Parco Naturale Regionale del Beigua: the sky highway for Europe's raptors

There's a place in Liguria where something incredible happens every autumn: thousands of raptors fly overhead, heading to Africa, transforming the sky into a natural highway that connects Northern Europe with the African continent. The Beigua Park is not only the most spectacular UNESCO Geopark in Liguria, it's also the number one observation point in Italy to closely watch eagles, falcons, and buzzards crossing the Mediterranean to escape the European winter.

Climbing Monte Beigua is like scaling the history of the Earth. At $1287\text{ meters}$ in height, this rounded peak offers panoramas that stretch from the crystalline sea of the Riviera di Ponente to the alpine peaks that pierce the northern horizon. But the real spectacle lies in the rocks underfoot: serpentine green ophiolites that tell of a time when these mountains were ocean floors that emerged millions of years ago thanks to tectonic forces that literally overturned the geology.

The beech forests here are vegetal cathedrals that ignite with fiery reds and golden yellows in autumn. Walking among these centenary giants while flocks of raptors pass overhead is a thrilling experience. The silence of the woods is broken only by the rustling of dry leaves underfoot and the calls of migratory birds signaling to each other during the journey south.

Birdwatchers arrive from all over Europe to witness this natural spectacle. From September to November, the park's observation centers record passages of tens of thousands of raptors: Lesser Spotted Eagles, harriers, sparrowhawks, Honey Buzzards, and even very rare Imperial Eagles, which find perfect updrafts here for gliding without wasting energy.

The trails are a perfect network for all levels: from family walks in the summit meadows to challenging treks that connect sea and mountain in a single day. The signs of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri cross the entire park, allowing for multi-day excursions among refuges and breathtaking panoramic points.

The geology here is an open book: pillow lava, gabbros, and serpentinites create lunar landscapes that change color with the light. You don't need a degree in geology to be fascinated by these natural sculptures that look like modern works of art scattered across the high-altitude meadows.

The park is easily reachable from Genoa or Savona by following signs for Sassello or Varazze. Visitor centers provide detailed maps and forecasts for migratory flows. During the migration season (September–November), guided excursions with expert ornithologists are organized. Bring binoculars, layered clothing, and lots of patience: here, nature dictates the timing, but when eagles and falcons begin to fly above you, every minute of waiting is repaid with interest.

Photo credits: Riccardo Ortelli - licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.