It may seem surreal to think of an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains to the sea, amidst breathtaking landscapes and historic villages; but this beautiful path does exist, it connects Piedmont to Liguria, and it is known as the The Salt Road (Via del Sale).
This is a route that originated as an ancient merchant path used to transport the “white wage” from the sea to the inland, and it holds a heritage of age-old traditions, art, and untouched nature. In an era of frenetic travel, the Salt Road invites you to rediscover slow tourism, to connect with history and nature.
It is an experience that perfectly aligns with the philosophy of a stay at Casa di Langa, where every detail is curated for a total immersion in the territory with a strong focus on sustainability. Below, we will delve into every aspect of the journey: from where the path begins to the most evocative stages, from the costs involved to the most suitable periods.
Map and route: the beginning and end of the Salt Road
The Salt Road connects the Maritime Alps to the Riviera, starting from Limone Piemonte, in the Cuneo area, and ending in Ventimiglia, on the Ligurian coast. The journey is downhill, gradually leaving the peaks behind for a plunge into the Mediterranean.
The route begins with the rugged and majestic profile of the Maritime Alps, with their valleys, green pastures, and coniferous forests, before sloping southwards. The flora and fauna change as the peaks give way to increasingly gentle hills, and conifers mix with chestnut and oak woods. Gradually, the first cultivated olive terraces appear, while the scent of the earth gives way to that of the sea salt.
The main route, which we will explore further, follows the old military road that runs along the ridge, but its path intertwines with a thousand trails, creating a network of alternative routes.
The stages of the Salt Road on foot: between history and nature
The trekking is not easy, but every step is rewarded with beautiful panoramas and the silence of the high altitudes. Here is a possible breakdown of the route, with stages designed for a complete and fulfilling experience.
Stage 1: Limone Piemonte, Don Barbera Refuge
The journey begins with an ascent that immediately leaves civilization behind. You climb towards the Colle dei Signori at a steady pace that offers the first views of the Ligurian and Maritime Alps. The Don Barbera Refuge, nestled in a mountain hollow, is a well-deserved stop after about 15 km and 5-6 hours of walking.
Stage 2: Don Barbera Refuge – Sanremo Refuge
This is the wildest and most solitary stretch, where the true spirit of the route resides. You advance along airy ridges and rocky paths, at times close to the French border. You move through an environment that inspires a deep respect for the power of nature. At the end of about 10-12 km and 4-5 hours of walking, the Sanremo Refuge welcomes tired travelers.
Stage 3: Sanremo Refuge – La Brigue
Here the descent begins; the landscape reveals increasingly lush vegetation and leads into the Roya Valley, an area rich in history and charm, with its typical stone villages. The stage is long, about 20 km, and requires 6-7 hours of walking, but the view opens up to ever-new sceneries.
Stage 4: La Brigue – Saorge/Breil-sur-Roya
You enter the heart of medieval villages with a path that follows the Roya river, immersing you in an atmosphere of times gone by. The feeling will be that of getting lost in a labyrinth of alleys and stairs, where every corner tells a story. The walking time is about 15 km for 5 hours.
Stage 5: Saorge/Breil-sur-Roya – Ventimiglia
The final descent gradually reveals the coast as you descend, with an increasingly intense scent of the sea. The journey ends in a city rich in history, where the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea welcomes travelers and closes the circle of an unforgettable experience. The distance is about 20 km and the walking time is 6-7 hours.
Costs and Logistics
The cost of walking the entire Salt Road varies based on personal choices, but a realistic estimate can help you plan better.
The most economical and authentic option for accommodation is the alpine huts, where half-board (dinner, overnight stay, and breakfast) can cost between 50 and 70 euros per person. In the villages, options diversify between B&Bs and small hotels, with prices ranging from 70 to 100 euros per night. In addition to half-board, you should also consider an average cost for a packed lunch, which will be around 20 euros per day.
The costs to reach Limone Piemonte and to return from Ventimiglia depend on the chosen means of transport. A train journey from Turin to Limone and from Ventimiglia to Turin is reasonably priced, as is the bus journey. If you opt for a car, parking costs are added to the budget.
The total cost, therefore, for a five-day walk, is between 350 and 550 euros per person, depending on the chosen level of comfort and not including the purchase of equipment (trekking boots, backpack, technical clothing).
Planning and best time to go: when to do the Salt Road?
Given the high altitude, the Salt Road is a summer trail, so the best time to tackle it is from mid-June to mid-September. During winter and late spring, due to snow, many sections are impassable, especially those on the ridge.
Before setting off, it is always wise to check the weather forecast, as the weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Furthermore, especially in July and August, it is advisable to book beds in the refuges well in advance.
It is therefore recommended to consult the official websites of the refuges or local tourist boards before leaving, as the opening of the route may depend on the winter’s snowfall conditions.
Difficulty levels of the Salt Road
The beauty of the Salt Road is not reserved only for experts; the itinerary includes sections that do not require intensive training or specialized equipment, ideal for a relaxing walk in nature.
Near the historic villages, like Limone Piemonte or Ventimiglia, you can find easy family-friendly trails that still offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the landscape without tackling large changes in elevation. These are perfect stretches for a half-day trip, to discover the local flora and fauna or historical sites with well-preserved portions of the ancient military road, and a gentle, constant slope.
However, especially at high altitudes between Piedmont and Liguria, the challenges are tougher, with sections designed for expert trekkers who are familiar with mountain navigation. Many sections, such as those climbing towards the Colle dei Signori, require good physical preparation and being accustomed to walking for several hours on steep slopes and on terrain that becomes increasingly narrow, exposed, and rocky, thus demanding a sure, stable footing and the use of adequate trekking boots.
The Salt Road is a customizable excursion where you can choose whether to tackle the entire route for a complete challenge, or select the sections that best suit your abilities and preferences.
Regardless of the difficulty of the chosen route, once finished, the feeling will be that of having discovered a deeper part of yourself, and of bringing home a wealth of challenges and panoramas that will remain forever etched in your memories.
