Via del Sale – along the ancient trade route to the Ligurian Sea

A week of exclusive and culinary hiking along historic trails, from Lombardy to Camogli.

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In the footsteps of the Romans, salt traders and partisans.
Morning atmosphere in the hills near Varzi, where the hike begins.
On the second day, we climb through sparse beech forests...
... and hike along mountain ridges to Capanna di Cosola.
In the dining room of the Capanna: Italianità as in the 1970s.
The Via del Sale mostly leads southwards along lonely ridges.
... with views over the endless mountain ranges.
In the border region between Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria.
The stately accommodation on the fourth stage.
A midday break on a small plateau.
Orchids and gentians by the wayside.
Feel free in no man’s land.
Rain is gathering just before the coast.
Real or fake? Facade windows in Uscio.
The long-awaited view of the Ligurian coast.
Finally, on the beach at Camogli.
Dinner by the sea with a view.
The final hike to San Frutuoso.
See you in May 2027.

Via del Sale – along the ancient trade route to the Ligurian Sea

Tour description

This impressive long-distance hike follows one of Italy’s oldest trade routes – the historic Salt Road. What merchants and mule drivers once used to transport the ‘white gold’ from the coast to the interior is now a unique journey through culture, nature and cuisine across the Apennines.

A different world every day
The journey begins in medieval Varzi, a charming little town renowned for producing Italy’s finest salami. From there, ancient mule tracks climb up to the ridges of the Apennines. The landscape changes constantly: from sparse beech woods to dense chestnut forests, across vast grassy slopes to barren peaks offering spectacular views at an altitude up to 1,700 metres. On these trails, a sense of freedom reigns – the air is clear, the paths secluded, the views breathtaking. With every step, the history of the travellers echoes who have walked this path for centuries.

Hospitality and Gastronomy
We stay in family-run guesthouses and a refuge, where time still moves more slowly. Our hosts welcome us with warm simplicity and regional specialities such as cheese from the Val d’Aveto, mushroom dishes or homemade pasta. Whether antipasti, primo or secondo, this long-distance hike is also a journey into classic Italian cuisine, from the mountains to the sea.

The Apennines at their most beautiful
In these villages, the authentic spirit of Italy still lives on – far from the tourist hotspots. On the final day of the hike, the route takes you through the Monte di Portofino Nature Park, where the scents of the Mediterranean and views of the turquoise coastline accompany your descent. In Camogli – where salt was once loaded – the journey ends in one of Liguria’s most charming fishing villages. The moment we dip our feet into the sea is deeply symbolic: you have walked the entire length of the Salt Road yourself.

 

15.05.2027 – 22.05.2027

Length & duration
Stages of 2:30 – 5:30 hours, 7–19 km long, total 85 km | Ascents/descents 300 –1'100 m | Daypack only thanks to luggage transport

Difficulty
Good fitness on easy paths, T2

Services
7 nights' accommodation, 5 with half board | Train ticket from/to Chiasso | Luggage transport to stage destinations | Professional organisation & information on site

Cost
8 days / 7 nights for CHF 1'690.00 in a double room | single room on request possible | maximal 8 people

Not included
Travel to/back from Chiasso | Drinks in hotels & alberghi | Lunch & dinner at Camogli.

Travel
Only by SBB & Trenitalia

Registration & payment
Deadline & payment by 21 March 2027 | Later bookings on request & surcharge for the reservations | Read AGB Hiking Weeks

Equipment
Equipment list & detailed programme to follow after payment.

Meeting point
Chiasso, or by arrangement with participants.

End & return journey
Saturday noon, 22 May from Camogli | Extension of stay in Camogli possible on request.

Hiking guide

Markus Unterfinger
Phone: 076 419 21 10
markus@wanderidee.ch

Register online

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