Canyoning in the Rio Lerca, Arenzano

Canyoning in the Rio Lerca is a guided descent through a stream canyon in the Parco del Beigua above Arenzano, a coastal town about 25 km west of Genoa in Liguria, Italy. The outing is booked through Freedome, which lists the meeting point at the Case Soprane hamlet at 9:00. The whole programme lasts five to six hours, of which roughly 3.5 hours is actual canyoning, and it combines walking, swimming, jumping into pools, sliding down natural chutes and rappelling where the terrain requires it. Participants need basic fitness, the ability to swim and a willingness to jump and abseil under guidance; the activity is not suited to those who are afraid of heights or deep water. Freedome sets age and weight limits on its listing, and families should confirm the minimum age for children when booking. Wetsuit, helmet and harness are supplied by the guides, and participants should bring swimwear, a towel and shoes with good grip, such as old trainers. The guides are named by first name only on the listing, so visitors should ask about their canyoning qualifications and group ratios when booking. Safety briefings cover rope handling, jumping technique and communication signals before the descent starts, and the guides carry rescue equipment; if someone is injured, evacuation relies on the guides, the Italian emergency number 112 and mountain rescue services. The season runs from June to September, when water levels and temperatures suit the activity. Heavy rain makes canyons dangerous because flows can rise quickly, so trips are cancelled or moved in unsettled weather. Prices start from about EUR 75-80 (around $86-92) per person, and a separate four-hour descent in the Rio Bargonasco is listed from EUR 70 (about $81). The route offers a cool and exciting contrast to Ligurian beach days.