La Via dell'Ardesia in E-bike, alla scoperta dell'oro nero

Slate Route E-Bike Tour Showcases History, Nature, and Coastal Views in Eastern Liguria

A scenic cycling experience along the “Slate Route” is offering visitors an immersive way to explore the cultural and natural landscapes of Liguria, with a focus on the historic slate-producing areas between Lavagna and Cogorno. Designed for e-bike riders, the route blends accessible cycling with rich storytelling about the region’s industrial and rural heritage.

The journey follows a mix of coastal paths, dirt tracks, and hillside trails, beginning near the seaside promenade of Chiavari before gradually climbing into the surrounding hills. Along the way, riders pass abandoned quarries, ancient villages, and landscapes once central to Liguria’s slate industry, historically known as the region’s “black gold.”

As the route continues, cyclists descend toward Carasco and join the Entella Cycle Path, where a surprising stretch of bamboo forest creates a striking natural contrast. The trail then leads to San Salvatore di Cogorno, home to the Basilica dei Fieschi, a notable example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture that reflects the area’s medieval heritage.

The experience concludes through the Entella River wildlife sanctuary, a quiet ecosystem rich in birdlife and riverside scenery. Supported by pedal-assist e-bikes, the tour remains accessible to a wide range of fitness levels while allowing participants to fully engage with both the cultural landmarks and natural environments of Eastern Liguria.