How do I get to the start in Limone Piemonte?

Limone Piemonte can be reached by train from Turin (about 1? hours via Cuneo) and directly from Cuneo (30 minutes) on the Cuneo-Ventimiglia line. From France, Nice is the natural gateway via the Tende tunnel, which allows you to reach the Vermenagna valley by car (1h30), with a possible connection at Tende to continue by train.

How do I get back from Sanremo at the end of the tour?

On the return journey, Sanremo is served by the coastal railway line linking Ventimiglia to Genoa, with frequent connections to Nice on the French side and Turin via Genoa on the Italian side. Sanremo’s modern railway station, opened in 2001, is within easy reach of the historic Pigna district and Via Palazzo. It is one of the great logistical advantages of this route.

Where to stay on the route?

The route is dotted with well-equipped refuges . The Don Barbera hut welcomes hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders in a friendly alpine setting right from the first stage. The CAI T. Gauzzi huts (booking required via online platform, electronic access code, 25-person dormitory) and La Terza (rooms and restaurant with panoramic views, run by the Ponte di Nava family) are the main stops at altitude. In Upega, La Locanda di Upega and the La Porta del Sole refuge are two excellent addresses. The CAI F. Allavena refuge at Colla Melosa (1,545 m), founded in 1947, is the essential stopover between Triora and Bajardo. On arrival, Sanremo offers all types of accommodation, from family pensions to hotels with sea views.

What level of fitness is required for this tour?

With a total of more than 5,300 metres of ascent over 101.5 kilometres , this route, classified as “ very difficult “, is aimed at experienced hikers who are used to back-to-back days in the mountains with a high level of ascent. The Italian “E” (Escursionistico) classification confirms that there are no technical difficulties, but the stages are long and demanding, particularly the first (16.3 km, 1,356 m D+, 6h30) and last (18.2 km, 6h30). Plan to prepare seriously for these stages, and don’t underestimate the days with a high negative gradient, which are often harder on the knees than the climbs.

When is the best time to do this route?

The ideal window of opportunity is from mid-June to mid-September. Before June, snow can still block certain high passes, particularly around Monte Saccarello (2,200 m). After mid-September, mountain conditions become more unpredictable. July and August offer long days and guaranteed conditions, but the refuges fill up quickly. The CAI T. Gauzzi refuge is often fully booked in spring and summer: remember to book several weeks in advance, especially for weekends.

What must you see in Sanremo when you arrive?

The itinerary ends in style at the Regina Elena Gardens , from where you can look out over the gulf before plunging into the medieval streets of the Pigna district as far as Via Palazzo. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa (17th century), a monumental guardian of the gulf, whose dome can already be seen from the pathway down, framed by the walls of the mulattiera of San Romolo. Along the way, stop off at San Romolo to discover the remains of the world’s longest cable car (7,645 metres), inaugurated in 1931 and closed for good in 1981. A fine example of Ligurian industrial archaeology. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time of year, you can also take part in Sanremo in Fiore, the town’s famous flower carnival . This usually takes place at the end of March each year, often around springtime and sometimes on Palm Sunday.

What walks can you do nearby?

RivierALP has a wealth of itineraries to explore in Northern Italy. For sports enthusiasts , the 1,130-metre-high Ormea rock face is a major adventure, enhanced by the colourful village of Oneglia. Altitude enthusiasts can link this itinerary to the Balconata di Ormea or explore the Mercantour, straddling France and Piedmont. For those who prefer to relax, a 100% thermal itinerary awaits you from Valdieri.

Can this route link up with other RivierALP stages?

Exactly . The Limone Piemonte – Sanremo crossing is a natural addition to the RivierALP network of hikes . From the CAI T. Gauzzi refuge, it’s also possible to branch off towards Imperia via Colle San Bartolomeo in a two-day walk. The itinerary can also be extended or combined with : Terme di Valdieri to Trinità d’Entracque , Limone to Refuge Sanremo, Refuge Sanremo to Imperia Oneglia, Trinità to Casterino, Roccaforte to Refuge Don Barbera, Certosa di Pesio to Refuge Don Barbera, Ormea to Upega, or Refuge San Remo to San Remo.

A hike to the summit from Piedmont

Limone Piemonte to Sanremo itinerary

From the Piedmont ridges to the Ligurian coastline

The race starts in the beautiful Italian province of Cuneo, from Limone Piemonte! Seven stages, a border crossed and an ever-increasing gradient from the peaks of Piedmont to the Ligurian coastline. From the grey stone streets of Limone Piemonte to the sun-drenched facades of Sanremo’s seafront caruggi, this route perfectly illustrates the diversity of the landscape, nature and culture of this unique region. Warm refuges, isolated villages, unspoilt forests, the crest of Monte Saccarello and the gradual descent to the Mediterranean: each stage reveals a new facet of a wild and authentic Northern Italy. Shall we set off?

Getting organised

Limone Piemonte in Sanremo :hiking in figures

Distance: 101.5 kilometres
Duration: 7 days

Walking itinerary

Difficulty: Very difficult

Ascent: 5393 m

Negative ascent: 4801 m

Itinerary from Limone Piemonte À la carte: 7 stages between Piedmont and the Ligurian Sea

From the heights of Limone Piemonte, nestled at an altitude of over 1,000 metres in the Vermenagna valley, the route opens out onto the wide open spaces of the Piedmont Alps. Northern Italy in all its splendour! From the very first stage, the CAI L15 (Italian Alpine Club) trail winds its way up the Vallone di San Giovanni before heading for the crests of the Via del Sale, an ancient military road carved out at an altitude of over 2,000 metres on the French-Italian border. The pastures of Gias Valletta, the monumental curve of the Boaria and the Don Barbera refuge set the tone: here, the mountain is king.

Then the magic begins. As you cross the Bosco delle Navette, its 2,700 hectares of heavy larch and fir foliage, and reach the CAI T. Gauzzi and La Terza refuges (part of the Italian Alpine Club network) at the foot of Monte Saccarello, the highest point in Liguria (at 2,200 metres), the landscape changes. The mountain pastures of Piedmont gradually gave way to chestnut groves, Mediterranean scrubland and the first hilltop villages. Carnino, Upega, Triora, Bajardo… So manypicturesque stages leading to the finishing line: the Ligurian Sea and its sun-drenched facades. Are you ready for a wonderful, sporty holiday?

ItineraryLimone Piemonte to Sanremo in 7 stages

DépartLimone Piemonte

Stage 1Limone Piemonte → Refuge Don Barbera

Stage 2Don Barbera Refuge → Upega

Step 4Refuge CAI Sanremo T. Gauzzi and Refuge de La Terza→ - Triora

Step 5Triora → CAI Allavena refuge

Step 6Refuge CAI Allavena → Bajardo

ArrivéeSanremo

Cultural heritage to see

From the cappella di San Giovanni to the “witches’ village

Starting out from Limone Piemonte, the cappella di San Giovanni sets the scene with its captivating painting attributed to Claudio Francesco Beaumont. The path then follows a stretch of the High Salt Road, an old military road linking Limone Piemonte to Monesi di Triora, passing through sometimes lunar landscapes.

On the way to Triora, the bronze statue of Christ the Redeemer, visible from the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) T. Gauzzi and La Terza refuges, is an almost obligatory stop because of the remarkable panorama. But one of the nicest surprises on the route is the arrival in what is known as the “witches’ village”. This Roman village was the scene of Italy’s biggest witch trials in the 16th century. Today, its medieval alleyways exude a warm atmosphere that makes you want to stay for several days!

Finally, in Bajardo, the ruins of the medieval church of San Niccolò (hit by the 1887 earthquake) house a breathtaking panoramic terrace overlooking the sea. It will leave you breathless.

My stay On your route

Limone Piemonte, a historic alpine ski resort

In the Vermenagna valley, Limone Piemonte is one of Piedmont’s most emblematic mountain villages. Renowned for its downhill ski slopes (the Riserva Bianca ski area is one of the busiest in the Southern Alps), the village has retained its medieval charm, with narrow streets, stone houses and Baroque chapels. A strategic crossroads between Piedmontese, Ligurian and Provençal cultures, it has long held sway over the Col de Tende and is now one of the most popular departure points for theRivierALP destination.

Throughout the itinerary, accommodation in refuges sets the pace with an authentic mountain atmosphere. The spacious and well-equipped Don Barbera refuge welcomes hikers, cyclists and horse riders around large wooden tables in the meadow. The CAI T. Gauzzi and La Terza huts, perched at almost 2,000 metres at the foot of Monte Saccarello, offer a memorable night at altitude. In Upega, “La Locanda di Upega” and the “La Porta del Sole” hut are two addresses much appreciated by connoisseurs. The CAI F. Allavena refuge in Colla Melosa, founded in 1947, is a point of reference for all outdoor enthusiasts in the region, with its new garage equipped for mountain bikers. On arrival, Sanremo offers all types of accommodation, from family pensions to hotels with sea views.

Ready for POI

Testimonial

“7 days between Piedmont and Liguria, and the impression of crossing the whole of Northern Italy. In Limone Piemonte, you’d think you were in a mountain film. In Triora, you’re in a sixteenth-century novel. And at Sanremo, you realise that you’ve only just left the ridges and are now reaching the sea. What struck me most was the change in vegetation and light as you went along. And the Haute Route du Sel with its almost lunar landscapes… It’s incredible!

– Margot, touring hiker (full itinerary completed in August)

Everything you need to know about your walk between Limone Piemonte and Sanremo

How do I get to the start in Limone Piemonte?
How do I get back from Sanremo at the end of the tour?
Where to stay on the route?
The route is dotted with well-equipped refuges. The Don Barbera hut welcomes hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders in a friendly alpine setting right from the first stage. The CAI T. Gauzzi huts(booking required via online platform, electronic access code, 25-person dormitory) and La Terza (rooms and restaurant with panoramic views, run by the Ponte di Nava family) are the main stops at altitude. In Upega, La Locanda di Upega and the La Porta del Sole refuge are two excellent addresses. The CAI F. Allavena refuge at Colla Melosa (1,545 m), founded in 1947, is the essential stopover between Triora and Bajardo. On arrival, Sanremo offers all types of accommodation, from family pensions to hotels with sea views.
What level of fitness is required for this tour?
With a total of more than 5,300 metres of ascent over 101.5 kilometres, this route, classified as “ very difficult “, is aimed at experienced hikers who are used to back-to-back days in the mountains with a high level of ascent. The Italian “E” (Escursionistico) classification confirms that there are no technical difficulties, but the stages are long and demanding, particularly the first (16.3 km, 1,356 m D+, 6h30) and last (18.2 km, 6h30). Plan to prepare seriously for these stages, and don’t underestimate the days with a high negative gradient, which are often harder on the knees than the climbs.
When is the best time to do this route?
The ideal window of opportunity is from mid-June to mid-September. Before June, snow can still block certain high passes, particularly around Monte Saccarello (2,200 m). After mid-September, mountain conditions become more unpredictable. July and August offer long days and guaranteed conditions, but the refuges fill up quickly. The CAI T. Gauzzi refuge is often fully booked in spring and summer: remember to book several weeks in advance, especially for weekends.
What must you see in Sanremo when you arrive?
The itinerary ends in style at the Regina Elena Gardens, from where you can look out over the gulf before plunging into the medieval streets of the Pigna district as far as Via Palazzo. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa (17th century), a monumental guardian of the gulf, whose dome can already be seen from the pathway down, framed by the walls of the mulattiera of San Romolo. Along the way, stop off at San Romolo to discover the remains of the world’s longest cable car (7,645 metres), inaugurated in 1931 and closed for good in 1981. A fine example of Ligurian industrial archaeology. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time of year, you can also take part in Sanremo in Fiore, the town’s famous flower carnival. This usually takes place at the end of March each year, often around springtime and sometimes on Palm Sunday.
What walks can you do nearby?
RivierALP has a wealth of itineraries to explore in Northern Italy. For sports enthusiasts, the 1,130-metre-high Ormea rock face is a major adventure, enhanced by the colourful village of Oneglia. Altitude enthusiasts can link this itinerary to the Balconata di Ormea or explore the Mercantour, straddling France and Piedmont. For those who prefer to relax, a 100% thermal itinerary awaits you from Valdieri.
Can this route link up with other RivierALP stages?
Exactly. The Limone Piemonte – Sanremo crossing is a natural addition to the RivierALP network of hikes. From the CAI T. Gauzzi refuge, it’s also possible to branch off towards Imperia via Colle San Bartolomeo in a two-day walk. The itinerary can also be extended or combined with : Terme di Valdieri to Trinità d’Entracque, Limone to Refuge Sanremo, Refuge Sanremo to Imperia Oneglia, Trinità to Casterino, Roccaforte to Refuge Don Barbera, Certosa di Pesio to Refuge Don Barbera, Ormea to Upega, or Refuge San Remo to San Remo.