Holiday apartment in Balestrino: discover forest paths and history

Balestrino combines a green valley, traces of history and paths through forest and cultivated landscapes. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Balestrino, you can combine nature experiences and local history by visiting several specific destinations.

Valley, forest and paths around Balestrino

Balestrino lies in the immediate hinterland of Loano, 7 km from the coast (a ten-minute drive), in the green valley of the Rio Ponte. Further downstream, it becomes the Barescione stream, a tributary of the Varatella. Olive groves, gardens and vineyards surround Balestrino; opposite lies the untouched Erexea Forest, a true green lung of the valley. In this way, cultivated land and forest meet in the landscape around the town.

The Sentiero delle Terre Alte is a circular route in Balestrino and touches the valley’s most important historical and archaeological sites. You can reach Poggio Balestrino via a path starting in the town center and winding through the forests. The Prati di Groa can be reached via an unpaved road leading from Balestrino. The routes therefore differ in both destination and character: the circular route, forest path and unpaved track suit different day plans.

For cyclists, the Villaggio Rocca Barbena–Balestrino–Toirano mountain-bike route passes through Balestrino and Toirano. It begins in Villaggio Rocca Barbena and runs along gravel roads and paths; it is considered challenging. If you choose your accommodation based on your planned activities, you can take this cycling option into account alongside hiking and cultural destinations.

An old village and buildings from several centuries

Access to the old village of Balestrino is prohibited for safety reasons; however, you can view it from the outside. The old village was abandoned in the 1950s, but its ruins still include houses, churches and alleys. The Chiesa di San Giorgio Campestre dates from the early years of the 14th century and is the oldest surviving religious building in Balestrino. The Santuario di Monte Croce has an access ramp for people with disabilities.

The Castello dei Del Carretto was built around the middle of the 16th century and is today characterized mainly by alterations from the 19th century. The Ponte de la Utra was built in the second half of the 17th century as one of Balestrino’s first public structures. With a single high span, it connects the mule tracks on both sides of the valley and facilitated traffic between the cultivated areas. At Rocca Curaira, a historical reenactment of the battle is held on various occasions.

Getting there and choosing the location of your holiday apartment

From Borghetto S.S., you can reach Balestrino via the Pietra Ligure motorway exit. Drive towards Toirano and then along the provincial road to the junction; there, turn left towards Balestrino. Free parking is available in Balestrino. Those who choose a holiday apartment in Balestrino can incorporate the town’s landscapes, paths and cultural destinations into their own day plans.

If you have several interests, you can choose your accommodation based on the desired combination of history, paths through forest and valley, or cycling.

You can find more places for planning your trip here: Cosseria, Villanova D'albenga, Vara Inferiore, Savona, Calizzano, Quiliano, Pianazzo and Tovo San Giacomo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Savona.