MTB - La Via del Sale

An unforgettable MTB adventure along one of the most iconic routes in the Ligurian Alps, riding through ancient military roads, breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, and an extraordinary final descent towards the Mediterranean Sea. The Via del Sale is far more than a simple bike itinerary: it is an epic journey from the Alps to the sea, combining nature, history, and adventure across three intense and exciting days.

The route follows the historic roads once used by traders transporting salt from the coast towards Piedmont, crossing some of the most spectacular areas of the Maritime and Ligurian Alps. Riders travel along wide military gravel roads, old border forts, alpine pastures, and panoramic ridgelines with views stretching from the mountains all the way to the sea.

Thanks to MTB and e-bike support, the major alpine climbs become more accessible and enjoyable, allowing riders to fully experience the adventure without giving up the pleasure of riding. The tour combines long high-altitude traverses, alpine refuges surrounded by nature, technical descents, and the authentic atmosphere of Ligurian inland villages.

The final day offers a truly unique finish: from the peaks of the Ligurian Alps, the route gradually descends towards the Riviera dei Fiori, crossing olive groves, vineyards, and medieval villages before finally reaching the sea in Bordighera.

This tour is designed for riders with solid MTB or e-bike experience who are looking for an authentic adventure along some of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe.

Technical Information

Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Elevation gain: Approximately 2700 m+

• DAY 1 - LIMONE PIEMONTE - RIFUGIO DON BARBERA

  The first day of the tour marks the entrance into the heart of the Maritime Alps and the iconic Via del Sale route. Starting from Limone Piemonte, the itinerary crosses the village before beginning a long and steady asphalt climb leading from approximately 1,000 meters above sea level to over 1,800 meters at the Colle di Tenda, the historic alpine pass between Italy and France.

  After a panoramic break at high altitude, the tour finally enters the legendary territory of the great alpine military roads. From here, riders pedal through spectacular landscapes surrounded by wide high-altitude gravel roads, alpine pastures, and ancient fortifications once built to defend the alpine border. The military forts, still perfectly visible today, tell the strategic history of these mountains and make the route even more fascinating.

  The day ends at Rifugio Don Barbera, in the heart of the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Liguri, where guests can relax, enjoy dinner, spend the night, and recharge their e-bike batteries before the second stage of the tour.

  Technical Information

  • Distance: approximately 35 km
  • Elevation gain: approximately 1,400 m
  • Terrain: asphalt and alpine gravel roads
  • Difficulty: intermediate / demanding
• DAY 2 - RIFUGIO DON BARBERA - COLLE MELOSA

  The second stage of the tour is one of the most scenic and spectacular sections of the entire crossing. After an initial climb with breathtaking views over the Alpi Liguri, the route continues along the extraordinary high-altitude gravel roads of the Via del Sale, combining rideable climbs, panoramic traverses, and long descents immersed in untouched nature.

  One of the most exciting moments of the day is the crossing of the remarkable Bosco delle Navette, a unique alpine environment characterized by ancient larch forests and wide mountain pastures, where the landscape constantly changes between forests, valleys, and open ridgelines overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

  During the day, riders also reach Monte Saccarello, at 2,200 meters the highest peak in Liguria, a symbolic highlight of the crossing and an extraordinary natural balcony between the Alps and the sea.

  The final part of the route offers a long and enjoyable descent towards Colle Melosa, located in the heart of the Ligurian Alps at an altitude of 1,600 meters, where the overnight stay takes place surrounded by the silence of the mountains.

  Technical Information

  • Distance: approximately 50 km
  • Elevation gain: approximately 1,200 m
  • Elevation loss: approximately 1,400 m
  • Terrain: alpine gravel roads, historic military mule tracks, and short asphalt sections
  • Difficulty: intermediate / advanced
• DAY 3 - COLLE MELOSA - VENTIMIGLIA
  The final day of the tour takes riders from the mountains of the Alpi Liguri all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea, following the scenic valley of the Nervia River. After the high alpine landscapes of the previous days, the scenery gradually changes: forests give way to olive groves, vineyards, and the charming medieval villages of the Ligurian hinterland.

  The route alternates between quiet secondary asphalt roads and enjoyable off-road sections, always surrounded by authentic and panoramic landscapes. Along the descent, riders pass through some of the most beautiful villages in the valley, including Pigna, Isolabona, and Dolceacqua, famous for their stone alleyways, medieval bridges, and timeless atmosphere.

  The final kilometers lead to Ventimiglia, where the mountains finally meet the sea. Upon arrival, there is time to relax with a swim in the Mediterranean or enjoy a beer along the seafront, celebrating the completion of an extraordinary crossing through the Ligurian Alps.

  Technical Information

  • Distance: approximately 50 km
  • Elevation gain: approximately 100 m
  • Elevation loss: approximately 1,700 m
  • Terrain: mixed asphalt, gravel roads, and short off-road trail sections
• USEFUL INFORMATION

  Logistics

  The tour starts and ends in Bordighera, making it easy to organize your trip with a single arrival and departure point. Extra pre- and post-tour nights are available on request.

  The nearest airports are:

  • Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
  • Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA)

  Private airport transfers are available on request.

  Accommodation

  We carefully select small hotels, guesthouses, and charming accommodations that reflect the authentic character of the region. Prices are generally based on shared double rooms. Single rooms are available on request with an additional supplement.

  Food & Local Flavors

  One of the highlights of our tours is discovering authentic Ligurian cuisine through local restaurants, alpine refuges, and traditional regional products. If you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or special requirements, please let us know in advance.

  Travel Light, Ride Better

  Our MTB and e-bike tours are designed to explore remote trails, historic military roads, and hidden corners of Liguria far from mass tourism. For this reason, luggage transport is not included.

  Traveling light is part of the experience: it makes the tour more sustainable, practical, and enjoyable. A lightweight setup means:

  • Less effort on climbs
  • Greater e-bike battery autonomy
  • More freedom and fun on the trails

  We recommend bringing only the essentials:

  • Lightweight technical clothing
  • Compact backpack or bikepacking setup
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Water and energy snacks
  • Essential evening clothing

  Essential Equipment

  • MTB helmet (mandatory)
  • Gloves and glasses
  • E-bike charger
  • Spare inner tube
  • Basic repair kit

  For more technical routes, knee and elbow protection is also recommended.

  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 the tour, including:

  • Brakes and brake pads
  • Tires
  • Chain wear
  • Suspension setup
  • Battery condition

  Travel Insurance

  All our tours include:

  • Medical coverage
  • Luggage insurance
  • Trip cancellation insurance

  We still recommend having additional personal travel insurance for extra protection. A valid travel insurance policy is mandatory to participate in the tour.

  Currency & Payments

  The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but we recommend carrying a small amount of cash for alpine refuges, small cafés, and mountain villages where electronic payments may not always be available.

  Tips & Gratuities

  Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it is always appreciated as recognition for excellent service. If you particularly enjoyed your experience, tips for MTB guides, drivers, and local staff are always welcome.

  The Ligurian Life Spirit

  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. Experience the true essence of Liguria.

  Less weight. More freedom. More Liguria.