Explore 10 stunning towns of the Riviera delle Palme (Riviera of Palms)
Liguria is a crescent-shaped region in northwest Italy. Its Mediterranean coastline is known as the Italian Riviera. The 5 colourful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, as well as stylish Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, are on the eastern coast or Riviera di Levante (Coast of the Rising Sun). The western coast, the Riviera di Ponente (Coast of the Setting Sun), is home to Sanremo, a vintage resort with a turn-of-the-century casino and a flower-filled promenade. The Riviera di Ponente is the territory that connects the border of Ventimiglia with the French Riviera to the city of Genoa and includes the provinces of Savona and Imperia. It is divided into the Riviera dei Fiori (of Flowers) in the west and Riviera delle Palme (of Palms) in the east. Explore the coast from Laigueglia in the west to Varazze in the east:
1. LAIGUEGLIA
Start your roadtrip in the beach resort of Laigueglia, one of the quieter, more traditional resorts along the coast of western Liguria.
2. COLLA MICHERI
Colla Micheri is a medieval village that lies directly above the seaside town of Laigueglia. The Via Julia Augusta, a Roman road built in 13 A.D., passes through the village. Nowadays it is famous as Thor Heyerdahl, the famous anthropologist, restored many of the buildings which had been neglected in the twentieth century. He lived there with his family when not travelling. In 2002, he died there and his cremated remains lie in the garden of his family's home.
3. ALASSIO
Alassio is a town and comune in the province of Savona, approximately 80 kilometres from the French border. Alassio is known for its long, sandy beach and natural and scenic views. It also has a lively town centre, several historic monuments and is popular with Italian holidaymakers.
4. ALBENGA
Albenga is a city and comune situated on the Gulf of Genoa on the Italian Riviera in the Province of Savona. Albenga has the nickname of city of a hundred spires. A settlement of pre-Roman origins on the west side of the Ligurian coast, it was founded around the 4th century BC on the slopes of the coastal hills, becoming the capital of the Ingauni Ligures tribe.
5. CERIALE
Ceriale is an old harbour town located about 70 kilometres southwest of Genoa and about 30 kilometres southwest of Savona. It has been under both Roman and Genoan rule at different times in its history and was once even invaded by Algerian pirates.
6. FINALE LIGURIA
Known for its white sand beaches and its views, Finale Ligure is located directly adjacent to the Rock of Caprazoppa, a steep limestone mountain on the southwest, and much of the town extends up hill slopes. The town has a lively commercial district. The boardwalk is lined with palm trees and many restaurants from the adjacent street have located large, open-air dining rooms along it. The town of Finale Ligure is nominally divided into three "boroughs". Finale Ligure Marina (Finalmarina) is the main seaside part of the town, most frequented by tourists, while Finale Pia (Finalpia) is the traditional center of the town, where a Benedictine abbey still stands. Finalborgo, the third borough and located further inland, consists of an old walled medieval town built at the joncion of two streams: Aquila and Pora.
7. NOLI
The Republic of Noli was an Italian Maritime republic centered on the city of Noli that existed from 1192 to 1797. Present-day Noli is in the Province of Savona. To protect itself from possible attacks and invasions by Savona and Marquisate of Finale, Noli allied in 1202 with the Republic of Genoa. Noli is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and a must for your travelwishlist!
8. SAVONA
Savona is a port city and one of the biggest cities in Liguria. The 1500s Priamar Fortress houses the Sandro Pertini Museum, with works by Guttuso and Miró. The Ceramics Museum spans the 15th century to the present. Northwest, Colle di Cadibona pass marks the start of a stretch on the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri trekking route, with sea and mountain views.
9. CELLE LIGURIA
Celle Ligure is located about 30 kilometres west of Genoa and about 8 kilometres northeast of Savona. The village has sandy beaches, colourful houses lined up along the coast and characteristic alleys overlooked by buildings of great artistic value.
10. VARAZZE
The village of Varazze dates back to the 11th century. It extends on the western Riviera between the Teiro brook and the Via Buranello and rests on the wide bay between Punta della Mola and Punta dell'Aspera. Earlier the village was walled and had five gates through which one could reach the different suburbs. Nearby in the Ligurian Apennines is the Monte Beigua with its Natural Regional Park.
WHAT TO EAT IN LIGURIA: FOCACCIA
Focaccia (Ligurian: fugassa) is a flat oven-baked Italian bread similar in style and texture to pizza; in some places, it is called "pizza bianca". Focaccia can be served as a side dish or as sandwich bread.
SLEEP AT I CALLERI GARDEN & ROOMS
I Calleri Garden & Rooms is a bed and breakfast and consists of two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a breakfast room. The garden is the center of their daily lives, shady corners where you can read, beds and chairs to relax in the sun are available to guests.
SLEEP AT PALAZZO LENGUEGLIA
Palazzo Lengueglia is a high level Bed and Breakfast, situated on the main floor of a historic palazzo in Piazza San Michele in Albenga. Palazzo Lengueglia bears its name from the Lengueglia family, who owned the palazzo during the Middle Ages. In the 18th century it became the property of the current owners, who oversaw its recent renovation.
EAT AT LOCANDA NELLI
Indulge yourself and take your taste buds on a journey with their Italian cuisine. Expect only the best special local cuisines and excellent gourmet food at Locanda Nelli.
WHEN TO GO: The coast is packed in July and August; if you can, visit in spring or autumn, when the towns are quieter. Even from November to March, the Italian Riviera usually has a mild climate: temperatures rarely goes under 10 degrees and there are many sunny days.
HOW TO GET AROUND: Rent a car and explore every stunning village of the Riviera delle Palme on your travelwishlist!
CURRENCY: Euro
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