The Alta Via del Sale. By bike from the Alps to the beaches of Liguria.

The High Salt Road It's a spectacular road that connects the Piedmont and French Alps to the Ligurian Sea. The route is completely unpaved, completely safe, and allows you to combine the thrills of high altitude with the refreshing pleasure of a dip in the sea. Typically, the mountain bike route is divided into stages, starting from Limone Piemonte and ending in Ventimiglia through the Nervia Valley. Alternating, in the space of a few hours and in a completely natural way, the Alpine climate with the sea breeze already provides a feeling of great well-being. But the uniqueness of the Via del Sale begins with the fact that, at an altitude between 1.800 and 2.100 meters, you cycle along a former military road. surrounded by 2.600 botanical speciesYou cycle halfway up the mountainside, crossing Alpine passes, hairpin bends, and the evocative Carsene area, which features an almost lunar landscape.

The environment is pristine, the nature still wild, with unforgettable panoramic views. The Alta Via del Sale, sometimes carved into the rock, sometimes suspended on hairpin bends, or threaded through larches and firs, is to be experienced as a natural monument rather than a road to be traveled. The first stage ends in Limone Piemonte, a small corner of paradise nestled in the Maritime Alps, with a
The typical mountain village atmosphere. From here, the route descends gently, passing through the villages of the Nervia Valley, with their characteristic alleyways, until reaching Ventimiglia, whose coast is dotted with free, clean, and well-equipped beaches.

Origins of the name

The name Alta Via del Sale It originates from ancient mule caravans, which crossed the Alpine chain heading towards the Ligurian coast, carrying cargoes of salt, oil, cheese, grains, and, above all, salt. More than a road, it can be considered a network of roads that for centuries marked the route of the great commercial traffic that generated the wealth of this area.

Get inspired

The Salt Road is a very ancient route originally used by traders transporting salt from the sea to the hinterland, following winding mule tracks but accompanied by breathtaking views. Contrary to what one might think, there is not a single "Salt Road", but a network of variants and deviations that branch off along the original route. Among its itineraries The most picturesque is the one connecting Limone Piemonte, now a renowned ski resort, to Ventimiglia, a charming town on the Ligurian Riviera. The historic fortifications are also worth a mention. The Bosco delle Navette is for those who love to immerse themselves in pristine nature; and Monte Saccarello, the highest point, offers a unique view.

Limone Piemonte

Even though the town's coat of arms features a lemon, the toponym of Limone Piemonte has nothing to do with the fruitAccording to local scholars, the name could derive from a Provençal expression “li mount”, which is used to identify mountains; or from the Greek leimon, meaning "a place rich in grazing herbs." Located between the Maritime Alps, near the border with France and Liguria, Limone Piemonte It is one of the most historic and innovative tourist destinations in Italy.

The historic center, now completely redeveloped, boasts large pedestrian areas. In recent years, thanks to collaboration between the administration and local entrepreneurs, the town has invested in digital infrastructure throughout the village and the ski area, becoming one of the first smart cities in the Alpine region. Today it is part of the Alpine Pearls circuit for its commitment to sustainability and, since 2019, it has boasted the Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club.

Melosa Hill

Situated at 1.545 metres above sea level, in the heart of the Ligurian Alps Regional Natural Park, this pass lies between Liguria and France, immersed in an uncontaminated landscape. Melosa hill It's the ideal destination for those traveling by motorbike or seeking tranquility in the mountains, thanks to the spectacular views it offers and the chance to spot alpine fauna such as chamois and eagles. The area also preserves fortifications and barracks dating back to the 30s.

Shuttle Forest

It is the larch forest located further south of the Italian Alps. It extends over 1.000 hectares, dominated by larch, although silver fir and beech are increasing in number thanks to more favorable climatic conditions. Originally a wooded pasture and a source of valuable timber, it is now a beautiful nature reserve featuring hiking trails and roads.

Ventimiglia

Overlooking the Ligurian Sea on the border with France, Ventimiglia You can visit the Upper Town, with its medieval streets; the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Baptistery. The Hanbury Botanical Garden, rich in exotic plants. The archaeological area of Albintimilium Instead, it offers a glimpse into the city's Roman past. The beaches and seafront promenade are also beautiful.

When to go

The best period is from mid-June (after the snow melts) in mid-October, when weather conditions are generally more favorable. Keep in mind, however, that some sections (such as the Colle di Tenda Tunnel or the Bosco delle Navette) may still have snow in early summer. The climate is typically mountainous: variable, often unpredictable, and subject to rapid change. In autumn, traffic is open primarily to pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles.

Where to eat

There are several refreshment points along the Alta Via del Sale. In Limone Piemonte, for example, you can begin the hike with a traditional breakfast or lunch at a refuge (such as the Garelli) or at the Cabanaira Restaurant. Along the route, recommended stops include the Don Barbera Refuge, surrounded by nature, and the Marguareis, where you can enjoy polenta, cheeses, and cured meats. At the end of the day, you can treat yourself to a restorative dinner at one of the welcoming trattorias specializing in traditional Piedmontese and Occitan cuisine.

Where to sleep

There are several accommodation options. For example, the Locanda La Via del Sale, a hiking refuge located in Sanfront (CN). For large groups, the Casa Via del Sale, located between the Ligurian and Maritime Alps, is ideal, with 100 beds. The Agriturismo Sulla Via del Sale, nestled in the Pavia Apennines at 1.200 meters on Mount Lesima, is charming and inspired by the principles of sharing and conviviality. Finally, the Rifugio F. Allavena in Pigna (IM), appreciated by many for its strategic position halfway along the route, as well as for the excellent cuisine.

Information

Please note that access is free for pedestrians and cyclists but not for motorcyclists. Those travelling by motor vehicle must pay a fee. Traffic on these vehicles is prohibited on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information on the various itineraries, where to eat and sleep, or for any updates, please visit the official website: https://www.altaviadelsale.com

How to get there

The High Salt Road It is accessible by car from six main entrancesLimone Piemonte (in the Cabanaira area), Briga Alta (Upega), Ormea, La Brigue, Tenda, and Pigna. For those traveling on foot or by bicycle, there are also dedicated access routes from the Gesso and Pesio Valleys, ideal for hikers with good physical fitness. Motorized traffic is permitted only with suitable vehicles and, as mentioned, subject to payment of a toll. Limone Piemonte is also easily accessible by train, thanks to the Cuneo–Ventimiglia line.

Read also:

• Path of the Gods: Walking suspended above the sea
• Colfiorito Marsh: between herons and lentil plantations
• Bergeggi Island: Kayaking through the caves of a nature reserve

Cover photo by © ATL Cuneo Photographic Archive