Canyoning Rio Bargonasco
Canyoning Liguria
RIO BARGONASCO -CANYONING LIGURIA
Overview
Difficulty: Adventure / Suitable for everyone
Descent duration: 2 hours
Total activity duration: 2.5 hours
Approach hike: 0 minutes
Return hike: 10 minutes
Highest rappel: 15 m
Price: €75
When: April to October
A hidden canyon, perfect for beginners
Rio Bargonasco Canyoning: waterfalls, fun, and adrenaline in the Ligurian backcountry
The Rio Bargonasco is a stream flowing through the heart of the Ligurian hinterland, near the village of Bargone in the municipality of Casarza Ligure (GE). Its course, short but intense, offers a perfect blend of everything that makes canyoning so exciting: waterfalls, jumps, natural slides, and rope descents.
The descent lasts about two hours—an ideal time for those seeking a first experience that’s not too demanding but still filled with adrenaline. The route is suitable for anyone in good physical shape and comfortable in the water
Waterfalls, natural pools, and guaranteed fun
The canyon features a dynamic sequence of waterfalls that are never too high, crystal-clear pools, and slippery passages where water is always present. This makes the route not only scenic but also varied and entertaining: you jump, abseil, slide, and swim.
Thanks to the constant water flow, Rio Bargonasco delivers a truly immersive experience in a wild and lesser-known natural setting—perfect for those looking for a quieter alternative to more popular destinations.
Route features: vertical drops and thrills
The Rio Bargonasco route stretches for about 600 meters, with a continuous series of natural obstacles that keep the descent lively and never repetitive. Despite its short length, the canyon is rich in vertical features, with several waterfalls (none exceeding 10 meters) that follow one another in quick succession.
In optimal water conditions, some rope descents become especially exciting and visually impressive, making this canyon an excellent choice even for those looking for a little extra thrill. Optional jumps and a beautiful natural toboggan also add to the fun.
Best season and water conditions
The Rio Bargonasco is accessible from April to October. In spring, the descent can take on a more dynamic, sporty character thanks to higher water levels—especially in sections where you rappel directly under the waterfalls.
Swimming sections are short and manageable, even for beginners. The water is cold, but the excellent sun exposure and brief aquatic stretches make the experience always enjoyable.
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED AND INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
-
5 mm neoprene wetsuit
-
Helmet*
-
Buoyancy aid vest* (only if requested in advance)
-
Harness*
-
Descender, safety lanyards and carabiners*
-
Shared equipment (ropes, first aid kit)
*All personal and collective protective equipment used complies with current safety regulations.
WHAT TO BRING?
-
A thermal polyester shirt to wear under the wetsuit
-
Swimsuit
-
Towel
-
Sneakers or trekking shoes suitable for water, plus socks you don’t mind getting wet
-
No rings on hands
If you wear glasses, make sure to secure them with a strap to avoid losing them. If you wear contact lenses, it’s best to use disposable ones and bring a spare pair.
Bring a plastic bag to store wet shoes, socks, and any other wet items after the activity.
Canyoning shoes available for rental: €10 per person – must be requested when booking.
INFORMATION
Before entering the canyon, you will be briefed and trained on:
-
The objective and subjective risks associated with the canyon environment and canyoning activity
-
Safety behavior guidelines for both individual and group protection
-
Progression techniques, as outlined in the documents titled Briefing and Information Sheet, downloadable from this website
-
Environmental respect and proper conduct in nature
You will be accompanied by professional canyon guides, certified by the Italian Canyon Guides Association or equivalent bodies.
REQUIRED:
-
A good and normal state of health
-
The ability to swim, or alternatively, no fear of water when using a life vest (available on request at the time of booking)
-
No heart, respiratory, or severe allergic conditions that are incompatible with physical effort or the canyoning environment
Getting Here — Rio Bargonasco Canyoning, Liguria
Frazione di Bargone – Casarza Ligure
General Information about Rio Bargonasco: Canyoning near Sestri Levante
Rio Bargonasco is one of the most accessible and fun canyons in Liguria, located inland from Sestri Levante, between Genoa and La Spezia, just a short distance from the famous Cinque Terre. A hidden gem that combines adventure, nature, and logistical convenience.
The valley where it lies is open, bright, and easy to reach, even from other regions: it takes less than two hours from Milan, Parma, or Florence, making it ideal for a day trip or an outdoor weekend getaway.
Meeting point and logistics
The meeting point for the canyoning activity at Rio Bargonasco is the parking lot at the entrance of the Bargone village, in the municipality of Casarza Ligure, province of Genoa.
From there, you drive uphill for about one kilometer until you reach the start of the route. Once there, the guides provide all the technical equipment (wetsuit, helmet, harness) and safety instructions. A short walk of a few minutes takes you to the riverbed—and the adventure begins!