Share
Scan the QR code and open PeakVisor on your phone
Scan the QR code and open PeakVisor on your phone
The area of Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero, which is located in the Italian region of Liguria, is protected as part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network. There are 9 named mountains in Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero. The highest and the most prominent mountain is Poggio Grande (813 m/2,667 ft).
The protected area of Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero is part of the eastern section of the Ligurian Alps and more specifically, the Monte Galero subgroup. The area is situated in the Italian region of Liguria in the province of Savona.
The Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero protected area covers the municipalities of Albenga, Balestrino, Borghetto, Ceriale, Cisano sul Neva, Toirano, and Zuccarello. It consists of the Ibà and Auzza valleys and it contains the peaks of Monte Acuto (748 m/2,454 ft), Poggio Grande (813 m/2,667 ft), and Pizzo Ceresa (714 m/2,342 ft).
A ridge divides the valley of the Varatella stream from the valley of the Neva stream, forming a mountain range that reaches as far as the sea. The mountain range, which is U-shaped and features an eastward-facing basin, separates the plain of Albenga from that of Borghetto Santo Spirito.
The Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero protected area is part of the Ligurian Alps, which formed around 200 million years ago. It emerged out of an ancient ocean called the Tethys that was then formed and shaped over millions of years into what we see today.
The area is part of the Ligurian Prealps and is composed of numerous streams, extensive terraced belts and sloped areas. There are limestones in the range that belong to different geological formations such as that of Monte Galero and Val Tanarello, crystalline dolomites, jaspers, and radiolarites. The Torsero stream also contains a rich and significant deposit of Pliocene fossils.
There are many superficial and sub-surface karst formations found throughout the area, as well as significant sites of rocky bastions, pinnacles and towers present on the ridge and slopes between Monte Croce and Monte Acuto. There are also large potholes in the upper Rio Ibà valley.
Poggio Grande (823 m/2,667 ft) is the highest peak in the area, and it is known locally as Due Fratelli (two brothers). However, Monte Acuto (748 m/2,454 ft) rises from the main ridge and consists of a thin summit with grass and rocks that forms what is arguably the most scenic peak of the massif.
Despite its name, which in Italian translates as ‘sharp’ or ‘pointed,’ Monte Acuto frequently appears as an elongated ridge. Its narrow and elegant shape can only be viewed from Borghetto Santo Spirito.
The area of Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero is considered to be of interest because it is home to a number of important species and habitats. In fact, it features plant species that are both protected and rare in Italy.
Glaciation during the Pleistocene helped to create the many bogs and small lakes that are found throughout the area. Additionally, vegetation at the bottom of the valley and on north-facing slopes consists of broadleaf woodlands, whereas the southern slopes feature Mediterranean shrub species. Thickets of maritime and black pine can be found higher up the slopes amidst extensive pastures.
As is typical in the Ligurian Alps, Mediterranean flora coexists amongst Alpine flora in Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero. Therefore, the area is one of exceptional botanical value.
The area is rich in orchids due to the extensive pastures There are also numerous endemic species found in the area including the Savona bellflower (Campanula sabatia), the Ligurian gentian (Gentiana ligustica), the tassel lily (Lilium pomponium), the Ligurian helianthemum (Helianthemum lunulatum), and the rare pine-cone cornflower (Leuzea conifera). In fact, one third of the entire Ligurian flora protected under Regional Law 9/84 can be found in this area.
The fauna in the area include numerous amphibians and reptiles such as the rare Montpellier snake (Colubro lacertino) and ocellated lizard (Lucertola ocellata). Different species of bats can be found in the area, too, as can mammals such as fallow deer.
There are also plenty of bird species nesting, wintering, and migrating through the area. Some of the birds found in the area include the golden eagle, buzzard, nightjar, goldfinch, skylark, kingfisher, peregrine, and kestrel.
Human activity in the Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero area was largely based on forestry and pastoral activities for millennia. In fact, the dry stone shelters built by shepherds in the region are known as caselle and can still be found around the summit of Monte Acuto. These caselle were historically used as shelter along trading routes in the Alps.
Small towns and villages in the area boast a history of around a thousand years. There are still many characteristics of the area that have been preserved, especially close to Peagna, such as mills and masonry bridges on the valley floor, as well as the caselle higher up the slopes.
The protected area of Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero is relatively small, but there are several ways to enjoy this part of the Ligurian Prealps. Here are some of the best hikes and hiking areas to check out nearby.
Poggio Grande is one of the 4 peaks along the multi-day Sentiero Terre Alte, which begins in Spotorno and ends in Passo di S. Giacomo di Chiusanico.
The easy route starts from the beaches of Spotorno and heads toward the mountains of Val Lerrone. The entire route is marked with a red and yellow sign with TA written in the center and takes around 4–6 days to complete. Or, the route can be broken up into segments. It follows along low-traffic roads, dirt roads, mule trails, and footpaths.
Val Pennavaire, or the Pennavaire Valley, is a beautiful valley that’s situated close to the coastal town of Albenga.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the valley for visitors to check out from relaxing hikes along the lowlands to a 13 km (8 mi) loop that leads to the top of Monte Armetta.
Val Pennavaire is also part of the climbing area known as OltreFinale, which translates as ‘Beyond Finale.’ It’s a slightly quieter alternative to the nearby climbing mecca of Finale Ligure.
Finale Ligure is an area that contains lots of beautiful coastal hikes as well as treks into the nearby mountains.
Some interesting routes in the area include the 4-hour long Perti Alto, which begins in Finalborgo and reaches the cave - Grotta dell’Edera.
There’s also the nearby coastal route along the Sentiero del Pellegrino (Pilgrim’s Trail) from Varigotti to Noli. This hike passes by the breathtaking cave Grotta dei Falsari (‘Counterfeiter’s Cave’), which was named after the counterfeiters who would allegedly hoard their stolen goods in the area.
Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, there are plenty of coastal towns and villages to enjoy near Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero. Here are some of the main nearby towns to visit during your travels.
Finale Ligure is located along the western Ligurian riviera in the province of Savona. Finale Ligure has plenty of beaches to enjoy, as well as the old town of Finalborgo, which is a beautiful medieval town bustling with restaurants, bars, sports stores, and outdoors enthusiasts.
Finale is a great base for outdoors activities, and is particularly popular in the mild winter months amongst climbers and mountain bikers who want to escape colder climates at home.
Albenga is a medieval town in Liguria and the gateway to the beautiful Pennavaire Valley. It features great nearby opportunities for climbing and hiking.
The town of Albenga is a popular summer holiday destination with plenty of nearby beaches to enjoy. There are also many historical buildings to admire in Piazza San Michele, Albenga’s medieval town center.
Loano is a small coastal town based on the western Ligurian riviera in the province of Savona. Here you can enjoy the local beaches and the mild year-round temperatures, or stroll around nearby Finalborgo.
The town of Loano also features a number of important historic sites, including its old town churches, and an ancient castle. Loano is also just around an hour and a half away from Genoa (Genova) by train, so it’s readily accessible for visitors to the area.
Explore Monte Acuto - Poggio Grande - Rio Torsero with the PeakVisor 3D Map and identify its summits.
