Caves of Toirano

Karst caves with stalactites, prehistoric footprints and the bear cemetery: a guided tour of about 70 minutes.

Stalactites in the Toirano Caves

Where: LoanoRiviera di Ponente › Riviera delle Palme
Address: Piazzale Dario MaestriniToirano
Opening hours: Daily 9am–5pmwith seasonal changes
Tickets: Paid entryincludes the Val Varatella Ethnographic Museum
Visit time: About 70 minutes

Welcome to the guide to the Toirano Caves, a fascinating journey into the heart of Liguria that will take you through millennia of natural and human history. Located just a few kilometers from the beautiful beaches of the Ligurian Riviera and nestled in a hilly landscape rich in Mediterranean vegetation, these caves are one of the region’s most extraordinary attractions.

The Toirano Caves are not simply a collection of underground caverns; they are a veritable natural museum where geology, archaeology, and paleontology intertwine to tell a fascinating story. Here you can admire spectacular limestone formations, uniquely shaped aragonite crystals, and discover evidence left by prehistoric humans over 14,000 years ago. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to see the remains of the cave bear, an extinct species that inhabited these caves during the Paleolithic era.

This guide is designed to help you discover this hidden treasure. We’ll provide detailed information on what to see inside the caves, practical advice for planning your visit, and suggestions on how to enhance your experience by exploring the picturesque village of Toirano and its surroundings.

Get ready to immerse yourself in an underground world full of mystery and beauty, where every corner tells an ancient and fascinating story. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for an adventure that’s a little out of the ordinary, the Toirano Caves are sure to offer you an unforgettable experience.

Welcome to Toirano, where the past comes alive before your eyes.

By Italian Riviera editorial team·Updated on September 30, 2026·4 min read

What to See at Toirano Caves

1. Basura Cave: The Corridor of Footprints.

The tour begins with the Basura Cave, also known as the “Witch’s Cave.” Here you can admire the famous Corridor of Imprints, where handprints, footprints, and knee prints left by prehistoric humans over 14,000 years ago were discovered. These imprints represent a direct link to our ancestors, offering a unique glimpse into life during the Paleolithic era.

2. The Bear Cemetery

Continuing on, you’ll reach the evocative Bear Cemetery, an area where the skeletal remains of over 130 cave bears (Ursus spelaeus) have been discovered. These animals used the cave as a refuge during winter hibernation between 50,000 and 24,000 years ago. The quantity and state of preservation of the remains make this section of great paleontological interest.

3. Speleological Formations.

The caves are renowned for their spectacular limestone formations. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and mineral draperies create a breathtaking scene. In particular, in the Santa Lucia Inferiore Cave, the walls are covered with aragonite crystals, which reflect light in fascinating ways, offering a natural spectacle that is not to be missed.

4. The Underground Pond

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see a small underground lake, whose clear waters reflect the intricate rock formations around it. This body of water adds a touch of magic to the experience, enhancing the cave’s mysterious atmosphere.

5. The Hall of Mysteries

Although not open to the public, the Hall of Mysteries is one of the most enigmatic places in the caves. Clay balls attached to the walls have been found here, likely used in ancient Upper Paleolithic rituals. These discoveries help fuel the fascination and mystery surrounding the Toirano Caves.

The Varatella Valley Ethnographic Museum

The admission ticket to the caves also includes a visit to the Val Varatella Ethnographic Museum, located in the historic center of Toirano. The museum offers an overview of local traditions, displaying period objects, tools, and furniture that illustrate daily life in the village throughout the centuries.

Limestone formations in the Toirano Caves

Practical Information for the Visit

Duration of the visit: Approximately 70 minutes.
Route: 1.3 km one way; enter from Basura Cave and exit from Lower Saint Lucia Cave.
Indoor temperature: Constant at 16°C with 98% humidity. We recommend wearing a sweatshirt or a light jacket.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are required. Sandals, flip-flops, and high heels are not permitted.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to seasonal changes. Please check the current hours before your visit.
How to get there:
- By car: A10 highway, exit Borghetto Santo Spirito; follow signs to Toirano and then to the caves.
- By bus: Bus service is available from Loano, Pietra Ligure, and Borghetto Santo Spirito. The bus stops are located at the entrance plaza to the caves.
- Address: Piazzale Dario, Via P. G. Maineri, 1, 17055 Toirano SV, Italy.
- Phone: +39 0182 98062.
Useful Tips
- Reservation: Not always necessary, but recommended during peak season or for large groups.
- Photography: Check the rules regarding photos inside the caves; in some cases the use of flash may be prohibited.
- Accessibility: The trail is not suitable for people with motor or psycho-motor disabilities.
Conclusion
The Toirano Caves offer a unique experience that captivates visitors of all ages. The combination of natural wonders and significant archaeological finds makes this destination a true hidden gem of Liguria.

Whether you are a history buff, nature lover or simply looking for a different excursion from the usual, a visit to the Toirano Caves will leave you with unforgettable memories.