Liguria is a region that is generous with children because of the many opportunities for outdoor recreation and the cultural stimuli it offers both in the East and in the West. On the Riviera di Ponente, a day dedicated to the discovery of the Grotte di Toirano, a few kilometres from Savona, could be particularly stimulating and fun.
The caves are easily reached by car (Borghetto S.Spirito exit on the A10 motorway, then the provincial road to Toirano for about 3 km) or by train (Loano station and then public transport to Toirano). Just beyond Toirano, going up the Val Varatella, you come to the spurs of a limestone massif of grey dolomites, furrowed by a series of valleys, in which there are more than 150 natural caves that are still the subject of research by international scholars. The Toirano cave complex, opened to the public in 1953, is now one of the most adventurous and fun tourist attractions in the Ligurian hinterland. The guided tour includes visits to the 'Basura' and 'Santa Lucia Inferiore' caves. It is about 1,300 m long and lasts 70 minutes. The temperature in the caves is 16°C. It is advisable to wear sports clothes and comfortable shoes. Educational workshops and other activities for children are organised on request in the Val Varatella ethnographic museum. For information: www.toiranogrotte.it.
After a walk through the small village of Toirano, if the weather is good, you can decide to head back towards the coast and, after passing Savona, reach Ceriale with its "le Caravelle" water park. As well as by car, the park can be reached by train from Albenga station, where there is a shuttle bus service. With its slides, slide, water dance, whirlpool, waterfalls, wave pools and aquatic entertainment, fun is guaranteed for young and old alike. For information www.lecaravalle.com.