Vendone: Olive Groves, Mountain Ridge and Medieval Traces

Vendone between Hillside and Mountain Ridge

Vendone lies at a mid-level elevation on the hillside in the Valle Arroscia, on hills shaped by olive groves in the hinterland of Albenga. The municipality extends from around 200 metres above sea level to the summit of Monte Castell’Ermo at 1,094 metres above sea level. As a result, different landscapes meet within a small geographical area: the lower areas and the higher mountain locations both form part of the character of the town.

Olive Groves, Terraces and Diverse Vegetation

Typical Mediterranean vegetation grows in the lower part of Vendone. In the higher areas, by contrast, there are deciduous forests and meadows with a mountain character. Numerous terraces with typical dry-stone walls are cultivated with olive groves. This combination of cultivated hillside landscape and natural changes in altitude shapes the view of Vendone and is especially interesting for you if, when travelling in Italy, you perceive the landscape not merely as a backdrop but as part of the region’s identity.

Monte Castell’Ermo is also known as Peso Grande and lies on the ridge separating the Valle Arroscia from the Valle Pennavaire. For orientation during a hike, what matters above all is the mountain’s location between the two valleys. At the same time, this geographical connection shows how closely Vendone’s landscape is linked to the surrounding valleys.

Natural Area with a Distinctive Range of Species

The area is recognised by the European Union as a Site of Community Importance, or SCI for short. It is also home to several endemic animal and plant species of particular interest. Together with the Mediterranean vegetation zones, deciduous forests and mountain meadows, this creates a natural area that appeals to different interests in landscape and biodiversity, without limiting Vendone to just one type of landscape.

Medieval Traces in Castellaro and Curenna

The hamlet of Castellaro contains remains of the medieval Castello di Clavesana that can be visited. The structure includes an almost intact hexagonal tower around 25 metres high, which served as a prison. In Curenna, impressive fortified houses stand steeply above the gorge of the Rio Paraone. Both hamlets complement the natural experiences with concrete historical and architectural impressions.

The Chiesa di S. Calogero in Vendone is also part of the local history: it dates from the 16th century. The Parco Rainer Kriester in Torre, a hamlet of Castellaro, was officially reopened to the public on 8 August 2026. In this way, Vendone combines historical evidence with a contemporary site within the municipality.

Hike Starting from Borgo

For the hike described, access from Albenga is via the provincial road towards Pieve di Teco. You then follow the signs to Vendone, continue to Curenna and turn towards Borgo. Borgo is the starting point of this hike. If you choose a hotel or other accommodation in Vendone, you can therefore consider its location in connection with your planned landscape and cultural experiences.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

Further destinations: Vezzi Portio, Mioglia, Villanova D'albenga, Piana Crixia, San Bartolomeo, Cairo Montenotte, Carcare, Zuccarello.

To the higher-level travel overview: Savona.