Val Borbera – Piedmont: wild nature, stone villages and silence between the Apennines and the plains. The Borbera Valley extends in the south-eastern corner of Piedmont, in the province of Alessandria, between the spurs of the Ligurian Apennines and the hills of Tortona. Isolated until a few decades ago, it has maintained a strong identity, with intact landscapes, small historic centers and a nature that alternates dense forests, rocky gorges and cultivated valleys. ⛰️ A secluded and authentic landscape: The valley is crossed by the Borbera river, which has carved spectacular canyons and gorges over time. All around, mountains covered with chestnut and beech forests host paths, grassy ridges and small plateaus with open views towards the plain and the sea. Far from mass tourism, it retains a rare sense of authenticity. 👉 Tip: Visit the stretch of the Strette di Pertuso: a wild corner where the river runs between vertical walls and clear pools. 🏘️ Villages suspended in time: The inhabited centers, such as Cantalupo Ligure, Roccaforte, Roccaforte Ligure and Vignole Borbera, preserve stone architecture, Romanesque churches and deep-rooted traditions. Some villages, semi-abandoned, retain a melancholic charm and an important historical value. 👉 Tip: Walk through Persi, a village now uninhabited but perfectly preserved: a place that tells the story of the valley without words. 🚶 Paths and itineraries for curious hikers: The network of paths allows you to explore the valley on foot or by mountain bike. The routes wind through woods, meadows and ridges, often connecting small villages to each other. Some paths reach the borders with Liguria and Emilia, crossing varied and panoramic environments. 👉 Tip: Try the Medium Difficulty Hike with a view of Monte Rosa and the Ligurian Sea on clear days. 🌿 Biodiversity and protected nature: Part of the valley is included in the Site of Community Interest due to the presence of rare species of flora and fauna. You can meet roe deer, buzzards, wild orchids and, with a little luck, even the Apennine wolf. The environment remains intact and lacks major infrastructures. 👉 Tip: Walk quietly in the morning along the paths above Cantalupo: you will have more chances to spot wild animals. 🍞 Agricultural tradition and local flavors: In Val Borbera ancient varieties of fruit, vegetables and cereals are still grown. Among the typical products, ottofile wheat, timoline apples and alpine cheeses stand out. The village fairs, especially in summer and autumn, are moments of meeting and gastronomic discovery. 👉 Tip: Visit a farm near Mongiardino to taste bread, preserves and cured meats with a very short supply chain. Val Borbera is a land of slow passages, ancient stories and living nature. A place where every path leads to a piece of memory still standing.