During the summer, the squares of various villages such as Airole, Apricale, Isolabona and Dolceacqua are used for games of "pallone elastico", a sort of handball. This is a popular sport on the Piedmontese side of the Ligurian Alps too and may arouse great curiosity in those unfamiliar with it. The activity merely requires a strong wrist, a great deal of stamina and a good aim.

The western alpine area is crossed by the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, which stretches from Ventimiglia to the Pigna mountains and beyond. This high altitude itinerary is served by some stations and, among others, passes Colla Scarassan, Mount Toraggio (1973 m) and the Marta peak (1957 m). Hikers can rely on the support of the CAI Colla Melosa and Cima Grai refuge huts, at the gateway to the Alpi Liguri Nature Park. Particularly delightful, being excavated in several sections in the solid rock, is the Sentiero degli Alpini, which links Colla Melosa (1541 m) to the calcareous Toraggio peak, crossing the spectacular Incisa gorge (outward journey: 3 hours; return via the French side: approx. 2 hours). The Toraggio and Pietravecchia mountains offer climbers interesting faces to climb and feature some iron-assisted routes. The numerous caves in the area offer visits recommended only to expert speleologists.

Dolceacqua is the starting and arrival point of this itinerary (approx. one hour long) that winds through characteristic intensely farmed "fasce" and in the silvery shade of olive trees. The first stop is the Benedictine monastery ("u cunventu") after which comes the church of San Bernardo, from where just a single glance sweeps over the whole village. Those wishing to continue walking can explore the other architectural delights of Dolceacqua or enjoy typical local produce at some of the local Agritourism Centres - above all the Rossese D.O.C. of Dolceacqua wine as well as the fine whites, among which the two Doc wines Pigato and Vermentino.

This itinerary (approx. two hours walking) retraces the footsteps of an ancient watershed route between Dolceacqua and Perinaldo. The starting point is the Doria castle, from where it proceeds through vegetable gardens and olive groves following the northern slope of the Orti valley, bathed by a tributary of the Nervia river, and the rio Peitavino. It comes to the ancient settlement of Roman origin called Belgestro and the sanctuary of the Addolorata, the object of frequent pilgrimages bound to local devotion. Next comes the Colla Bella, with a breathtaking view that sweeps over the Ligurian Alps from the rio Merdanzo watershed to the olive groves and vineyards of the hills leading to Perinaldo.

An hour's walk approximately will improve the historic and naturalistic knowledge of the Intemelie valleys and provide admirable views of the upper Nervia valley. This starts from the ancient road leading to the Mediaeval village of Pigna and reaches the sanctuary of the Passoscio. From here there is a splendid view over the mountainous amphitheatre that surrounds it. During a stroll through olive groves, vine-yards, ilex groves and woods of pubescent oak it is possible to sight some solitary flights of buzzards and eagles. Another hour's walk leads to the Colla Mirabella, with a direct view of Mount Toraggio, and the Cà di Resto.

Pigna is the starting point for this itinerary. From here it follows the Rio Carne valley and continues towards San Bernardo, where the church of the same name conserves a great painted cycle of the 15th century, a masterpiece by Giovanni Canavesio. Returning towards Pigna there are monuments of great importance, among which the majestic church of San Michele, the starting point for an ancient communication trench immersed in the vegetation. This scenic balcony over the north-western side of the valley, between the villages of Pigna and Castelvittorio, leads to the provincial road.