Beigua UNESCO Geopark: Trekking in the Wilderness Above Savona

A geological park recognized by UNESCO

A few kilometers from the Savona seafront, the landscape changes dramatically: from the beaches, you quickly ascend to ridges, forests, and plateaus rising above 1,200 meters. This is Beigua Park , recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark for its extraordinary geological value—one of the few places in the world where rocks surface, revealing the formation of the oceans and continents millions of years ago.

For those visiting Savona, Beigua represents a rare opportunity: in less than half an hour's drive, you can go from the blue of the Mediterranean to the intense green of the Ligurian Apennines.

Why Beigua is a UNESCO Geopark

[H3] A geology unique in the world

The Beigua area preserves green rocks (ophiolites) that testify to the ancient ocean floor now exposed, along with rare formations that allow geologists to study deep, normally invisible, Earth processes. This scientific rarity is the basis for the UNESCO recognition.

Biodiversity and landscape

Beyond its geology, the park is home to a remarkable variety of Alpine-Mediterranean flora and fauna: birds of prey nesting on the ridges, beech forests, highland meadows, and a view that, on clear days, reaches all the way to Corsica.

The trails not to be missed

The Alta Via of the Ligurian Mountains

The most famous trail traverses the entire ridge of the park, offering views that alternate between the sea and the snow-capped Alps in the distance. Suitable for hikers with a minimum level of fitness, it can also be tackled in short stages.

Mount Beigua, a panoramic peak

The climb up Monte Beigua (1,287 m) is the park's signature hike: a not overly challenging route that offers, at the summit, one of the most expansive views in Liguria, encompassing both the sea and the mountains at the same time.

Easy routes for families

For those seeking a more accessible experience, several short, well-marked trails start from the park's picnic areas, ideal for families with children or those simply wanting to enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.

When to visit Beigua

Seasonality

Spring (April-June) offers spectacular blooms and ideal temperatures for walking. Summer is perfect for escaping the coastal heat, thanks to the altitude, which ensures temperatures are several degrees cooler than the seafront. Autumn offers the colors of the foliage and a particularly evocative atmosphere.

What to bring

Hiking shoes, plenty of water, a light jacket even in summer (temperatures at high altitude can be surprising), and—for those who enjoy nature observation—binoculars for birds of prey sightings.

Sea and mountains: the combination that makes Savona unique.

Few places in Italy allow you to combine a sea bath with a high-altitude hike in the same day or stay. Beigua is a tangible example of Savona's dual identity: a seaside town with a natural hinterland of international significance within easy reach.