The best places on the Ligurian coast. In the province of La Spezia. Local traditions and holidays

It is a rather narrow coastal strip between the mountain range formed by the Alps and the Apennines and the Ligurian Sea. Thanks to the mountains that protect coastal zone from cold winds, the climate on the Ligurian coast is very warm and mild, which is very conducive to a comfortable stay.

The capital of Liguria is a fairly large port city, divides Italian Riviera into two parts - the eastern Riviera di Levante and the western Riviera di Ponente. The Eastern Riviera is a picturesque rocky coast lined with bays and small pebbly beaches. The Western Riviera, which is a continuation of the French, attracts tourists with comfortable resorts, magnificent sandy beaches and crystal clear sea.

All the beaches of the Ligurian coast are good in their own way

These places are so interesting and diverse that it is not at all easy to choose a specific one for your vacation. At one time, in order to somehow facilitate the task, BlogoItaliano even published a special article. Highly recommended for everyone who is going to visit the Riviera and has not yet decided on a resort.

All beaches of the Ligurian coast they are good in their own way, but there are places that are especially loved by vacationers - we will dwell on them in a little more detail.

Finale Ligure beach

The resort town of Finale Ligure is located near Genoa - about 50 minutes by train. The beaches here are mostly sandy, with occasional small patches of pebbles. The sea, as in most resorts on the Ligurian coast, is very calm and clean, the central beach of Finale Ligure is even awarded the European Blue Flag for cleanliness, well-groomed and well-developed infrastructure.

Along the Finale Ligure stretches beautiful embankment

All along the coast Finale Ligure stretches a beautiful embankment, framed by luxurious palm trees. Along the embankment, in turn, stretches a strip of various cafes, taverns, pizzerias, which is very convenient for vacationers - you don’t have to go far to eat ice cream or have a snack. Almost every beach has a bicycle parking - this type of transport is very popular here.

Baia dei Saraceni beach

On the Ligurian coast, not far from Finale Ligure, there is a small fishing town of Varigotti. There is a wonderful beach Baia dei Saraceni surrounded by picturesque green hills.

On the beach of Baia dei Saraceni, the sand is very light, almost white

To get to one of the most beautiful beaches, you will have to walk through the narrow streets of Varigotti, which managed to preserve its medieval charm. The houses here are painted in different colors, some of them descend directly to the sea. The beach in Varigotti, located in a cozy crescent-shaped bay, is sandy and pebbly, the sand here is light, almost white, and the pebbles are very small and resemble grains of rice.

Baltzi Rossi beach

In the western part of the Italian Riviera, near the border with France, there is a town Ventimiglia, from which is within easy reach of one of the pearls of the Ligurian coast - Balzi Rossi beach. This wonderful beach is hidden at the foot of a mountain, indented with many prehistoric caves, in which people lived 25 thousand years ago. Nearby is the Prehistoric Museum, where you can see artifacts found by cave explorers.

Baltzi Rossi beach is a clear azure sea and rather large pebbles the size of a chicken egg, thanks to which the beach has another name - Egg Beach. The beach is considered a good place for scuba diving - a variety of marine flora and fauna attracts many divers here.

Baltzi Rossi beach is a clear azure sea

Baltzi Rossi is a private beach, so you have to pay for the pleasure. Of course, you can swim away from the beach - on flat stones protruding into the sea, but this is not very convenient. It is much more comfortable to sit in a sun lounger and, by the way, use the Wi-Fi service.

Levanto beach

Levanto Beach is located in the eastern part of the Italian Riviera, next to the famous Cinque Terre National Park. The sandy beach is surrounded by hills covered with lush vegetation, making the area especially picturesque.

Levanto is one of the few beaches Ligurian coast, chosen by surfers, wave lovers from all over Europe come here during the season. beach area divided into two parts - paid and free. You can rent it for a fee beach equipment– umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as take advantage of free internet. The free part of the beach differs only in the absence of sunbeds.

Liguria is one of the smallest, but also the most beautiful regions Italy, located along the coast of the Ligurian Sea. Rest here is the dream of many tourists who go to Italy: it is in Liguria that you can visit ancient Genoa, visit the musical and colorful cities, sunbathe on the most beautiful beaches, learn the unforgettable taste of local cuisine and get a lot of amazing experiences.

History and modernity

The name of the Liguria region comes from the name of the ancient people of the Ligures, who once spread considerable influence over the territory of almost the entire modern Europe, but then driven out by the Celts to the Mediterranean coast. When the lands of modern Liguria became part of the Roman Empire, the Ligures quickly mixed with the Romans and ceased to exist as a separate nation.

You can get to Liguria from Russia by plane, since there is a large one in Genoa. In summer there are charter flights from Russian cities; throughout the year you can fly to Genoa with a transfer in Milan or Rome.

From Genoa to other cities in the region can be reached by train - Liguria has a well-developed railway network, it connects even the smallest cities.
From other cities in Italy - for example, from Turin or Milan - you can also get to Genoa by train, and from there transfer to a suitable transport to the city, which is the main point of your trip.

Provinces and cities

The Liguria region consists of four provinces: Spezia (Provincia della Spezia), Savona (Provincia di Savona), Genoa (Provincia di Genova) and Empire (Provincia di Imperia).

Spice

La Spezia is the westernmost province of the region. In the east, it borders on Genoa, in the north - with the province, which is located in the Emilia-Romagna region, in the west - with the Tuscany region, and from the south it is washed by the Ligurian Sea.
The main attraction of La Spezia - national park Cinque Terre (Five Lands), consisting of five beautiful ancient cities- Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso and Riomaggiore. In each of them you can find majestic examples of medieval architecture, take a fascinating walk along the sea on a boat or on foot along specially laid paths that form various walking routes. Near the Cinque Terre are the cities (Levanto), (Porto Venere) and the main city of the province - La Spezia.

Genoa

The province of Genoa lies between La Spezia and Savona. Of the 67 communes that make up the province, 16 have access to the sea.
Genoa is not only administrative and economic, but also Cultural Center Liguria. There are a large number of historical monuments(including the Genoese fortress and the Doge's Palace), as well as museums, theaters, palaces and other places of interest.
There are resort cities in the province of Genoa, where tourists from all over the world come to rest. One of them is Arenzano, which is sometimes called the "gate of Liguria". Arenzano is famous for its mild seaside climate, pleasant for relaxation and good for health, as well as its picturesque boulevards, a favorite place for walks of citizens and vacationers.

Savona

The province of Savona is famous for its beautiful resorts - such as (Alassio) or Albenga (Albenga), as well as nature reserves, one of which is a marine nature reserve in the Gulf of Genoa. The resorts of Savona are attractive with spacious sandy beaches, beautiful views, exotic vegetation and well developed infrastructure.
The city of Savona is the second largest (after Genoa) seaport in Liguria. It is tourism and port activities that are the basis of the life of the province.

Empire

Imperia is the fourth province of the Liguria region. It is often called the Flower Riviera (Riviera dei Fiori), which indicates two things at once: the proximity of the region to the French Riviera and literally a thriving business - growing and selling flowers, which are especially famous for the cities of San Remo (San Remo) and (Ventimiglia) .
The empire is attractive with many holidays, festivals and other events that take place throughout the year. The most famous event is the annual festival of Italian pop songs in San Remo, which attracts thousands of guests from all over the world.

Holidays, events, interesting events

The already mentioned Sanremo Music Festival is, of course, the main, but far from the only event worth visiting while in Liguria. Almost every city here is famous for some kind of holiday, and if you know how and when they take place, you can choose optimal time for a trip or make a cultural program in such a way as to see those events that interest you the most.

Thematic holidays, exhibitions, salons

In Sanremo, at the beginning of each year, the opening of the International Flower Market and the Parade of Flowers takes place, the main task of which is to demonstrate to the audience the incredible beauty of compositions from fresh flowers and plants. The spectacle is truly bewitching, bright and attractive.
Fans of the history of shipbuilding in the province of Imperia host a rally of sailing ships Vele d’Epoca every two years. And for those who are interested in modern maritime navigation, every year in October the International Salon of Navigation Il Salone Nautico opens in Genoa.

Music festivals and competitions

Of the musical events that take place in Liguria, the Premio Paganini violin competition, which is held in Genoa, is well known. The frequency of the competition is once every two years, in October.
And in the Ligurian province of Savona, in the city of Finale Ligure, a major chamber music festival is held annually in August, which everyone can visit to listen to beautiful works performed by real masters.

Climate and recreation

The climate in Liguria, due to the proximity of the sea and mountains, is very mild and pleasant, ideal for spending holidays here almost at any time of the year. The weather here is mostly sunny, but not too hot even in the hottest summer months: in July-August, the average air temperature is about 28 degrees. thermometers rarely show below + 7.
The best resorts of Liguria, according to generally accepted opinion, are Portofino, where wealthy people and world celebrities like to relax; Finale Ligure, famous for its beautiful and clean sandy beaches; Diano Marina is a resort reminiscent of a paradise island, where beaches covered with soft light sand are surrounded by lush exotic vegetation.
Tours to Liguria favorable prices offer many travel agencies, including Russian ones. You can choose exactly the offer that suits you best both for the price and for the conditions offered, and then go to unforgettable vacation. And you can go to places of interest to you on your own, and such a vacation is in no way inferior organized tour; in this case, you are even more free to choose your accommodation, travel routes, arrival and departure.

Hotels

Bristol Palace Hotel

The Bristol Palace Hotel is located in the heart of Genoa, a stone's throw from the city's harbor and the aquarium, where you can see several thousand marine animals and fish. The hotel occupies ancient building, a spiral staircase leads to the upper floors. The rooms offer elegant classic furnishings, antique furniture, a spacious bathroom, air conditioning and soundproofing. A night in a double room at the Bristol Palace Hotel costs about 120 euros.

Grand Hotel Des Anglais

Grand Hotel Des Anglais is located in San Remo, close to the beach and the famous Ariston Theatre. At the guests' disposal are spacious and comfortable rooms (some have balconies with sea views), equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, a small bar with a variety of drinks and satellite TV. All rooms are furnished in a classic style, the interior is chosen so that all its elements look harmonious and whole. A double room in this hotel will cost from 89 euros for one night.

Grand Hotel Miramare

The Miramare Grand Hotel in Santa Margerita Ligure is the epitome of true Italian luxury. It offers elegant, bright, spacious rooms with sea views, a wellness center, a swimming pool, a restaurant serving classic Ligurian cuisine. Accommodation in a double room at the Miramare hotel will cost from 440 to 523 euros per night, depending on whether its windows face the park or the sea.

One of the smallest regions of Italy in terms of area, located in the north-west of the country, on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. In the west, the region borders on France.

Like Tuscany Italian Liguria traditionally enjoys great popularity among foreign property buyers. This region has a pleasant mild climate - in summer the temperature rarely rises above 29 ° C, and in winter it does not fall below 10 ° C, sunny days more than 300 per year. Life in Liguria flows calmly and measuredly. There are few noisy tourist entertainment, bars, discos. But it is here that you can enjoy the beauty and harmony of nature, get to know the real Italy.

There are four provinces in Liguria: Imperia, Savona, Genoa and La Spezia. In the western part of Liguria, in the cities of Imperia and Savona, there are spacious sandy beaches, in the east - small pebble beaches and many secluded coves among the rocks. Most Popular local resorts- Alassio, San Remo, Bordighera, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Rapallo.

Provinces of Liguria

Liguria is one of the most expensive regions Italy. Real estate here is almost 70% more expensive than the national average. The most expensive housing is on the east coast, where new construction is limited due to the terrain - a very narrow coastline so prices keep going up year after year. Luxury real estate on the coast in Genoa, Portofino, Cinque Terre costs more than 10 thousand euros / m². Portofino is the second most expensive city in Italy, it is even called the Italian Monte Carlo. Housing here is sold for an average of 16 thousand euros / m². The cost of apartments here starts from 1 million euros, houses - from 3 million euros.

In the west of the region, the resort of Alassio is considered the most prestigious, the cost of real estate here reaches 6.5 thousand euros / m². The cost of apartments in Alassio is 500-800 thousand euros.

Real estate away from the sea is much cheaper both in the east and in the west of Liguria. On the hills 1-3 km from the sea, you can buy a house at a price of 150-250 thousand euros with a land plot surrounded by olive and citrus trees.

The Ligurian Riviera, unlike the neighboring Cote d'Azur, is not so popular among foreign tourists. Most of the buyers of real estate are wealthy Italians who buy summer housing by the sea. Among foreigners, Liguria is loved and appreciated by citizens of Great Britain, Russia, Germany, countries Northern Europe and neighboring France. Germans, Swedes and Dutch prefer small houses with a garden away from the sea at a price of up to 300 thousand euros. Russians more often choose luxury housing costing from 1 million euros on the seashore.

Province of Empire

San Remo: Russian roots and Italian music

Large resort town in the center of the province of Imperia. There is a beautiful wide promenade and many well-maintained sandy beaches.

From Sanremo to the French border about 30 minutes drive, to Nice and Monaco to go a little less than an hour. high-speed the train is coming to Genoa about 2 hours and about 4 hours to Milan.

Holidays in San Remo became fashionable among the Russian elite thanks to Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Following her, the Russian nobility reached out to the city. Alfred Nobel spent the last 5 years of his life here. Now the villa where he lived and worked is a museum.

Sanremo - green and picturesque city. Palm trees grow along the main streets and squares, flowering trees and shrubs delight the eye. Sanremo is home to one of the largest flower markets on the coast, as well as the annual San Remo in Flore flower festival.

Shoppers say that the boutiques on Corso Giacomo Matteotti are no worse than in Milan.

Sanremo has all the conditions for cyclists: scenic routes varying degrees difficulties in the mountains, paths on the embankment. The length of the longest route along the sea reaches 24 km, and in the near future it will be increased to 70 km.

A well-known landmark of San Remo and the main source of income for the city treasury is one of the oldest casinos in Europe. This year he turns 120 years old. Here, in 1951, the famous Sanremo Music Festival began to be held, where Adriano Celentano, Gianni Morandi, Eros Ramazzotti won at different times.

San Remo is the only city in the west of Liguria where life is in full swing day and night. On weekends, young people from surrounding cities come to the clubs and bars of Sanremo. Exhibitions, festivals of various topics are held in the city almost every week, so you won't be bored here.

The only negative of San Remo is the lack of entertainment for children. Locals practically do not speak English, but many cafes and restaurants have a Russian menu, many office workers and shop workers understand Russian.

Villas in San Remo and the surrounding area usually have an area of ​​200–250 m², a pool and a plot of land - about 1–2 thousand m². The average cost of such houses ranges from 1-1.5 million euros. Studios with an area of ​​30 m² cost from 150 thousand euros. A two-room apartment 500–700 meters from the sea costs from 250,000 euros.

Bordighera - silence, tranquility and exotic gardens

Bordighera is an aristocratic resort town located between Sanremo and Ventimiglia. The whole city can be bypassed in a few hours. It was here that the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet once painted more than 50 paintings during his almost three-month stay. In the middle of the 19th century, Bordighera was chosen by English aristocrats, and by the beginning of World War II, up to 3 thousand Britons rested here during the season, while local population numbered only 2 thousand people. Today there are very few foreigners here, and mostly locals and visiting Italians rest on the beaches. Perhaps that is why many Russians fell in love with this place, and our compatriots prefer Bordighera even to the French Cote d'Azur.

Due to the mild climate in Bordighera, exotic plants have taken root perfectly. Palm trees are grown here on an industrial scale and then sent to other seaside towns. Grow in Bordighera and all kinds of citrus fruits, bananas, eucalyptus. The garden of exotic plants, founded by Bartolomeo Pallanca in 1910, contains 3,000 plant species from all over the world. The Winter Botanical Garden features Mediterranean flora - olive and citrus trees.

The beaches of Bordighera are mostly pebbly, and the sea is deep and often turbulent - swimming with small children is not very convenient here.

Real estate here costs an average of 4.5 thousand euros / m². Apartments within a five-minute walk from the beach can be bought for 300-700 thousand euros, villas cost from 500 thousand to 8-10 million euros.

Dolceacqua, Ventimiglia, Diano Marina - a paradise for romantics and pensioners

small towns west coast Liguria is not much different from each other: everywhere there is an old part with fishing houses, fortresses and churches, wide sandy beaches, well-groomed embankments and tourist centers with cafes, restaurants and shops.

Diano Marina is a very compact town consisting of just a few streets. There are many families with children and elderly couples from all EU countries. It is rare to hear Russian spoken in Diano Marina. There are no bars and discos in the town, but there are cafes with live music and magnificent views on seascapes. Housing prices in Diano Marina are about 4.5 thousand euros / m².

Ventimiglia is the last italian city before the border with France. On Fridays, a grandiose fair opens here, where crowds of people from neighboring Italian and French cities gather to buy cheap and high-quality things and products. Freshly caught fish, cheeses, sausages, fruits and other products of local farmers are sold daily at the city market. Real estate in Ventimiglia costs an average of 3-3.5 thousand euros / m². An apartment with an area of ​​100-120 m² can be bought for 250-500 thousand euros.

Dolceacqua is a picturesque, valley town that also inspired Monet. And today, at every turn, you can meet budding artists selling landscapes and postcards with local views. Houses in Dolceacqua cost from 800 thousand euros, apartments - from 250-300 thousand euros.

Province of Savona

Alassio - the best beaches and clubs on the west coast

Alassio is the largest, most fashionable and expensive city in the province of Savona. There are many beach clubs, bars and cafes. In addition to evening entertainment, the resort offers diving and surfing.

Alassio has the best beaches on the entire coast, most of them are paid. This is practically the only city in Liguria with such spacious sandy beaches.

On the shopping street you can buy anything: from books and dishes to perfumes and furniture. Boutiques of famous world brands are interspersed with shops with jewelry and souvenirs.

Every year in Alassio, the Miss Muretto beauty contest is held, where the most beautiful girl Italy.

Real estate in Alassio costs an average of 6.5 thousand euros / m². New apartments with 2-3 rooms can be bought for 500-750 thousand euros, houses are sold at a price of 900 thousand euros.

Province of Genoa

Genoa - palaces and slums

City of contrasts. Pompous palaces and ancient churches here side by side with modern skyscrapers made of glass and concrete, neat tourist quarters give way to narrow dark alleys where migrants huddle. In the evening, some areas around the Old Port may not be safe. The ancient streets of Genoa are so narrow and intricate that they resemble a labyrinth where two people can hardly disperse.

The advantages of this ancient majestic city are much greater than the disadvantages. Genoa is a very picturesque city. There are many gardens and several city parks. Most beautiful gardens can be found at the palaces of Palazzo di Andrea Doria, Palazzo Reale and at the walls of the fortress of Castello D'Albertis.

There are over 20 churches and cathedrals in Genoa. The oldest ones were built in the X-XII centuries.

The famous Garibaldi Street consists entirely of palaces built by local merchants in the 16th-17th centuries. In 2006, the street was listed world heritage UNESCO. Now in some palaces (Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco) there are art galleries, in others - banks, ministries, educational establishments. Several times a year, palaces open their doors for everyone to see the interior decoration of buildings and visit free tours. There are over 100 palaces in Genoa.

There is plenty to do here besides sightseeing. In the Museum of the Sea, you can go down into the hold of a real sailboat or paddle in the old galleys. The Old Port houses the Aquarium of Genoa, the second largest in Europe, and a unique botanical garden enclosed in a transparent sphere.

Real estate in Genoa costs an average of 2 thousand euros / m². Prices for luxury apartments in historical buildings and villas with sea views can reach 2-3 million euros.

Portofino - yachts and millionaires

A small town located in a cozy bay. The cost of living here is 50-60% higher than in other Italian cities. Portofino is a very "promoted" place: an endless stream of tourists often fills the city so that there is no free space in the cafe, and the streets are crowded. colorful houses hanging over the water, fishing boats, adjacent to modern mega-yachts - the face of modern Portofino. On the embankment, ladies in furs with small dogs make a promenade here, and celebrities who moored yachts at the pier dine in restaurants.

The southern part of the Portofino Peninsula is occupied by the National Park of the same name - a mountainous, forested land with rocky shores and rare bays. There are picturesque hiking trails from Portofino to the neighboring towns.

Real estate in Portofino is the most expensive in Liguria, its average cost is 16 thousand euros / m². Prices for villas start from 1 million euros. A house with an area of ​​400-500 m² will cost 5-6 million euros. Here you can buy three-storey villas worth up to 30-40 million euros. But at the same time, one should not be surprised if even a multimillion-dollar exclusive villa instead of a convenient car entrance has a neat path or about a hundred steps. Given the local mountainous terrain, this situation is common in Portofino.

Santa Margherita Ligure - luxury and comfort

Santa Margherita Ligure is an expensive resort with pebbly beaches and a spacious bay where expensive yachts. The cost of a sunbed on a pebbly beach here is almost equal to the cost of renting a room in an inexpensive hostel. On the waterfront are chic restaurants and branded shops. Amid lush tropical gardens, magnificent palazzos rise. Most of the residents of the resort are wealthy Italian pensioners.

In the city there is a church of the patron saint of all sailors, St. Erasmus. On the pier is a statue of St. Margarita, who blesses passing ships.

On the hill is the main architectural landmark of the city - Villa Durazzo (Villa Durazzo). This palace was built in the 16th century as summer residence for the aristocratic Durazzo family. In the palace park, you can admire exotic plants, fountains and marble statues.

Housing in Santa Margherita Ligure costs an average of 6 thousand euros / m². New three-room apartments in the center can be bought at prices ranging from 700-800 thousand to 2.5 million euros.

Rapallo - holidays and festivals

Is pretty big city. 30 thousand people live here permanently. For comparison, in the famous Portofino, located next door, there are only 500 people. In such major city well-developed infrastructure - dozens of restaurants, shops, pizzerias. The city is very well-groomed: a wide palm alley runs along the local embankment, where locals like to walk with their pets. Most of the beaches are paid and quite expensive. Houses in Rapallo are low, 4-6 floors, sunny red-yellow color. The city is located in a secluded bay surrounded by mountains, so the property cannot boast of views of the endless sea.

Many Russians live in Rapallo, in many cafes and shops they understand Russian. The locals are very friendly to visitors.

The city has a rich cultural program. In July, there is a grand celebration in honor of the Madonna Montallegro, the patroness of Rapallo. The city is decorated, fireworks are thundering everywhere for three days, people are singing and dancing. On the last day, a procession with a statue of the Madonna descends from the church, located high in the mountains. In addition, concerts are constantly held in Rapallo under open sky, regattas and music festivals.

Real estate in Rapallo costs an average of 3-3.5 thousand euros / m².

Province of La Spezia

Cinque Terre - nature trails and houses above the water

The Cinque Terre is a famous Italian national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Cinque Terre means "Five Lands". Part protected area includes five settlements - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre is one of the most popular tourist spots in Liguria. Poor fishing villages nestled on the rocks are now the main attraction of Liguria, attracting thousands of curious foreigners. The main advantage of this area is the magnificent natural landscapes. Mountain routes, laid between the settlements, is sometimes difficult to overcome for unprepared people, but the views from the tops of the hills are worth the effort. Marked trails lead along vineyards and olive groves. Along the way, you can admire panoramic views of the sea, mountains and neighboring villages. Between Riomangeore and Manarola is the "Road of Love", where, according to legend, young lovers fell off a cliff. Now couples hang locks on the railing along the side of the road as a token of their love.

Sandy beaches are only in Monterosso; in other towns, small areas between rocky bays covered with pebbles are considered beaches.

The population of most settlements ranges from 300 to 1,500 inhabitants. In Riomaggiore, the largest locality, 1 750 people live. The area of ​​the towns is extremely small, most of the houses are one-story. The most spacious village of Monteresso is located on a flat area - unlike other villages, you do not have to constantly climb uphill while walking around the city. Corniglia does not have its own beach. The village is located above all nearby - 80 m above sea level. Riomaggiore has a small port from where you can get to other cities along the coast.

The most expensive property is in Vernazza - 6 thousand euros / m². It should be taken into account that the choice of real estate for sale is very small, since there is simply nowhere to build new houses in the Cinque Terre.

Lerici - the best beaches on the east coast

Lerici is a quiet seaside town where mostly Italian families from Florence, Milan, Lucca rest. Foreign speech is rare here.

The town is famous for its excellent dishes of freshly caught octopuses, mussels and lobsters.

Lerici is suitable for families with small children - there are many sandy beaches with gentle shores. Most of them are marked with blue flags and the "Four Sails" sign from Legambiente, an environmental organization. The territory of Lerici is included in the Regional Natural Park of Montemarcello Magra.

In Castello di Lerici there is a paleontological museum, where among other things you can see fossilized dinosaur footprints.

In the XVII-XVIII centuries, noble people built palaces and villas in Lerici, which have survived to this day. Real estate in the city costs an average of 5 thousand euros / m². Spacious apartments by the sea can be bought for 600-700 thousand euros.

Julia Kuznetsova, Tranio.com

Hello friends. It is difficult to find a person who would not love the sea. Therefore, Italy is a favorite destination for many tourists. There is excellent cuisine, a lot of opportunities for entertainment and, of course, historical locations. These include the beaches of Liguria, a region in northwestern Italy. The best beaches of Liguria will give you a great opportunity to relax under the sun and enjoy the historical architectural creations. Therefore, today we will talk about them.

A little about the region

Liguria is washed by the Ligurian Sea. Its capital is a fairly large port city. It divides the entire Italian Riviera (coast) into two parts.

• The first is the Eastern Riviera, which is called the Riviera di Levante.
• The second is the Western Riviera - the Riviera di Ponente.

The east is dominated by rocks. The coast here is pebbly, and the west is famous for sandy places to relax.

There are no factories or factories on the Ligurian coast, so the water is crystal clear. There are blue flag beaches.

On the net, you can find statements that almost the entire sea coast is blocked by private traders, so you can’t sunbathe without paying. Most of the beaches are indeed owned by hotels. Virtually all popular resorts Italy's beaches are paid, but there are also public ones - free of charge. You can always find a place where you can "fry" without paying a penny.

Beaches

So let's make virtual tour on the beaches of Liguria. Let's start from the West. Let's talk about the most popular holiday destinations and where you can find free beaches.

Riviera di Ponente

The West Coast is considered more democratic. The following beaches are located here:

This town borders France and is famous for its pebbly coastline.

There is expanse for divers, as well as for those who plan not only to soak up the sun, but also to walk around local attractions.

This is private property, which means that the entrance here is paid. But if you step aside a little, you can find free places.

• From Ventimiglia, a stone's throw from Balzi Ross beach

It is located near a mountain with prehistoric caves, where ancient people lived 25 thousand years ago. Along the way, you can visit the Museum of Prehistory.

The shore itself is pebbly, the pebbles are the size of an egg. By the way, this place is very popular among divers.

Baltzi Ross beach

• Albenga

A historic town where you can have a great time on a tour. But you should not underestimate its coast either. Here it is sandy, equipped with everything you need.

Albenga

• Sanremo

This is one of the most famous resorts in the region. Here the beaches are sandy, entry into the water is smooth. Very comfortable to stay with children.

Free seats can be found on the way from to the Empire. Closer to the last one.

The beaches of San Remo

• Empire

Free pebble beach. And everything would be fine, but there is one drawback. They bathe dogs. But the entrance to the water is gentle, which means that you can also relax here with children.

Closer to Diano Marina you can find places with sand.

• Diano Marina

Right here huge selection. There are also places with pebbles, and rocks, and sand. Recreation is convenient for people with handicapped and families with children.

Diano Marina

• Allasio

Another popular place among tourists.

There are several sandy beaches. The largest of them takes as much as 4 kilometers. Free places are located at the end of the promenade.

• Bordighera has private and public spaces.

Please note that this area has been awarded the Blue Flag award, which is awarded the best beaches with clean water.

Therefore, free pebble sites in the season are often crowded.

It is better to take rubber slippers with you to enter the water.

• Absolutely unsuitable for swimming seems at first glance Savona.

Every day moored here cruise ships. However, here you can also find good places with white sand and easy access.

Look for free beaches to the west of Priamar.

• Pietra Ligure

There are quite a few places where you can sunbathe for free. The sand is mixed with pebbles, and entry into the water is convenient.

Pietra Ligure

• There are also quite a few sandy beaches in Finale Ligure.

And here along the coast there are a huge number of pizzerias, taverns, cafes.

A well-maintained free beach is located on the edge of the city. True, sun loungers and umbrellas here cost 15 euros.

• Near Finale Ligure is the town of Varigotti.

The local beach of Baia dei Saraceni, made of a mixture of sand and small pebbles, is comfortably located in a bay. He is paid. And here is the place with free entry located on the outskirts of the city.

East Coast - Riviera di Levante

So smoothly we got to east coast. This is a real favorite among the holiday destinations for the Italian elite, so prices here are significantly higher than in the West.

The towns are quite small and located so close to each other that in a day it is quite possible to have time to visit several of them and lie on several famous beaches.

Perhaps the most famous resort this part of Liguria.

But here's the paradox. There are very few beaches here, and those that exist belong to hotels.

Therefore, for a quality and non-destructive rest, it is better to go further. For example, in Camogli.

Pebbles prevail here. But it is quite possible to sit on the rocks for a "wild" holiday.

• Also for quality rest you can go to San Fruttuoso.

The beaches here are quite small, but all are sandy, and the shores are shallow.

• Santa Margherita Ligure has many public beaches.

But expect something outstanding from them is not worth it. These are usually small areas with stones or pebbles. There is no gentle slope into the water, but there are bridges.

• Another famous place here is Rapallo.

Lots of entertainment, quite noisy, but clean pebble beach.

• There are many sandy places in Lerici, in the very south of the Region.

A small drawback is the remoteness from Genoa.

Lerici Blue Venus Beach (Spiaggia Venere Azzurra)

• You will find a measured rest in Sestri Levante.

Here the gray sand is mixed with pebbles. And if you get tired of wallowing in the sun, you can visit the Bay of Silence, Riva Trigoso and Fairy Bay.

• Close to national park The Cinque Terre is the beach of Levanto.

Here are the highest waves in Italy. Therefore, the coast is chosen by surfers.

In the paid part there is Wi-Fi and the opportunity to rent beach equipment.

In general, you can swim in the territory of the park itself, but you will have to go down into the water along the rocks.

Ligurian coast on the map

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The Ligurian coast is located in northern Italy on the coast of the sea of ​​the same name. This is one of the most scenic spots in the country. The nature of Liguria, its climate and numerous beaches have contributed to the development of a large number of coastal resorts. The western part of the Ligurian coast is the Riviera di Ponente, the eastern part is the Riviera di Livante.

There are prestigious and expensive resorts here, some of the best in Italy. And there are less known, quiet, but very hospitable places, caressed by the sun and the warm sea. The resorts of Liguria have long been a popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. And the transport accessibility of most of them allows you to combine a holiday by the sea with a visit to the historical cities of Italy.

Holidays in Italy - the best beach resorts in Liguria

Santa Margherita Ligure

The prestigious resort is located in the bay of Golfo di Tigullio. It attracts tourists with its picturesque nature, true Italian flavor and magnificent mediterranean climate. From here it is convenient to go on an excursion to the Cinque Terre National Park or go to the Gulf of San Frutuoso to see with your own eyes the statue of Christ on the seabed. Santa Margherita Ligure - beautiful place for mastering water skiing and scuba diving.

Pietra Ligure

On the one hand, the resort is limited by the sea, and on the other - by a limestone rock, after which it got its name ("pietra" - "stone" in Italian). Along the city embankment is the entire tourist infrastructure: modern hotels, beaches, restaurants. If you go for a walk through the city blocks, you can see courtyards full of flowers, clothes drying on the street and neat houses connected to each other by stone arches.

Portofino

The rocky coastline, crystal waters and surprisingly calm atmosphere of Portofino attract celebrities and wealthy people to the resort. Among them are George Clooney, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, as well as many famous politicians and financiers. The city is located near Genoa in the national park. Basically Portofino consists of private villas. By the way, not everyone manages to build a house here - the authorities are very reluctant to issue permits even to influential applicants.

Varigotti

In the western part of Liguria, the small village of Varigotti lurks, known since the time of the Byzantine Empire. There is a very clean sea, well-equipped beaches and incredible beautiful architecture- colorful houses local residents fronted directly on the coast. On weekends, there are a lot of people at the resort, mostly Italian families who came for a weekend to sunbathe.

Sestri Levante

The resort is located on a peninsula surrounded on both sides by bays that have very melodic names: the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales. It is considered one of the most picturesque in this part of the coast. Sestri Levante is suitable for a relaxing holiday against the backdrop of a leisurely provincial life, which is an indisputable advantage for families with children. For entertainment and shopping, it is better to go to neighboring, larger cities.

Portovenere

Refuge of Venus - this is how you can translate the name of this small resort in the province of La Spezia. Of the attractions worth paying attention to the castle of the Genoese family of Doria, the Romanesque church of St. Lawrence and the Gothic church of St. Peter. Nearby is the Cinque Terre National Park, by sea you can reach picturesque islands Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.

Varazze

A resort in the province of Savonna, where rather long beaches alternate with rocky coastlines, forming an unusual landscape for this part of Liguria. The beauty of Varazze has always attracted artists and poets who have sought inspiration here. Today, the city boasts a comfortable tourist infrastructure and hotels that provide good service.

baudriguera

Once Claude Monet wrote that he was fascinated by Bodriguera. Today, most travelers would agree with him. The town is located near the French border in the province of Imperia. Until 1999, the International Humor Salon was held here. Historical Center Bodrigera seems to look the same as it did several centuries ago: multi-colored houses, family trattorias, slightly shabby walls.

Alassio

Located in the province of Savonna, the city of Alassio attracts tourists with long sandy beaches and a convenient location - you can get here from almost any part of Italy by train. The road won't take long. Alassio has many shops, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, sports grounds, and places where you can rent a boat for boat trips.

Rapallo

The resort has enough big sizes compared to the same Portofino or Portovenere. It is located on the shores of the bay of the same name near Genoa. Almost all the beaches of Rapallo are paid, there are only small swimming areas with free access. Rest on resort is suitable as youth companies thanks to a large number nightclubs and entertainment, as well as for couples who prefer convenient infrastructure and peace.

Monterosso al Mare

The city is located within the territory of the Cinque Terre National Park, here is the largest sand beach in the area. Monterosso al Mare is divided into ancient and modern parts, the Aurora Tower serves as the border. The most convenient way to get to the resort is by train from Genoa, the journey takes no more than 2 hours. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, tourists explore hiking trails laid among the green hills.

Bogliasco

The resort attracts tourists (mostly Italian) big amount free beaches, low prices for hotels, restaurants and, in general, a less pretentious atmosphere. Bogliasco is located in the province of Genoa and has a population of no more than 5,000 people. foreign traveler an infrequent guest in these places, so the inhabitants show special cordiality and excessive curiosity towards strangers.

Camogli

The village is located on the shores of Paradiso Bay. Despite the fact that it has long turned into a resort, it still has not lost its unique atmosphere small fishing town and retained the charm of the Italian province. There are few beaches in Camogli, but those that exist satisfy all modern needs. The main attraction of the place is the Castello della Dragonara castle built in the 10th century.

Diano Marina

Since the 13th century, the town has been famous for producing the best olive oil on the coast. Today he is better known as seaside resort with an excellent climate, clear sea and picturesque surroundings, where you can wander for hours. Some beaches are even marked blue flag, which speaks for itself. Diano Marina is only 15 km from Alassio, from here you can reach Genoa in an hour.

Arenzano

An ideal place for a relaxing holiday against the backdrop of peaceful landscapes. Diving and water activities are very popular here. You can also go kayaking or go out to sea for fishing. Active tourists can rent a bike and drive around the coniferous groves surrounding Arenzano, enjoying magnificent views along the way. Connoisseurs of architecture will find many attractions on the streets of the city.

Spotorno

Despite its modest size, Spotorno will have plenty of space for shoppers and gourmets – the number of restaurants and shops even seems redundant. The resort is located between Finale and Savona. You can come here not only to sunbathe on local beaches, walks along the ancient streets and sightseeing will bring no less pleasure to any tourist.

Cheriale

Not far from Ceriale is the only Le Caravelle water park on the Ligurian coast, where tourists come from all over. surrounding resorts. Otherwise, the town is like a dozen of its fellows, offering guests a quiet and relaxing holiday in the picturesque Italian province. Small well-groomed beaches, family hotels, dinners in trattorias and walks around the neighborhood.

Arma di Taggia

The resorts of Sanremo and Armu di Tajo are separated by only 5 km of the coast. You can easily get from one to the other on foot, provided you love long walks. The town is divided into two parts - the one closer to the sea is a full-fledged tourist area, the other is historical quarters With interesting monuments, narrow medieval streets and castle ruins.

Noli

The resort combines the authentic features of a medieval town with the characteristics of a modern tourist center. People come here to sunbathe on the beaches marked with the Blue Flag, walk along the embankment decorated with palm trees, look at the ancient towers - the remains of the city fortifications, and spend warm summer evenings on the terraces with a glass of excellent Italian wine.

Sanremo

The name of the resort is known to every tourist thanks to the legendary music festival, which takes place here every year at the end of winter. Sanremo is one of the most luxury resorts Ligurian coast. It is buried in parks and flower alleys, boutiques, restaurants and casinos hospitably open their doors to tourists. But despite all the advantages, local beaches are much inferior in quality to other resorts.