The Salt Routes: The Smugglers' Route
The Italian hiking route "the Smugglers' Route" connects Imperia to Mondovì in 8 stages between Liguria and Piedmont, passing through the Brigasque area. It is based on the historical salt routes and invites you to discover the countless riches of the territory in the heart of magnificent landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean.
The Salt Routes project is the result of a successful cross-border cooperation between local authorities, natural parks, and chambers of commerce of the Alpes-Maritimes, Piedmont, and Liguria.
Halfway between a hiking guide and a novel, the three-volume collection "Pagarine route", "Royal route", "Smugglers' Route" allows you to discover this period of history in a playful, both faithful and fictional way.
Through this original format, the Franco-Italian partners wanted to offer a different perspective on the close historical and cultural ties that unite this territory thanks to the support of passionate historians.
Hiking these three routes is an opportunity to discover the countless riches of the territory in the heart of magnificent landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Volume 3, from Imperia to Mondovi, follows the footsteps of our fictional hero Velluto along the ancient Smugglers' Route. It can be viewed at this link.
This project is funded by the ALPIMED PATRIM project under the INTERREG ALCOTRA program.
Author’s recommendation
The novel-guide created for this route is part of a three-volume collection on the theme of the Salt Routes:
The Pagarine route from Nice to Cuneo
The Royal route from Menton to Cuneo
The Smugglers' Route from Imperia to Mondovì
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
In case of emergency, dial 112.
Tips and suggestions
The route has been designed to offer accommodation and dining options at each stage. Be sure to book before your departure! To learn more about the offerings available in the territory, you can contact the tourist offices.
Mondovì Tourist Office - Ufficio Turistico di Mondovì: Piazza Maggiore, 1, Mondovì - +39 0174 330 358 - iatmondovi@visitcuneese.it
Azienda turistica locale del Cuneese: +39 0171 690217 - visitcuneese.it
Roadbook
Marking on hiking trail poles with the "Salt Route" logo.
LO STUDIO' DI PIAZZA
Parco Naturale del Marguareis
NUOVO PARK HOTEL
COMMERCIO
Shuttle Wood
Carnino
Rifugio La Terza
Rif. Mondovi
HOTEL VILLA CINZIA
Public transport
Within Imperia, public transport is provided by the Riviera Trasporti network.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
- Imperia is accessible by train or car.
- Consider carpooling.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Novelized hiking guide - Volume 3 "Salt routes: The Smugglers' Route", follow in Velluto's footsteps
Book recommendations for this region:
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
From the Italian shores of the Mediterranean, on the Ligurian coasts, discover the city of Imperia, formerly called Oneglia, a major smuggling ...
In the 1670s, the States of Savoy and the Republic of Genoa disputed access to the Mediterranean and the salt trade.
Move from former Savoyard territory to former Genoese territory and discover the commune of Cenova, offering a magnificent panorama of the Giara ...
Continue your route towards Rifugio la Terza and enter the Brigasque Land, still characterized today by small herds of endemic sheep.
Move into the Brigasque country towards one of the 3 hamlets forming the municipality of La Briga Alta: Upega, the other two being Piaggia and ...
Take the route towards Rifugio Mondovì, with its landscapes marked by the passage of salt routes, where you can notably observe the Col des Salines.
Head for Norea, and along the way you'll discover a number of typical Alpine villages with medieval layout, such as Prea, perched around the ...
Complete your hike by heading to the town of Mondovì.

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