Touring | Even Liguria Has Its Own Nürburgring

6 March 2025 Redazione News, Panoramic Roads

Words Andrea Balti / Photos S. Lomax

Let’s assume you have dedicated enough time to the beauties of the Ligurian Riviera, especially the eastern side. Cinque Terre? Done. City of Genoa? Done. Ok, very good. And while the opposite coast – the western one – waits patiently to be reached, it is time to indulge ourselves for our beloved curves, to those roads that represent the purest delight of drivers and motorcyclists, with good approval also from those who intend to rely on the muscles of their legs, climbing by bike on these passes and Apennine hills that at times have nothing to envy to much more famous Alpine roads.

Once past Deiva Marina it is time for a real binge of curves, a real gem called Passo del Bracco. By some – erroneously – misunderstood as a motorcycle track, the bends of the Bracco are the quintessence of a typical Ligurian stretch. The road is never wide enough to allow maximum peace of mind while driving and the rich succession of bends alternates bits that are closed in the vegetation, with more open other ones, alternating a shadows game that also affects the road surface, in some places perfectly dry and in others slightly damp. A sort of small Nürburgring all Ligurian with a mostly better asphalt.

The road surface is almost good and rough enough to allow the tires to bite well, making us climb up to 615 meters above sea level, a blue velvet bed that is often to be seen, especially when the pace becomes less frenetic and we reach the intermediate point where we turn right towards Mattarana, along a semi-flat stretch less rich in curves, but no less engaging. The Bracco, as it is affectionately known among the lucky ones who can consider it the playground in their backyard, has represented in the past a very important connection route, often plagued by bandits who raided transport in the immediate post-war period. Once you reach the highest point it is possible to stop, taking advantage of a clearing created near a fort in ruins. A real shame not to be able to take advantage of the structure and enjoy the view that is divided between the sea and the strip of asphalt of the Bracco, ready to offer other kilometers of fun.

This is yet another clear example of how a short road of just under 20 kilometers is nevertheless able to enhance driving pleasure, taking advantage not only of the geographical proximity to important urban areas, but also of the fact that it is not a particularly busy road. Then add the exhilarating factor granted by the proximity of the sea for a not insignificant view, especially traveling down the Bracco and taking advantage of the inertia of a small but exciting dip towards the Ligurian waters, just before turning back and starting again. Be careful, it is highly addictive.