Behind Noli the landscape rises at once: olive groves, fragrant Mediterranean scrub and cliffs plunging straight to the sea. A few minutes from the old town are enough to find yourself on one of the finest stretches of coast in western Liguria.
The Sentiero del Pellegrino
It is the best-known route: the Sentiero del Pellegrino links Noli to Varigotti, crossing the Mediterranean scrub with constant glimpses of the sea. About 6 km, 2–3 hours of walking and a climb of around 350 metres, at hiking difficulty (E). Along the way you pass the Grotta dei Falsari and the Torre delle Streghe, and reach a viewpoint over the Baia dei Saraceni. To return to Noli you can take the TPL Linea 40 bus.
It is best tackled between October and May, when the heat is gentler: in summer it is wise to set off early, with proper shoes and water.
Capo Noli, the Grotta dei Falsari and the Torre delle Streghe
On the headland of Capo Noli, among rocks carved by the wind, opens the Grotta dei Falsari (or Antro dei Briganti): a huge "window" in the cliffs that drop sheer to the sea, a historic smugglers' refuge, with a technical descent equipped with ropes. Higher up watches the Torre delle Streghe, a lookout tower raised in 1582 to defend the borders of Noli.
Climbing: the Finale Outdoor Region
The crags of Capo Noli are part of the Finale Outdoor Region, one of Europe's capitals of sport climbing (over 4,000 routes) and of mountain biking. Easy Dalle is the sector best suited to beginners and families, with a sea view; for those with experience there are Nolitudine and the Pilastri, vertical walls rising straight from the water.
- Sentiero del Pellegrino: Noli ↔ Varigotti, ~6 km, +350 m, 2–3 h, difficulty E
- Grotta dei Falsari: on the Sentiero del Pellegrino, equipped descent
- Climbing: Capo Noli: Easy Dalle (easy), Nolitudine and Pilastri (experts)
- Bergeggi Marine Protected Area: a little to the north, sea and snorkelling around the Isola di Bergeggi
From the hotel: the trailheads can be reached on foot from the centre. We are glad to give you a map, bus times and advice on the climbs at reception.
