Canyoning Down the Wild Rivers of Liguria: A Personal Story

My adventure began near the town of Rocchetta Nervina, a small village tucked into the hills above the Ligurian coast. This area, part of the wider Nervia Valley, is known for its dramatic terrain, crystalline rivers, and deep natural pools—perfect for beginner and intermediate canyoning routes. After meeting my guide through Crion.org, we geared up with wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses before hiking up into the forested hills. The air was humid and alive with the scent of pine and earth. At the canyon’s edge, the noise of rushing water grew louder, and soon we were standing above a narrow drop into a deep green pool. The first jump came quickly—about four meters straight down into cold mountain water. From that moment on, the route alternated between sliding, rappelling, and swimming through a series of chutes, waterfalls, and sculpted rock corridors. Each section was different. One moment I was shimmying through a tight passage barely wide enough for my shoulders, and the next I was abseiling down a 12-meter waterfall with spray soaking my face. The guide’s calm instructions and local knowledge made every obstacle feel challenging but safe. I quickly learned the importance of trust—not just in the gear and the guide, but in my own instincts and movement. Liguria’s canyons are strikingly beautiful. Light filters through the canopy above, creating patterns on the water, and moss-covered boulders line the walls like natural sculptures. In some sections, we paused just to float and take it all in. The silence between waterfalls was surreal, broken only by the sound of flowing water and our occasional bursts of laughter. One of the highlights came midway through the descent: a natural slide that spat us out into a hidden pool surrounded by sheer rock faces. We stopped there for a short break, eating snacks from waterproof bags while sitting on sun-warmed stones. It felt like being inside a secret world—one that few people ever get to see. Toward the end of the route, the canyon opened up and the current slowed. We walked back along the riverbank, soaked, scratched, tired, and grinning. It had been four hours of movement, focus, and exhilaration in one of the most remote-feeling landscapes I’ve visited in Italy. Back in Rocchetta Nervina, we changed clothes and enjoyed a slow lunch at a small trattoria, replaying the morning’s adventure over plates of local pasta. If you're considering canyoning in Liguria, the season typically runs from late spring to early autumn, when water levels are safe and the weather is warm enough to enjoy the experience. Booking through Crion.org was straightforward and reassuring, offering vetted local guides and clear info on what to expect. Liguria may be known for its beaches and villages, but inland, it hides a different kind of magic—wilder, wetter, and equally unforgettable. For outdoor lovers craving something off the beaten path, canyoning here is an experience you’ll carry with you long after your wetsuit dries.