Salt Road Trek: Varzi to Portofino - 5 Days from the Apennines to the Sea

There's one trek that, more than any other, tells the story of the transition from the mountains to the sea: the Via del Sale from Varzi to Portofino. An epic, multi-day itinerary that crosses Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Liguria, following ancient trade routes between panoramic ridges, mountain huts, and trails immersed in nature.

With the Guidders, this journey becomes much more than just a hike: it's a shared experience made of effort, incredible views, and authentic moments. We start from Varzi, in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, and walk day after day through beech forests, open ridges, and iconic peaks like Monte Chiappo and Monte Antola, until we slowly descend towards the blue of the Ligurian Sea.

Along the way, you'll experience constantly changing environments: high-altitude pastures, panoramic ridges, shady beech forests, and small villages. The elevation gain is significant, but always well distributed over long and rewarding stages.

✅ 5 reasons to choose this trek:

• Complete mountain-to-sea crossing in 4 days
• Continuous views of the Alps, the Po Valley, and the Ligurian Sea
• Passage over spectacular and wild ridges
• Authentic experience along historic trade routes
• Perfect for trained Guidders looking for a real adventure

🔥 If you're looking for a trek that truly leaves you with something, this is the right journey. Join the Guidders and experience the Via del Sale step by step, until you symbolically dive into the sea of Portofino.

What makes this trek unique

The Via del Sale is one of the most fascinating crossings in northern Italy: it unites different territories in a single logical thread, always along the ridge. The real value is the continuous variety: every day the scenery changes, but the feeling of freedom remains constant. The highlight? The passage over Monte Chiappo (triple border) and the final arrival with a sea view.