Bormida
Discovering Val Bormida
If you're looking for a beautiful valley in northern Italy, Val Bormida might be the perfect destination for you. This alpine-Appennine valley stretches from the Ligurian Alps to the Po Valley, crossing some of the most beautiful hills of the upper Monferrato and the high Langhe.
Description
The Bormida River is divided into two branches, the Bormida di Millesimo and the Bormida di Spigno (which in turn is divided into Bormida di Mallare and Bormida di Pallare) that converge in two different valleys: the Valle della Bormida di Spigno and the Valle della Bormida di Millesimo. The first extends mainly in the province of Savona, while the second crosses the territory of Cuneo before entering Piedmont.
The Upper Valley
The Valle della Bormida di Millesimo hosts many urban centers located in the province of Cuneo. From Cengio, with the end of the Ligurian Alps, the valley extends over the rugged hills of the Langhe, characterized by a suggestive woodland landscape. On the other hand, the Valle della Bormida di Spigno is crossed by the Bormida di Mallare and the Bormida di Pallare, which join shortly after Carcare. The main center of this part of the upper valley is Cairo Montenotte, but there are many other interesting municipalities, including Dego and Piana Crixia.
The Middle-Lower Valley
After Cortemilia, the Millesimo branch enters the Asti Monferrato, passing through centers such as Vesime and Cessole. Then, the Bormida di Spigno valley enters Piedmont through some of the most beautiful hills of the upper Monferrato.
Overall, Val Bormida is a very interesting tourist area, with many outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, rafting, fishing, and much more.
What else to see in the Valley
In addition to the natural beauty of the valley, there are many interesting cities to visit. For example, Savona is one of the largest cities in the area, with a beautiful marina and some very nice beaches.
Alessandria, on the other hand, has a great historic and cultural heritage, with a grand system of fortifications built by Carlo Alberto di Savoia in the 19th century.
Those who love food cannot miss the opportunity to taste the local products of the area, such as the famous salame di Sant'Olcese, the white truffle of Langhe, or the Barolo wine.
Conclusions
Val Bormida is an incredibly beautiful and interesting area of northern Italy, with a great variety of outdoor activities, historic cities, exceptional food products, and much more. If you are planning a trip to the area, you absolutely cannot miss this enchanting valley.