MTB - La Via del Sale - Self Guided

DAY 1 – Limone Piemonte – Rifugio Don Barbera

Arrive independently in Limone Piemonte by car or train. From the village centre, a short ride leads to the Bottero Cable Car, which, during its operating season (approximately 18 July to 30 August), allows you to gain around 600 metres of elevation, avoiding the first long climb. Use of the cable car is optional, and the ticket is not included. Those who prefer to complete the entire route by bike can ride independently to Baita La Vetta. From here, the Via del Sale crossing begins, following the spectacular ridge-top military road to Rifugio Don Barbera. Riders wishing to extend the day can take the optional detour to Punta dei Forti. Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Don Barbera.

DAY 2 – Rifugio Don Barbera – Rifugio Allavena

The second day is the highlight of the entire adventure. The route crosses some of the most iconic landscapes of the Ligurian Alps, passing through Colle delle Selle Vecchie, Passo Tanarello and Monte Saccarello, following the historic military roads built between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. An optional lunch stop is available at Rifugio La Terza before tackling the final kilometres to Rifugio Allavena. Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Allavena.

DAY 3 – Rifugio Allavena – Ventimiglia – Limone Piemonte

The final day gradually descends from the mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. The long downhill ride passes through the picturesque villages of Buggio, Pigna and Dolceacqua, where a stop is recommended to explore the historic centres and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you join the Riviera dei Fiori Cycling Path, which follows the coastline for the final kilometres to the sea and Ventimiglia railway station. A spectacular finish that completes the unforgettable journey from the Alps to the Sea. Return by the last train from Ventimiglia (approximately 6:00 pm) to Limone Piemonte (arrival approximately 9:00 pm).

• Detailed itinerary with schedules and technical recommendations.
• Digital Road Book.
• GPS tracks.
• 2 nights in mountain refuges with dinner and breakfast.
• Train ticket Ventimiglia – Limone Piemonte.
• Telephone assistance throughout the tour.
• Travel insurance covering medical assistance, luggage and trip cancellation.

NOT INCLUDED

• Travel to Limone Piemonte.
• Mandatory Alta Via del Sale access permit (€1).
• Bottero Cable Car ticket (€7).
• Cycling guide service (optional – price on request).
• E-MTB rental (optional – price on request).
• Luggage transfer service.
• Lunches or packed lunches (optional – price on request).
• Beverages.
• Anything not expressly listed under Included.

Recommended Period: From June to September, subject to the seasonal opening of the Via del Sale and weather conditions. Please note: cars and motorcycles are not allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Recommended Bike: Front or full-suspension E-MTB with a minimum battery range of 80–100 km (battery charging is available at the mountain refuges).

Required Level: Suitable for riders with a good level of fitness and solid riding experience on gravel roads and unpaved terrain.

Bookings & Pricing: Self-guided tour available on any date, subject to mountain refuge availability. The itinerary can be customised with additional nights by the sea or extra MTB riding days.

Start / Finish: The tour starts and ends in Limone Piemonte, making travel arrangements easy with a single arrival and departure point.

Accommodation: Mountain refuges with shared rooms and shared bathroom facilities. A sleeping bag liner is required.

Essentials: This tour does not include luggage transfer. Travelling light is part of the experience: it makes the tour more sustainable, practical and enjoyable. We recommend bringing only the essentials: lightweight technical cycling clothing, compact backpack or bikepacking setup, waterproof and windproof jacket, water and energy snacks, essential evening clothing, MTB helmet, cycling gloves and sunglasses, E-bike charger, spare inner tube, and basic repair kit.

Health & Safety: Your safety and well-being are our priority throughout the tour. Please make sure you are in good physical condition and prepared for several consecutive days of riding on mixed terrain. We strongly recommend having your bike professionally checked before departure, paying particular attention to: brakes and brake pads, tyres, chain wear, suspension setup, and battery condition.

Travel Insurance: All our tours include: medical assistance insurance, luggage insurance, and trip cancellation insurance. We also recommend taking out additional personal travel insurance for greater peace of mind.

Currency & Payments: We recommend carrying a small amount of cash for mountain refuges, small cafés and mountain villages, where electronic payments may not always be available.

Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are always appreciated.

The LigurianLife Spirit – Less Weight. More Freedom. More Liguria.

Our tours are not races. They are immersive journeys through mountains, coastal landscapes, medieval villages and the authentic culture of the region. Ride light, slow down, and experience the true essence of Liguria.