• Active & Green

The Salt Route

From Varzi to the sea

The stretch that winds from Varzi to Genoa, once traveled by merchants and pilgrims, is known as the Via del Sale (Salt Route), named after the trade of this precious commodity.

Today, the Via del Sale is an ideal itinerary for travelers seeking something off the beaten path—a journey through authentic landscapes and diverse local traditions. Along the way, visitors can admire ancient churches, castles, and picturesque villages set within a landscape that has remained largely unchanged over time. The route follows scenic trails climbing through woodlands, where it is not uncommon to encounter wildlife such as deer, roe deer, and squirrels.

The Via del Sale can be explored on foot, on horseback, or by mountain bike, offering a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Trekking in the Oltrepò Pavese is particularly captivating: it allows visitors to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature, discover lesser-known yet historically rich places, and enjoy the region’s renowned food and wine specialties.

The route is generally accessible and does not present significant technical difficulties, although some sections involve notable elevation changes. It can be comfortably divided into stages, with opportunities to stop in small villages along the ancient mule tracks, where traditional inns offer a warm welcome and a chance to relax.

Embark on the Via del Sale and experience a timeless journey through history, nature, and tradition.

Information:

Comune di Varzi: +39038352118

Sezione Cai Voghera:  +39334/2756199

Infopoint  Godiasco Salice Terme: +39038391207

Comunità Montana dell’Oltrepò Pavese:  +390383545832


Attachments


Other links

Take me here: La Via del Sale da Varzi al mare

On the same topic

The High Route of Valmalenco – 8th stage

Rif. Cristina (2227 m) - A. Acquanera (2116 m) - Piazzo Cavalli (1710 m) - Caspoggio (1098 m) - Torre di Santa Maria (772 m)
Alpe cavaglia
  • Active & Green

Hiking with the Family

Trekking @inlombardia adobestock
  • Active & Green

Teglio walk - San Silvestro - Frascesca spring

Medium-difficulty itinerary that, through scenic routes, leads to the coolness of the Frascesca spring.
source of the Frascesca
  • Active & Green

Cremona: an amazing town!

Cruises on the river, an extraordinary way to discover Cremona
La Motonave Mattei
  • Active & Green

From the metropolis to the province: Milan's top 10 monumental trees

In an area as rich in history as the Metropolitan City of Milan, there is no shortage of valuable green monuments.
  • Active & Green

Thematic trail - The districts of Chiesa in Valmalenco

In addition to natural beauty, signs of art and culture contribute greatly to the identity of the Valmalenco area.
Photos by Felice Battaglia
  • Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 1st stage

Torre Santa Maria (frazione Ciappanico) - Alpe Piasci - Rif. Cometti (1720 m) - Arcoglio sup (2123 m) - Cima Bianca (2490 m) - Rif. Bosio (2086 m)
  • Active & Green

Villoresi forest

Come and spend a nice day in the Bosco Villoresi oasis of Carugate!
Villoresi Forest
  • Active & Green

The Wayfarer's Path in Varenna

From Varenna walk along the The Wayfarer's Path and discover this ancient route connecting Lake Como and Valtellina
  • Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 4th stage

Chiareggio (1612 m) - Rif. Longoni (2450 m) - A. Sasso nero (2304 m) - Rif. Lago Palù (1947 m)
Vista sul Lago Palù
  • Active & Green

The high route of Valmalenco - presentation

The high route of Valmalenco is a trekking of 8 stage, around 110 km.
  • Active & Green

Valmalenco sports centers

Valmalenco offers all nature lovers and sports enthusiasts various facilities-sports centers, each with its own special features.
  • Active & Green

A green week in Valtellina

Escape to the mountains just a two-hour drive from Milan for a rural retreat with trekking, typical pizzoccheri pasta and towns that are absolute hidden gems
A green week in Valtellina
  • Active & Green

Gardens in Lombardy

The botanical gardens of Lombardy are real jewels to visit, so come on, what are you waiting for?
Gardens in Lombardy, discover what to see
  • Active & Green

Picnics in Lombardy

8 easy picnic places in Lombardy: On the beaches of our lakes, in the cool of the woods, or in the company of dinosaurs!
panorama sondrio
  • Active & Green

Coolcation and Adventures in Valtellina

Six outdoor experiences in the Valtellina Alps to get out in nature while you beat the summer heat.
Ph: I Mille
  • Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 5th stage

Rif. Lago Palu - Bochel del Torno (2208 m) - A. campascio (1844 m) - A. Musella (2021 m) - Rif. Carate (2636 m) - Rif. Marinelli (2813 m)
Vallone dello Scerscen
  • Active & Green

Trezzo d'Adda what to see

A pleasant day to discover Trezzo sull'Adda: the historic center, the villas, the river and the central Taccani.
Trezzo d'Adda, what to see in a day
  • Active & Green

Sports Tourism Lombardy

The different landscapes of this area of ​​Lombardy allow every sportsman to experiment with different disciplines
Sports tourism Lombardy, adventurous proposals
  • Active & Green

Cliff Climbing in Sondrio and Valmalenco

Climbing aficionados will find many great spots in our area.
Arrampicare in Valmlenco
  • Active & Green