Discover Pallare: Forest Landscapes, Circular Trails and Local Culture

Pallare lies in the valley of the Bormida di Spigno River and is surrounded by wooded ridges. The Bormida di Pallare branch flows through the valley floor from Fornelli to Girolungo.

Forest Landscapes and Watercourses

Six monumental beech trees stand in the upper Biestro Valley. They are among Pallare’s most striking natural features and complement the landscape of the wooded ridges surrounding the town. Numerous watercourses are called retani in the local language; they flow into the Bormida and the Viazza and feed numerous spring fountains. According to local tradition, their water has healing properties. For nature enthusiasts, Pallare offers several concrete points of interest: wooded ridges, watercourses, monumental beech trees and three different circular trails through the municipal area.

Circular Trails through Pallare

Pallare’s wooded ridges are ideal for excursions on foot, on horseback and by mountain bike. As part of the “Tre laghi – Tre abeti” project, the municipality of Pallare publishes a hiking map. The trails pass through valley areas and over the mountain ridges within the municipal area.

Circular Trail 1 starts and ends at Piazza San Marco. Its route passes through Veriusa, Pian Molino, Bassa della Rossa, Nottola, Rio Tecchi and Tana dell'Urnera along the Viazza Valley.

Circular Trail 2 leads to Scoglio del Marenco on the Bric Guardacielo ridge. Via Pian Gallo, it continues towards the Tre Abeti area. Circular Trail 3 connects Cabitti and Biestro via Bric delle Coste, rock carvings and the Pietre di Napoleone.

Rock Formations, Churches and a Chapel

The Pietre di Napoleone are five large, carefully worked sandstone blocks in the forests of Pallare. Along the path to Bric della Costa are rock carvings considered to be significantly older than the Pietre di Napoleone.

The Chiesa dell'Annunziata in Pallare is a cemetery church dating from the 14th century. The Chiesa parrocchiale di S. Margherita is an 18th-century parish church attributed to local craftsmanship. The Prato dello Stallo chapel also stands amid the greenery on the Rio Bò; there is a picnic area next to the chapel.

Further Excursion Destinations and a Local Specialty

The Le Poiane equestrian centre near Cascinazze di Fornelli also has facilities for archery and dog agility. In Biestro, there is a small lake rich in fish with an adjacent picnic area. Local cuisine is also part of the area’s character: Lisotto is considered a typical product of Pallare and is served at Pro Loco festivals.

Getting Around the Valley

Strada Provinciale 15 is an important point of reference for getting around the valley. The road between Carcare, Bormida and Colle del Melogno is the valley floor’s main transport route.

Find more destinations for planning your trip here: Celle Ligure, Vezzi San Giorgio, Albenga, Savona, Gorra, Ellera, Albisola Superiore, Stellanello.

To the higher-level travel overview: Savona.