Toirano Caves Tour: Discover Nature’s Wonder in the heart of Liguria
Join a tour of the Toirano Caves and delve into their breathtaking underground world, featuring stunning caves, a fascinating museum, and prehistoric traces waiting to be uncovered.
Toirano Caves : the tickets most chosen by travelers
Toirano Caves: Fast Track Ticket
An ancient bear graveyard and a modern wine cellar in one amazing cave system
4.5
from 16€
Why Visit the Toirano Caves?
The Toirano Caves, a hidden gem in the heart of Liguria, in Savona province, are guardians of ancient secrets. These remarkable caves preserve traces of the past, including the remains of cave bears and footprints left by humans thousands of years ago. Adding to their uniqueness, the caves also house an extraordinary wine cellar, where around 12,000 bottles of Durin sparkling wine are aged, making the experience truly exceptional.
Open to visitors since January 1953, the caves offer an exciting guided tour through two natural wonders: the Grotta della Bàsura and the Grotta Inferiore di Santa Lucia.
The Grotta della Bàsura, known since ancient times but fully explored only in 1950, is a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts. It features one of Europe’s largest cave bear bone deposits and evidence of a group of Homo sapiens who left their marks here approximately 14,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic.
Equally captivating is the village of Toirano, one of the oldest settlements in western Liguria. Nestled at the confluence of the Varatella stream and its tributary, Barescione, the village has long served as a crossroads between coastal and Piedmontese communities.
The historical center, known as "Torracco," retains its medieval charm. Its stone and lime tower houses, built for both defense and habitation, stand as a testament to a bygone era. Wandering through the narrow streets feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages, with every corner telling a story of simple yet profound lives. The layered architectural styles reflect the village’s continuous habitation, creating an unparalleled atmosphere where history and beauty intertwine seamlessly.
What’s Included in a Toirano Caves Tour
Step into the enchanting world of the Toirano Caves, where expert guides lead you through a magical realm shaped by glistening stalactites, ancient mysteries, and the profound silence of millennia.
The caves house Europe’s largest cave bear cemetery, a priceless paleontological treasure offering a glimpse into the life of an extinct species that roamed the earth 24,000 years ago.
Toirano Caves : tips for your visit
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Toirano Caves
1. How much does it cost to enter the Toirano Caves?
Access to the caves is available only through guided tours with limited group sizes and requires advance booking. Tickets start at €16. To ensure a stress-free experience, it’s best to purchase tickets online, selecting your preferred date and time for a quick and easy entry.
2. How long does the tour of the Toirano Caves last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 70 minutes.
3. What is the deepest part of the Toirano Caves?
The deepest section is in the second part of the caves, the Grotta Inferiore di Santa Lucia, which reaches a depth of about 150 meters.
4. How long are the Toirano Caves?
The two interconnected caves, linked by an artificial tunnel, span a total length of about 1,300 meters.
5. Who discovered the Toirano Caves?
In May 1950, the Grotta della Bàsura was discovered by a group of locals, including Luigi Ferro, Dario Maineri, Andrea Nervi, and Adolfo Zunino.
6. How should I dress to visit the Toirano Caves?
The caves maintain a temperature of about 16°C (61°F) with 98% humidity, so it’s advisable to bring a sweater, even in summer. Closed-toe, non-slip footwear is mandatory, such as sneakers. Flip-flops, sandals, Crocs, and leather-soled or heeled shoes are not allowed.
7. How can I reach the Toirano Caves by train?
The nearest train station is Loano (Savona), on the Genoa-Ventimiglia line. From there, you can take public transportation or a taxi to the caves.
How to Get to the Toirano Caves
By Car: Take the A10 (Autostrada dei Fiori) and exit at Borghetto Santo Spirito, whether traveling from Genoa or Ventimiglia. Follow the provincial road to Toirano (3 km). If traveling along the Via Aurelia, take the turn at Borghetto Santo Spirito toward Toirano and drive for 4 km.
By Train: The nearest train station is Loano. From there, public buses or taxis are available to reach the caves.
By Bus: Daily routes depart from Pietra Ligure, Loano, and Borghetto Santo Spirito, arriving directly at the caves’ parking area. The service is operated by TPL, Line 81.
