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NATURE

Ormea is the ideal place to rediscover a direct approach to nature and the environment.The local environment features mountains, crystal clear waters and a diversified and unspoilt vegetation that surround the town in a marvellous natural frame all year round.The town is overlooked by the Ligurian Alps, which embrace our territory with a typical Dolomitic look. The Marguareis-Mongioie massif is heavily covered in calcareous rocks, which cause the interesting karstification phenomenon, very much appreciated by speleologists. Climbing can be practiced thanks to the great presence of rock faces and open mountain areas.The surrounding territory offers several and diversified opportunities for excursions: walks, horse riding and mountain bike, through well signposted paths and inter-valley routes. A few taking-off points for hang gliding and paragliding can be found on rises surrounding the town. Fishing is widely available in the clear waters of the river Tanaro – the river rises here in Ormea from the convergence of the two mountain streams Tanarello and Negrone - and in the other several mountain streams.

 THE PARK

The rich natural heritage of the surrounding territory is nowadays under the environmental safeguarding of the Parco Naturale Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro (Alta Valle Pesio and Tanaro Natural Park & Wildlife), 15 km away from Ormea.The Park offers a spectacular variety of plant life - around 2000 species, including many endemic species - and wildlife, including chamois, wild boars, deer, stags, black grouses, ptarmigans and hares. Wolves have recently made their appearance again on these mountains, meaning that the environment here is still evidently unspoilt, whilst the golden eagle is a magnificent inhabitant of the sky above. Guided excursions are available throughout the Park, including safaris, to discover places, corners and unexpected natural resources of our territory. For information, please call Ente Gestione dei Parchi e delle Riserve Cuneesi (the local authority for Cuneo’s parks and natural reserves) Tel. 0171 734021.

FISHING

Fishing has always been one of the main food resources in our areas and today is one of the most popular leisure activities. Crystal clear waters run between impressive rocks in to rapids, waterfalls, sheets and hollows, where it’s possible to fish the famous local brook trout, with its peculiar spotted skin and very delicate taste, delicious graylings and chars.The river Tanaro is a local council fishing reserve in Ormea centre, but it’s possible to obtain a FISI permit that allows to fish along the rest of the river and in the other surrounding streams. There are two fishing reserves: Turipesca in the Cantarana village, just outside Ormea, also featured in Capital magazine as one of the seven best reserves in Europe, and Riserva Regina in the stream Armella, located within Ormea town (Altramella).

Turipesca: tel. 0174 399917 – 399992

Riserva La Regina: tel. 0174 393038 – 329 8616881 – 347 0465218

LA BALCONATA (THE ‘BALCONY’)

This is a naturalistic and ethnographic route reinstated by CAI (Italian Alpine Club) of Ormea. It runs on the southern side of the Tanaro Valley, from Eca to Viozene, at a 900-1500m on the sea level, linking 9 hamlets and passing through 24 little villages, for a total of 40km. Along the way – the walk is pleasant and not difficult – the visitor is struck by breathtaking views over the valley, stumbling across little churches dating back to 1600-1700 and old rural houses made of local stone with their traditional thatches or slate roofs, rural communal stoves, votive pillars, dryhouses.

THE ‘GREEN’ JOURNEY BETWEEN THE RIVER TANARO AND THE MOUNT ARMETTA

The recently created cycling track runs along the right bank of the river Tanaro, from the village of Priola all the way to Ormea (Cantarana). This track can be covered by bike, walk and also by horse and offers an unspoilt natural environment and beautifully unique views. In the Ormea’s territory, the track runs between the river Tanaro and the mount Armetta, with off-the-track paths that reveal ancient traces – such as the Torre dei Saraceni (Saracen tower) and the ‘Balma del Messere’ (also called the ‘Saracen cave’) - and attractive little villages.

 Winter Sports - The Cantarana cross-country ski centre is located 4 Km from the town centre, consisting of 15 kilometres of skiing tracks mechanically beaten and able to meet all skiers needs, thanks to its different levels of difficulty, including a FISI compliant track. Skiing equipment can be hired during the following hours: weekdays 11am – 5pm, weekends 9.30am-5pm (except Christmas day and New Year’s Day). For information, please call 0174 392157.

Downhill skiing is only 30 minutes away, towards Piedmont – Garessio 2000 ski resort (www.garessio2000.it)  –  as well as Liguria – Monesi ski resort  (www.monesiditriora.it).