The valleys at north of Genoa have been the passageway to the Padana Plain since old times: for over a century they have been a land famous for family holidays and beloved by hikers and trekkers. Many areas are part of the Antola Natural Regional Park, as Mount Antola is one of the main peaks in the Ligurian Apennines.
Many are the castles and villas reminders of the ancient splendour and the fights between families. Great examples are Castello del Cantone, Castello di Borgo Fornari, Castello dei Fieschi in Savignone. The 13th century Castello della Pietra in Vobbia is very peculiar and has been recently restored: the fortress is set between two massive rocks and can only be reached through a very narrow path. A few kilometres away is the last stop of Trenino di Casella (Casella Train), one of the few narrow gauge railways in Italy. It reaches Genoa climbing down hills among forts and the ruins of the medieval aqueduct.