Quiliano among hiking trails, history and regional flavours

Quiliano appeals to travellers who want to combine landscapes, history and local specialities. Between Mediterranean vegetation, paths with views over the valleys, historic traces and characteristic products, the area offers a varied picture that can be explored both on foot and by bicycle.

Hiking trails combining landscape and history

The “Quiliano – Quilianetto – Rocche del Castello di Pomo” hiking trail is 2.4 km long and takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. It can only be completed on foot, passes through Mediterranean vegetation and offers views over the Quiliano valley. The ruins of Pomo Castle can be reached via the trail and offer views over the Quiliano valley from the summit.

The Sentiero della Donaiola features a 6- to 7-metre-high waterfall that forms a small lake below. On the return journey to San Pietro Park in Carpignano, the Sentiero degli Elfi passes the Church of San Pietro and archaeological excavations. The park offers equipped areas for relaxing, playing on the lawn and having picnics.

A designated cycling route

For planning a bicycle outing, the “Altare – Roviasca – Quiliano” cycling route has a clear focus of its own. It is 18 km long, has an elevation gain of 720 m and is designated as a cycling loop or touring route. The route runs mostly along paved roads; one section follows a rideable gravel track. The different route lengths make it easier to compare your own excursion options.

Historic sites and regional memory

A Roman villa rustica from the Imperial period lies beneath the grounds of San Pietro in Carpignano. The “Roviasca – Sentiero della Memoria Partigiana – Colla del Termine” trail is considered Quiliano’s historically most significant hiking trail and crosses the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.

Borgata Capanne is a village dating from the 17th century and a testament to the rural past. The Teccio del Tersé is an old chestnut-drying shed that served as a partisan base during the last war and was later restored by the Municipality of Quiliano and local ANPI sections.

Valleggia, Granaccia and the flavours of the area

The “Valleggia” or “Valleggin” apricot is named after Valleggia, a hamlet of the municipality of Quiliano at the centre of its traditional growing area. It is recognised as a “Presidio Slow Food” and ripens from late June to mid-July. This culinary profile is complemented by Granaccia, a red wine typical of the Quiliano area that is produced in very limited quantities.

Practical guidance for your trip

The medieval tower in Cadibona is open to the public on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the garden, atrium and stairwell are open. When choosing a hotel for your trip to Quiliano, you can therefore base your decision on your interests: a hike with valley views, a designated cycling route, historic sites or regional specialities. This allows your choice of accommodation to reflect the type of trip you want, without reducing Quiliano to just one experience.

Other destinations for your planning

For further orientation, you can also consider Capitolo-costa, Tovo San Giacomo, Rialto, Stellanello, Magliolo, Calizzano, Alassio and Finale Ligure.

For the higher-level travel overview: Savona.