therefore the relevant option for seeing the old village.

The Chiesa di San Giorgio Campestre dates from the early years of the 14th century and is the oldest surviving religious building in Balestrino today. The Castello dei Del Carretto was built around the middle of the 16th century and is now characterised mainly by alterations made in the 19th century. The Ponte de la Utra was built in the second half of the 17th century as one of Balestrino’s first public structures. With a single high span, it connects the mule tracks on both sides of the valley and facilitated movement between the cultivated areas.

For those interested in culture, this creates a contrast in time: the old village was abandoned in the 1950s, while the Chiesa di San Giorgio Campestre, the Castello dei Del Carretto and the Ponte de la Utra date from the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries.

Further Impressions

In the village of Rocca Curaira, a historical re-enactment of the battle is held on various occasions. The Villaggio Rocca Barbena–Balestrino–Toirano mountain-bike route starts in Villaggio Rocca Barbena, passes through Balestrino and Toirano, and runs along gravel roads and paths; it is considered challenging. Anyone planning the mountain-bike route should take into account the gravel roads and paths, as well as the fact that it is considered challenging. The Santuario di Monte Croce has an access ramp for people with disabilities.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Carbuta, Teglia, Nasino-Borgo, Tovo San Giacomo, Toirano, Testico, Calizzano, Vezzi Portio

For the higher-level travel overview: Savona.