“I fell head over heels in love with it,” says TrailXperience head guide Mattias Marschner. Genoa captivated him from the very first moment with its unique charm and the incredible range of single tracks in the surrounding area. It’s an enthusiasm he shares on Instagram with all the cyclists who have also already tackled the trails around Liguria’s capital.
The pictures really do say it all: trails wind their way in strikingly rounded bends through a vast, secluded hilly landscape in the Apennines. Below, cube-shaped houses are stacked on the steep slope all the way down to the harbour, and then there’s nothing but the sea glistening as far as the eye can see. Whilst Europe’s cyclists have mainly had the Finale Ligure hinterland in their sights, Genoa’s mountain bikers have evidently created their very own trail paradise high above the city.
Genoa: One of Europe’s largest old towns
The Genoese hardly had to create any new trails; the military had already done that since the Middle Ages, when the city, high up in the mountains, was still surrounded by a wall. Parts of this wall still stand today, as do the forts that served to defend Genoa against enemies from the north. The locals cleared these ancient paths some time ago and linked them together to form an extensive network of trails. The bends were shaped to be a little rounder, but the natural, rough and, in places, stepped terrain was left as it was.
Genoa’s cyclists don’t need to worry about help with the uphill stretches either. As the whole city clings to a steep slope, there are trams, lifts and a funicular railway which, as forms of public transport, whisk you up from the city centre into the mountains anyway.
You’ll still rack up plenty of elevation gain on these scenic trail loops, as the trails up there undulate gently up and down across the panoramic ridges. So much so that the organiser, TrailXperience, has even included a two-day loop with an overnight stay in a mountain hut up there as part of its new Genoa Trail Week. The total distance covered on this loop alone: 23 kilometres.
But there’ll be plenty of time for sightseeing during the week too, as Genoa’s old town is one of the largest in Europe and has already been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Christopher Columbus was born here, the Red Bull Cerro Abajo event has already taken place in these streets, and the famous pesto genovese and focaccia were invented here. Local rider Enrico will be joining us for this trail week and will probably not rest until he has shown us every last highlight his city has to offer.
The itinerary for the Genoa Trail Week
Fittingly, the town offers eight different trail spots – so there’s plenty to do each day:
Tour 1: The Forts of Genoa
- Length: 35 kilometres
- Ascent: 1,100 metres in altitude
The Classic City Tour: Take the funicular from the city up into the mountains, then follow the trails along the ridges to the forts of Righi, Puin and Diamante – stone monuments to the mighty Maritime Republic. Then enjoy a long downhill ride back through the narrow streets of Genoa’s old town.
Tour 2: Mele – Masone – Arenzano
- Length: 40 kilometres
- Ascent: 1,200 metres in altitude
- Riding difficulty: medium to difficult
Shuttle day! A variety of trail descents, each with a vertical drop of over 800 metres, on either side of the famous Turchino Ridge towards Masone and Mele. These include the first ‘Easy Downhill’ route, featuring flowing trails through chestnut and beech forests. Finally, the continuous descent to Arenzano – a real ‘Dive to the Sea’.
Tour 3: Trensasco – Monte Fasce – Forte Ratti
- Length: 40 kilometres
- Ascent: 1,200 metres in altitude
- Riding difficulty: medium to difficult
Another day on the shuttle, with panoramic views and a constant alternation between the north and south sides of the mountains. In between, small villages serving authentic local cuisine. Over the passes and ridges to the lively neighbourhood near the Marassi Stadium.
Tour 4: Pegli & Monte Gazzo
- Length: 25 kilometres
- Uphill: 800 metres of elevation gain
- Riding technique: intermediate to advanced
A few technical trails with sea views between Pegli and Monte Gazzo – perfect for a half-day of intense cycling. The afternoon is set aside for Genoa’s fascinating old town: with Porto Antico, palazzi and bars.
Tour 5: Torriglia · Monte Lavagnola · Passo del Portello
- Length: 30 kilometres
- Ascent: 1,100 metres in altitude
- Riding ability: intermediate
The two-day hinterland adventure is coming up: take the shuttle to Torriglia and follow old mule tracks into the Castello dei Fieschi area. Ride along a dream trail beside Lake Brugneto as far as the Antola Bike Area, with its long, flowing descents through beech woodland. Afterwards, take the shuttle to the mountain hut accommodation at an altitude of 1,460 metres.
Tour 6: From Monte Antola back to Genoa
- Length: 55 kilometres
- Ascent: 1,100 metres in altitude
- Riding ability: intermediate
Spectacular ridge trails along the Costa della Gallina. After around 23 kilometres of continuous singletrack, the route continues over Montoggio, along the Alta Via and down via old mule tracks back to the Forti and finally down to Genoa’s Porto Antico.
Information about the Genoa Trail Week:
- Dates: from October, also available as individual sessions for private groups.
- Price: for groups of 4 or more: 2,275 euros per person; for groups of 7 or more: 2,025 euros per person.
- Enquiries via: office@trailxperience.com
- Information: trailxperience.com
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor