The Varatella Valley, inland from the Ligurian coast near Toirano, is best known for its remarkable prehistoric caves. The cave walls still bear hand- and footprints left by Neanderthals, making this one of the more extraordinary prehistoric sites in northern Italy. Not all caves are open to the public, but those that are leave a genuine impression.
Beyond the caves, the valley is classic Ligurian countryside — terraced hillsides planted with olive groves, small villages, and the kind of quiet that has long since been chased away from the coast. The Museo Preistorico della Val Varatella at the entrance to the cave area is a worthwhile stop before heading inside.