Wild swimming in the hills – rivers & natural pools

← Back to homepage

Around Torria, three valleys hold their own summer refreshment. No crowded beach, no parking hunt – just clear mountain water, rock pools and shade under olive trees. Here are the three best spots near Ca' Serena.

Valle Impero

Borgomaro – the lakes of Impero valley

Two small natural pools sit right in the village, an easy walk from the car. Lago della Madonna lies just below the main road, near the pharmacy. At the far end of the village, under the "Laghetti" sign, a short path leads down to Laghetto del Mulino by the river.

Getting there Drive to Borgomaro, then walk toward Maro Castello along the main street.

Best for A spontaneous afternoon, no long hike required.

Prino valley

Prino valley – river swimming near Dolcedo

The medieval village of Dolcedo sits where the Prino meets the Rio dei Boschi. Steps below the main square lead to shallow river stretches with small natural pools – perfect for a quick stop with kids.

For a longer trip: Lecchiore, a hamlet of Dolcedo, has the Acquasanta pool – shallow, calm, and reached via a shaded forest path. Park at the church square in Lecchiore, then follow the forest path to the water.

Getting there Via Chiusanico towards Dolcedo.

Best for Families, pairing with a stroll through Dolcedo's old town.

Valle Arroscia

Rezzo – the hidden waterfall

The Giara di Rezzo is a true mountain torrent: it rises in the Ligurian Alps near Monte Monega, winds through the entire valley named after it – the Valle della Giara – and eventually flows into the Arroscia near Pieve di Teco. Along its course, especially in the hamlet of Lavina, historic bridges span the water – among them the Ponte Romano – and at several points natural rock pools have formed: the so-called Laghetti di Rezzo. Park just before Rezzo, at the small bridge in the bend, then follow a narrow forest path straight to the water.

Getting there A scenic drive through chestnut forests.

Best for Anyone who likes it quiet and a little adventurous.

      The water in all three valleys comes straight from the mountains and stays pleasantly cool even in midsummer. After long dry spells, water levels can drop – the pools are at their fullest in early and high summer after snowmelt.
    

The coast

Swimming without a sun lounger – our favourite beaches

You don't need to rent a beach chair for a good day by the sea. The coast between Imperia and Alassio is full of free beaches – you just need to know where to find them.

For families with children

The beach at Diano Marina slopes so gently that little ones can splash in the shallows forever – 3.5 km of fine sand, part of it free. Andora is similarly relaxed, right on the cycle path if you bring the bikes. San Lorenzo al Mare is a hidden gem too: sand-and-pebble mix, calm water, reachable in minutes by bike. Practical for a family day by car: the beach at Santo Stefano al Mare harbour – fine sand, very shallow entry, and a car park right at the harbour so no hunting for a space.

For snorkellers

Cervo has two hidden rocky coves, Porteghetto and Ciappellette – crystal-clear water right beneath the medieval village. For something wilder: La Galeazza near Imperia is a real rock bay with no sandy beach, but the water drops away quickly and stays clear. A little further west, also in Santo Stefano al Mare but a different stretch of coast: Baia Azzurra, one of the last unspoiled rocky beaches in the area. The Tre Ponti near Sanremo is also worth bringing a mask.

For those who just want some peace

The small bay at Laigueglia, between Andora and Alassio, is far less crowded than its neighbours – perfect for a quiet afternoon.

Note: most beaches are busy from mid-July onwards – for a quieter experience, mornings or early evenings are the best time to go.