Valle Tanaro is an open-air alpine history reserve where botanical biodiversity plays hide-and-seek in the folds of a heterogeneous landscape, including a vast karstic system and noteworthy cultural sites. The ruins of castles in Nucetto, Perlo, Priola and Ormea alternate with Saracen towers, tangible signs of the invasions that occurred in the Piedmontese valleys between the 8th and 11th centuries.

Garessio, which is included among the Borghi più Belli d’Italia because of its beautiful medieval era historical centre, still enchants visitors and shows off its castle, the Castello Reale di Casotto. During winter, visitors can experience skiing with a view of the sea from the slopes of Garessio 2000, while Ormea, built in a heart shape with its tiny streets folded into an embrace, already bears the fragrance of the Ligurian inland areas. The highest part of the valley offers tourists unforgettable locations and mountain views, from Briga Alta to the villages of Viozene and Upega, and from the sources of the Tanaro River to Monte Mongioie.

These wonderful places can be enjoyed fully through the well-connected network of trails, high mountain military roads and mountain passes, starting with the Alta Via del Sale (Salt Road), a gravel road that crosses a lunar landscape loaded with history and charm, as visitors follow the ephemeral border between Italy, France, Piedmont and Liguria. The Balconata di Ormea winds for forty kilometres behind the village of Ormea along dirt roads and mule tracks at altitudes between 850 and 1500 metres with reasonable level differences, customizable legs that anyone can manage and the comforting presence of two lovely refuges.

The Giro del Marguareis is a 5-day excursion into the heart of the Marguareis protected area, which symbolically links Valle Tanaro with Valle Pesio and Valle Ellero through the collaboration of five managed refuges. The Alto Tanaro Tour is the longest, hardest and most spectacular valley hiking tour in the Southern Alps (135 km, 8000 metres of level difference, and 9 beautiful hiking legs). Two other extraordinary hiking tours are the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri that touches Valle Tanaro near Rifugio di Pian dell’Arma and the Gran Traversata delle Alpi that starts in the municipality of Ormea.

Do not miss the local food, also influenced by the combination of Ligurian and Piedmontese cultures. Many specialities can be categorized as “white cuisine” or cucina bianca, which shepherds consumed during their trips up to mountain pastures, such as dark polenta with cream, dried mushrooms and leeks. Chickpeas from Nucetto, beans from Bagnasco, potatoes from Ormea, white turnips from Caprauna and chestnuts, called “garessine”, are the most famous agricultural products from this valley.