Top 12 Mountain Passes around Neirone
Best mountain passes around Neirone are situated in the mountainous terrain of the Ligurian Apennines, within Italy's Metropolitan City of Genoa. The region offers scenic routes, notably connecting the Val Fontanabuona and the Trebbia Valley. Neirone's landscape features mountains such as Monte Caucaso and Monte Lavagnola, providing a setting for outdoor exploration. The area is characterized by its quiet mountain towns and streams descending from higher elevations.
Best mountain passes around Neirone
- The most popular mountain passes is Passo della Crocetta, a mountain pass that features some of the toughest slopes in the area, reaching 16% from Coreglia. It is also a starting point for excursions to Monte Pegge or Montallegro.
- Another must-see spot is Forcella Pass, a mountain pass with a long, gentle climb through the Val Sturla. The pass offers views through the Val Sturla to the coast, and the road has undergone recent maintenance.
- Visitors also love Passo Pozzi del Lupo (722 m), an intermediate trail and viewpoint. This pass connects the Valle Sturla with the valley of Lavagna, offering a varied landscape for cyclists.
- Neirone is known for intermediate and challenging mountain passes, as well as cycle ways and trails. The region offers a variety of mountain passes to see and explore, catering to different levels of terrain elevation difficulty.
- The mountain passes around Neirone are appreciated by the komoot community, with 88 upvotes and 47 photos contributed by users.
Last updated: August 6, 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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Passo della Crocetta
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Passo Pozzi del Lupo (722 m)
Highlight • Mountain Pass
For us racing cyclists it is therefore an ideal pass which can be built into many short or long laps. About 700 meters in altitude have to be overcome in a beautiful, varied landscape.
If you come from the Valle Sturla, you have a pleasant, rarely steep driveway in front of you.
The way out of the Valle Fontanabuona is different. Here, especially in the upper part, there are exhausting inclines, which makes this side a much more demanding driveway.
However, both are worth it. Even as a descent, either side is problem-free with appropriate driving style.
There is a third driveway to Romaggi which in the first part offers very nice views of the valley to Carasco. It starts just after Carasco, in San Pietro di Sturla. In the upper part of the driveway, you can turn left on a gravel path directly into the upper part of the "normal" driveway from the Valle Sturla. Or you follow the asphalt road after a short stretch of gravel to the right, with a loss of about 200 m downhill and in the small hamlet of Calciana you come to the driveway from the Valle Sturla, where you then turn left. In the beginning, this driveway is quite demanding with steep sections of around 20%. Since it partly runs on gravel as written and also has sections with bad asphalt, it is for cyclists who are not afraid of bad surfaces.
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Passo del Portello
Highlight • Mountain Pass
The short driveway from the Val Trebbia runs mostly in the forest and is therefore much less spectacular.
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Fregarolo Pass
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Tips from the Community
Very beautiful views of Rapallo and the bay to Portofino
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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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Challenging climb, but great satisfaction
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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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The Portello Pass is located at 1040m above sea level and connects the upper Trebbia Valley with the Fontanabuona Valley. From the pass you can enjoy an open view which, sweeping over the mountains, reaches all the way to the sea.
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The Crocetta Pass (599 m), on the road between Rapallo and Coreglia Ligure, is an important Ligurian cycling destination. Also reachable by car, it represents the ideal starting point for excursions to Monte Pegge or Montallegro.
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Also accessible by car, Passo della Crocceta is the starting point for Monte Pegge or Montallegro
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most scenic mountain passes around Neirone?
For breathtaking views, consider Passo del Portello, which offers magnificent vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and even Corsica on clear days. Another great option is Forcella Pass, providing fantastic views through the Val Sturla to the coast.
Are there challenging mountain passes for experienced cyclists near Neirone?
Yes, Passo della Crocetta is known for some of the toughest slopes in the area, reaching up to 16% when climbing from Coreglia. It's a popular destination for experienced cyclists seeking a demanding ride.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes around Neirone?
The region around Neirone's mountain passes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, running trails, and cycling routes. Many passes, like Fregarolo Pass, also serve as excellent starting points for hiking and MTB excursions.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest on these mountain passes?
Yes, some passes have historical significance. Forcella Pass is noted as a historical site and a watershed between maritime Liguria and its mountainous interior. Passo della Crocetta also has historical connections and features a religious building nearby.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes in Neirone?
The mountainous terrain of the Ligurian Apennines is generally best enjoyed during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer more favorable weather for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the scenic beauty. Winter can bring snow and more challenging conditions, especially at higher altitudes.
Are there any mountain passes suitable for intermediate cyclists or hikers?
Absolutely. Forcella Pass offers a long, gentle climb through the Val Sturla, making it accessible for intermediate cyclists. Passo Pozzi del Lupo (722 m) is also classified as an intermediate trail, connecting the Valle Sturla with the valley of Lavagna and offering varied landscapes.
What are the road conditions like on the mountain passes?
Road conditions can vary. For example, the road over Forcella Pass has undergone major maintenance and is almost perfect in recent years. However, the descent towards Neirone from Passo del Portello can be challenging due to poor road conditions, requiring extra attention, especially in shady areas where holes and sand might be present.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the mountain passes?
While Neirone itself is a quiet mountain town, some passes offer amenities. For instance, Fregarolo Pass has a restaurant/restaurant at its summit, making it a convenient stop for refreshments or a meal during your excursions.
What makes the Neirone region unique for mountain pass exploration?
Neirone is nestled in the Ligurian Apennines, offering a tranquil escape with picturesque landscapes and quiet mountain towns. The passes here, like Passo del Portello, are crucial transit routes connecting valleys like Val Fontanabuona and Trebbia Valley, providing a blend of natural beauty, challenging routes, and historical context.
Are there any viewpoints on the mountain passes where I can stop and enjoy the scenery?
Many passes offer excellent viewpoints. Passo del Portello provides magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Forcella Pass offers a fantastic view through the Val Sturla to the coast, especially in its upper kilometers. Passo Pozzi del Lupo (722 m) is also noted as a viewpoint.
What are some of the mountains visible from these passes?
From the mountain passes around Neirone, you can often see prominent peaks such as Monte Caucaso (1,245 m) and Monte Lavagnola (1,118 m), which contribute to the dramatic scenery of the Ligurian Apennines.
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