Piampaludo
Welcome to Piampaludo!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Piampaludo, a charming hamlet of the town of Sassello in the province of Savona. With its 106 inhabitants, this small village triples its population during the summer thanks to the presence of numerous tourists and second homeowners. But Piampaludo is not just a summer destination, its territory offers many opportunities for nature lovers and relaxation.
Physical geography
More than a single inhabited center, Piampaludo is formed by a set of small nuclei arranged on the outer edges of a slightly concave plateau. This plateau was once occupied by a swamp, and today the most depressed part of the basin hosts patches of hygrophilous forest and temporary ponds, where a variety of marsh flora grows, including some species that are uncommon in Liguria. Part of Piampaludo's territory falls within the Regional Natural Park of Beigua - European Geopark and the Mountain Community of Giovo.
Climate
Piampaludo has a sub-oceanic climate, humid with rather cold winters and hot but still temperate summers due to the altitude which exceeds 850 meters above sea level. Precipitation, which reaches 1725 mm annually, is mainly autumnal and spring with frequent winter snowfalls that can lead to considerable accumulations. Summer is characterized by strong southerly winds, such as sirocco or libeccio, which sweep through much of the Padan hinterland of Liguria and can reach constant speeds of around 25-30 knots.
Activities and Surroundings
In Piampaludo, nature lovers can enjoy numerous trekking trails that cross lush forests with breathtaking views of the Bormida Valley and the Ligurian Sea. In winter, the nearby town of Alberola offers the opportunity to practice alpine and cross-country skiing, but be aware that the ski facilities are no longer in operation due to management costs and the inconsistency of snowfall. Not far from Piampaludo is the Tassonara Oasis, a small corner of paradise where you can spot numerous bird species and admire the surrounding landscape. In addition, Chiavari, a tourist resort on the Ligurian coast, is only a 40-minute drive away.
Gastronomy
As in every place in Italy, gastronomy is also a strength in Piampaludo. The hamlet is particularly known for its bakery products, especially bread, focaccia, and savory pies, rigorously prepared with durum wheat flour and baked in a wood-fired oven. Mushroom and truffle-based products are a specialty of the area and are worth tasting. In addition, the local restaurants offer typical dishes of Ligurian cuisine, such as pesto, pansotti, and trofie with walnut sauce.
Conclusion
Piampaludo is an enchanting Ligurian hamlet, ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility immersed in nature. Its territory, perfect for discovering the beauties of the Ligurian Apennines on foot or by bike, also offers the opportunity to practice winter sports and savor typical regional cuisine. In short, if you are looking for a destination far from the chaos and stress of the city, Piampaludo is the place for you!
