Via del Sale
The old salt road along the Ligurian Alps crest.
The Via del Sale was a mule track for hauling salt inland from the Ligurian coast. The House of Savoy later turned it into a military road, and the forts and barracks along it are still there. From Limone Piemonte you climb past the Colle di Tenda and Forte Central onto the crest of the Maritime Alps, then follow it south toward Monesi di Triora. The surface is loose gravel and broken stone with tight switchbacks, and the drop-offs are sheer. In clear weather you can see across the Ligurian Sea to the horizon. In fog you’ll see your hood and little else.
It rates Moderate. Stock high-clearance vehicles do it routinely, but pace and nerve matter more than 4WD, and meeting oncoming traffic on the narrow shelf sections takes patience. Most summer days you’ll be sharing it with motorbikes and cyclists. Access rules vary by comune and by year, with seasonal closures, vehicle limits and the occasional fee. Check with the local authorities before you commit. Go June through September, since snow closes the high sections for much of the year. There’s no fuel on the route, so fill up in Limone or Monesi. Wild camping is generally not permitted, so book a rifugio or stay in the valley. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.6 km |
| Duration | 3-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6900 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Limone Piemonte, Piedmont |
| Land manager | Local comuni and regional authorities (Piedmont and Liguria) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or similar SUV do Via del Sale?
Yes. A stock high-clearance vehicle handles it in dry conditions, and low range isn't required. Expect washboard, loose rock, and ruts, so tires and ground clearance matter more than lockers. Low-slung crossovers and vans risk underbody damage.
When is Via del Sale open, and can you drive it in winter?
Plan on June through September. The crest sits up to 6,900 ft and holds snow into late spring, and the first autumn snow can close it again. It isn't a winter route, and fog and storms can roll in fast even in summer.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive Via del Sale?
No permit is needed, but the road is managed by local comuni and the Piedmont and Liguria regions. Tolls, daily vehicle limits, and closure days have changed from year to year. Check with the Limone Piemonte comune for current rules before you go.
What's the hardest part of the trail?
The rough, rocky sections along the exposed ridge, where the road narrows to roughly one lane with steep drop-offs and little or no guardrail. Rain can cut ruts and wash out the loose gravel. Meeting oncoming traffic, bikes, or motorcycles on a tight stretch is usually the real challenge.
Can I camp on Via del Sale, and what should I bring for a 19-mile day?
Wild camping is generally not allowed in this part of Italy, so plan on rifugi or campgrounds in the valleys instead. Fill your tank in Limone Piemonte, since there's no fuel on the ridge, and carry your own water and food. Cell service is spotty, so download offline maps. Allow 3-5 hours for the 19 miles.
Trail track
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