Colle Melosa, or Colla Melosa, is a pass at about 1,540 metres on the ridge between the Val Nervia and the Valle Argentina, in the municipality of Pigna. You can drive there from Bordighera in just over an hour, and in that hour you go from palm trees to the pines and larches of the Ligurian Alps.
It is the starting point for some of the finest hikes in the Parco delle Alpi Liguri: Monte Pietravecchia, Monte Toraggio and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.
From military zone to hikers’ destination
Until after the Second World War this border area was a military zone, closed to civilians. Reminders of this are the former military road that climbs from the pass towards Monte Grai and Pietravecchia, and the fortifications scattered along the ridges, such as those of Cima Marta. In 1952 an abandoned barracks was turned into a refreshment point; the road was only asphalted after the 1960s.
Things to do
Monte Pietravecchia by the military road
Monte Pietravecchia (2,038 m) can be climbed by the old military road: a scenic route with no technical difficulties. The Park’s loop passes through the Sella d’Agnaira, the Passo della Valletta and the Fontana Itala: about 5 hours, difficulty grade E, 500 metres of ascent.
Monte Toraggio and the Sentiero degli Alpini
The Sentiero degli Alpini (Alpini Trail), cut into the rock beneath the cliffs of Pietravecchia and Toraggio, also starts from the pass: it is currently closed by order of the municipality. Toraggio can still be reached by the Alta Via, via the Passo della Valletta and the Passo dell’Incisa. All the details are on the Monte Toraggio page.
Towards the Saccarello
For fit walkers, from the pass you can reach Monte Saccarello, the highest peak in Liguria (2,200 m): a full day’s walk.
In winter: snowshoeing
When there is snow, you can follow the loops of the “Nello Caldi” centre around Monte Corma, once a cross-country ski track and now a snowshoe circuit, with routes from 1.5 to 5 km.
Nature
Scots pine, Norway spruce and larches grow around the pass. Chamois and peregrine falcons live among the rocks of Toraggio and Pietravecchia, and you can see Alpine choughs, golden eagles and griffon vultures in flight. The limestone cliffs are home to flowers found only here or in a few other places, such as Bicknell’s knapweed (rapontico di Bicknell), named after the Bordighera botanist.
Where to eat and sleep
Just below the pass is the Franco Allavena mountain hut, run by the Bordighera section of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club), with a restaurant and dormitories: to stay overnight you need a sleeping-bag liner. The pass’s historic restaurant-bar is closed for the 2026 season.
Tips for your visit
- When to go: from May to October for hiking; in winter for snowshoeing. The flowers are at their best between late June and early July.
- Getting there: from Bordighera up the Val Nervia to Pigna, then right towards Colla Langan and, at the fork, left for Colla Melosa. The last few kilometres are narrow and the surface is uneven. There are no buses.
- In winter: the road may be covered in snow or ice: you need winter tyres or snow chains.
- Water: there is a fountain at the Fontana Itala, on the military road; even so, bring at least a litre and a half per person.
- Combine it with: Pigna and Triora, which can be reached from the other side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Bordighera to Colle Melosa?
Just over an hour by car, about 41 km, up the Val Nervia to Pigna.
Is the Allavena hut open?
The hut is run by the Bordighera section of the CAI: check the hut’s website for opening periods and book if you want to stay overnight.
Which hikes can you do from Colle Melosa?
The easiest is the climb to Monte Pietravecchia by the military road. The Alta Via towards Monte Toraggio and the route towards the Saccarello also start from here.
Can you go to Colle Melosa in winter?
Yes, with winter tyres or snow chains: when there is snow you can go snowshoeing around Monte Corma.
