Tucked away in the unassuming wooded valleys at the western edge of Liguria, this limestone paradise brings climbers from all over Europe. Like Calanques, this crag has thousands of routes, enough for a lifetime of climbing. We climbed what we could in our limited time there, and it felt like tasting a sample at a famous italian gelato shop and having to leave right after.
Luckily on our first night, we met two German climbers who were Finale regulars. The guidebook is HUGE, but thankfully, like a kid showing us his favorite toy, our new friend ticked his favorite climbs and areas for us. So in the morning, we set off on a ridiculously leisurely 5 minute approach through the shady woods. There, we started our climbing on a marvelously featured limestone pillar. The variety of features that can be carved by nature into limestone are dazzling. Runged ladders, huge pockets, handles, tiny pockets, vertical cracks, tufas hanging off of ceilings… Finale was a playground.
In the following days we climbed a classic line to the summit of Monte Cucco, and in a crazy open topped cave called Grotta de l’Edera. The routes there were beautiful, and every time we looked up we couldn’t help but “wow” and sigh.
We watched a French climber send a self supporting arch. We climbed a vertical cylindrical tube, spiraling to the top. The sun shone through the window, as if in a church as we scaled an arette.
After climbing in Finale, to cool down, we went to the beach! Coffee shops, restaurants, and gelato places line the Mediterranean coast here, and the dirtbag adventure is transformed into a sophisticated beach vacation.
One night, we found an amazing spot overlooking the valley, just above a church from the 15th century. Evening, night, morning, and daytime were all equally beautiful from this spot. We felt so lucky to be there.
The German friends we met have been coming to Finale for over ten years. After our short stay we definitely know why. This is an amazing crag in an unforgettable setting!
