Toirano caves
Toirano, Italy
Show caves in the hills behind the coast where Palaeolithic footprints and cave-bear bones were found. Visits are guided and the caves stay cool all year.
The Toirano caves lie in the hills above the village in the province of Savona; exploration began in 1950. In the Grotta della Bàsura, footprints show that Homo sapiens walked through the cave some 12,000 to 14,000 years ago, according to recent studies five people accompanied by a dog. There are also bones of the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) in an area known as the "Bear Cemetery". The Grotta di Santa Lucia Inferiore, discovered in 1960, has chambers with calcite and aragonite formations.
The public route is around 1,300 m long and takes about 70 minutes; its highlights include the "Sala dei Misteri" (Hall of Mysteries) and the Grotta di Cibele. An artificial tunnel of about 115 m links the Bàsura with Santa Lucia Inferiore. Visits are by guided tour only, in limited groups; book ahead and check the opening days.
- Nearest town
- Toirano, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.1270, 8.2066
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- HolidayCampsite3 km from Toirano cavesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Bella VistaCampsite5 km from Toirano cavesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Camping BacicciaCampsite5 km from Toirano cavesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- DelphisCampsite5 km from Toirano cavesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsNo dogs
- Dei FioriCampsite5 km from Toirano cavesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Pineta AurelioCampsite5 km from Toirano caves · 20 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Toirano caves?
Toirano caves is in Toirano, Italy, at GPS 44.1270, 8.2066. It is about 9 km from Albenga.
Can you camp near Toirano caves?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Pfirsich, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Toirano caves?
Toirano caves is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Riviera di Ponente: Genoa to the French border.
What is there to see near Toirano caves?
Places worth a stop nearby: Finalborgo (11 km), Dolceacqua bridge and castle (56 km), Barolo and the Langhe vineyards (58 km) and Hanbury Botanical Gardens (65 km).
When is the best time to visit Toirano caves?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)