Top 20 Mountain Passes around Borzonasca
Best mountain passes around Borzonasca are located in the Ligurian Apennines, offering access to diverse natural landscapes. This region features a variety of mountain passes, providing routes for both hikers and cyclists. The terrain includes ancient beech forests, panoramic viewpoints, and connections to historical routes. These passes serve as gateways to exploring the rugged beauty of the area.
Best mountain passes around Borzonasca
- The most popular mountain passes is Passo della Crocetta, a mountain pass known for its challenging climbs. The ascent from Coreglia features gradients up to 16% over approximately 6.5 kilometers.
- Another must-see spot is Forcella Pass, a mountain pass with a long, gentle climb from Borzonasca. It offers views through the Val Sturla to the coast, particularly in its upper kilometers.
- Visitors also love Bocco Pass, a mountain pass that serves as a natural access point to the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. Facilities are available at the pass for a stop.
- Borzonasca is known for mountain passes that offer varying difficulty levels and scenic viewpoints. The area provides routes suitable for both cycling and hiking, connecting different parts of the Ligurian hinterland.
- The mountain passes around Borzonasca are appreciated by the komoot community, with 88 upvotes and 47 photos contributed by users.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Forcella Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
The climb is very gentle throughout and winds in countless curves to the pass. The wide road can be expected that here with a larger traffic volume is to be expected. But that is deceptive, only on weekends here is a little more motorized traffic on the way. Sunday trippers on the way to the beautiful hinterland.
The climb is worth not only because it is the easiest access to the lonely and rewarding hinterland of Liguria and nearby Emilia-Romagna. The pass offers just on the top kilometers also a fantastic view through the Val Sturla to the coast.
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Incisa Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
The history of this place seems to be linked to the Latin term "incido," which means "cut." It is said that the Romans, tired of the resistance of the Ligurian tribes, decided to cut down the Apennine forests to weaken them. The Ligurians were masters of guerrilla warfare, while the Romans preferred the open field, and the removal of trees would have facilitated their strategy.
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Bocco Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Passo della Crocetta
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Passo del Biscia
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Both sides of the pass are very scenic and near the top of the pass you have a wonderful view of the Tigullian Gulf. Unfortunately, the side into the Varatal (which flows south of La Spezia into the Ligurian Sea) is in a very bad condition, so that you can only recommend a ride on a racing bike from the Varatal to the coast with a clear conscience.
The long and very lonely driveway from the Vara valley runs very irregularly with short intermediate descents, while the side coming from the coast is two-lane and very regular over large parts. On this side there is a quarry, which brings some truck traffic with it and may explain the much better road condition.
At the top of the pass there are some very recommendable hikes that are also part of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.
The descent by racing bike towards the coast is highly recommended: speedy and winding on a good surface all the way down to Lavagna or Chiavari.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful pass of the Ligurian Apennines located at 1,468 meters. Strategic point that offers various alternatives to start a walk or a long hike.
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Very beautiful views of Rapallo and the bay to Portofino
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beautiful, quiet pass with picnic area
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Climbing from Cicagna (north side) and passing through the hamlet of Dezerega, the road is mostly paved, with sections reaching gradients of over 20%. You gain 500 meters of elevation gain in about 5 km. It's very shaded, and from the Crocetta Pass, Rapallo is just a short drive away.
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Situated at 956 meters between the Vara and Aveto Valleys, the Bocco Pass is one of the historic passes of the Ligurian Apennines, used since ancient times as a connection between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Po Valley hinterland. Already in Roman times, it was part of a secondary transit network, but it was especially in the Middle Ages and modern times that the pass assumed a central role in local traffic: a route for merchants, shepherds, and pilgrims, it connected Chiavari and the Riviera with Varese Ligure and the Emilian plains. Traces of the ancient paving are still visible today in the surrounding woods. During the Second World War, the area served as a refuge for partisan groups, thanks to its secluded location and dense forest cover. Today, the pass is a destination for cyclists and hikers, immersed in an unspoiled mountain landscape of beech and fir forests and highland meadows, at the gateway to the Aveto Regional Natural Park.
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February 15, 1945, La Squazza Massacre: On February 14, 1945, an Alpine soldier from Monterosa, a certain Mantovani, was in the La Squazza area (municipality of Borzonasca), heading towards the Forcella pass, where a contingent of Alpine soldiers was stationed. Some partisans recognized him as the one who had seen the mine system being laid around the Forcella stronghold. They then decided to capture him to get him to reveal the operation and exact location of the minefield and organized an ambush. But, while they were ordering him to “put your hands up!”, a group of German soldiers appeared on the road and a firefight ensued, during which Mantovani (probably shot by a Nazi) and a German were fatally shot. The partisans suffered no losses. The Nazi-fascist retaliation was immediate and ferocious and on February 15, ten partisans were taken from the prisons of Chiavari and transported on a truck to La Squazza, where they were murdered. The then deputy commissioner of the “Coduri”, “Miro” recounts that the ten partisans who were shot were left for three days in full view of everyone, with no one being allowed to attend to the funeral. The owner of the hotel in La Squazza, however, had approached the martyrs to try to bring them some, vain, help. "Miro" himself, when the news reached him, was charged, together with "Baffo", sent by the Area Command, to go to the site of the massacre to proceed with the identification of the bodies. Having arrived near La Squazza by chance, after having been targeted by mortar fire from the Alpine troops of Forcella, the two partisans took advantage of the guidance of an elderly local lady and her daughter, whom they met on the path, who collaborated with them until they got closer to the site of the massacre.
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Easy ascent to the top of Monte Penna. From Passo dell'Incisa, the A5 route winds through the beech forest, making it feasible even in the hot season. The slope is not slight (20-25%) but considering the limited distance it is feasible. We did this route with our 6-year-old daughter (already accustomed to mountain walks) without any particular effort. For children this is the path to take, the one that starts from Casermette del Monte Penna is not recommended due to the via ferrata which makes it decidedly less suitable. NOTE: Passo dell'Incisa can be reached by car by carefully following a dirt road (about 1.4 km from the junction on Strada Provinciale 75)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most challenging mountain passes for cyclists around Borzonasca?
For cyclists seeking a challenge, the ascent to Passo della Crocetta from Coreglia is particularly demanding, featuring slopes up to 16% over approximately 6.5 kilometers. Another significant cycling challenge is the ascent to Passo del Ghiffi from Borzonasca, which covers 13.50 km with an elevation gain of 910 meters and an average gradient of 6.74%.
Which mountain passes offer the best panoramic views of the coast or surrounding landscapes?
Forcella Pass provides fantastic views through the Val Sturla to the Ligurian coast, especially in its upper kilometers. Similarly, near the summit of Passo del Biscia, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Tigullian Gulf. From Incisa Pass, a loop to Mount Aiona offers panoramic sea views from the cross of Aiona.
Are there any mountain passes with historical significance in the Borzonasca area?
Yes, Incisa Pass has a rich history linked to the Latin term "incido" (to cut). Legends suggest Romans cut down Apennine forests here to counter Ligurian guerrilla warfare, making it a historically significant crossing point.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near these mountain passes?
The mountain passes around Borzonasca offer access to diverse hiking experiences. From Incisa Pass, you can embark on excursions to Mount Penna and Mount Aiona, including a loop through a unique lunar landscape. Bocco Pass serves as a natural access point to the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, with trails traversing beautiful environments and vast beech forests. You can explore more hiking options on the Hiking around Borzonasca guide.
Are there family-friendly options among the mountain passes near Borzonasca?
While many passes involve significant climbs, the areas around passes like Incisa Pass and Bocco Pass can be suitable for families, especially for shorter walks or enjoying the natural environment. The pristine natural environments with beech forests and meadows offer pleasant settings for outdoor activities. Always check specific trail difficulties before heading out with family.
What facilities are available at the mountain passes?
At Bocco Pass, you can find facilities like the Devoto refuge, where you can stop for a coffee or a meal. Some passes also feature picnic areas, such as Passo del Biscia, making them convenient spots for a break.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes around Borzonasca?
The mountain passes are generally best visited during the spring, summer, and early autumn months when the weather is milder and trails are clear of snow. This allows for optimal conditions for both cycling and hiking, and for enjoying the panoramic views. Weekends can see increased traffic on some passes like Forcella Pass.
Can I find road cycling routes that incorporate these mountain passes?
Absolutely. The region is popular for road cycling. Many routes incorporate passes like Passo del Biscia and Bocco Pass. For example, there are difficult loops such as the "Passo del Biscia – Bocco Pass loop from Parco Regionale dell'Aveto." You can find more detailed routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Borzonasca guide.
What natural features can I expect to see when exploring the mountain passes?
The passes are set within the stunning Ligurian Apennines, offering diverse natural beauty. You'll encounter ancient beech forests, pristine natural environments with meadows, and rugged landscapes. Areas like the route combining Forcella Pass with Rifugio Pratomollo feature ancient beech forests, while the path to Mount Aiona from Incisa Pass reveals a unique lunar landscape of stones and rocks.
Are there running trails available near the mountain passes?
Yes, the area provides several running trails, often incorporating the passes or nearby mountains. For instance, you can find a difficult ring run "From Passo dell'Incisa to Monte Penna." Other routes include loops around Monte Zatta. Discover more options on the Running Trails around Borzonasca guide.
What should I know about road conditions on the mountain passes?
Road conditions can vary. While some passes like Forcella Pass have seen recent maintenance with almost perfect asphalt, other sections, such as the side of Passo del Biscia descending into the Varatal, are in very poor condition. Cyclists, especially those on racing bikes, should exercise caution and check current conditions.
Which mountain passes are good starting points for longer treks like the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri?
Incisa Pass is a crucial crossing point for the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. Similarly, Bocco Pass serves as a natural access point to the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri from the eastern Riviera, making both excellent starting points for multi-day hikes.
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