West Ligurian spots by a local: a real Italian Summer (with a bit of adrenaline).

Let's explore the western part of Liguria, my area of birth, a not well-known region, less touristic, with several hidden gems that i'll share with you. In this little guide we will focus on the area of the province of Savona. Forget about all that stereotypical videos on Istagram about Italian summer: i'll show you the real one, lived by a local who likes a bit of adventure in his experiences. Did you know, by the way, that this is the zone with the highest number of "Bandiera Blu" in all Italy? It's a certification given only to beaches that meet certain standards in terms of water and infrastructures quality. How to reach: You can reach all the places in the list by: - motorbike: it's surely the best option to avoid traffic and to save some time for the parking, just rent that Vespa, slip between the cars, admire the landspace and live the Italian dream ! - bus: line 40-40/ these buses travel from Savona to Finale Ligure and viceversa along the coast. - car: Ligurian riviera has strict streets, there are often renovations and there aren't many places where to park your car, keep it in mind! - bike: a valid option for sporty people but be careful, people in this area drive a little sporty! Keep in mind that the nearest train stations in this area are: - Savona - Spotorno-Noli (Located in Spotorno) - Finale Ligure

Read less

Updated ago

Bergeggi

Bergeggi is a stunning small town located right near Savona, it's literally a paradise! In front of Bergeggi, there is a large Marine Protected area with incredible biodiversity, so remember to bring a snorkeling mask with you!

Maresport

@Davidedalmazzo

This is the only time you will take out your wallet during your day in Bergeggi. Buy yourself some cold drinks; it's the cheapest bar in the zone. This place is one of the few in the area that allows you to rent a canoe, a pedal boat, or a sup (it's a must-do in my opinion). I strongly recommend you try the sup; if you've never tried it, you'll surely fall down a lot, but just give it a few minutes and you'll be able to drive it like a pro. Renting a 'water vehicle' without an engine allows you to have a lot of freedom of movement, to explore the marine protected area, and to get close to the island.

Add to

Details

Grotta di Bergeggi

@Davidedalmazzo

It’s not a beach but it surely needs a visit if you pass by with your sup. The cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites and it’s a sight for sore eyes. It is said that during ancient times a dragon used to live here.

Add to

Details

Spiaggia Punta Pròdani

@Davidedalmazzo

This is an incredible beach in the area of Bergeggi. There are always quite a few people here but it is definetly worth a visit. You can reach the beach by searching on google maps "Croce del Transylvania", there is a green area with a metal fence, here starts the brief trekking (5 minutes more or less) that leads you to the beach. You can also reach the beach from the cave by sea

Add to

Details

Croce del Transylvania

@Davidedalmazzo

I want to show you this place not only because it is a characteristic point that indicates the path for "Spiaggia di Punta Pròdani", but also because to the right of this cross (looking at the sea), you'll see some spots for diving! It's much easier to reach those spots by sea, starting from "Spiaggia di Punta Pròdani"; try to follow some local guys and you won't be wrong. Have fun but keep safe!

Add to

Details

Baia delle sirene

@Davidedalmazzo

This magnificent beach definitely closed a few years ago and never reopened. There’s a metal fence in front of the street with lots of warnings and prohibitions: it’s strictly forbidden to go over the fence. You can reach the beach by renting a canoe, a pedal boat, or a sup, or you can swim to the beach departing from “Spiaggia di Punta Pròdani” (this is going to be your workout of the day, trust me).

Add to

Details

Antico Monastero di Sant'Eugenio

@Davidedalmazzo

Last spot to visit here in Bergeggi. It's a private island, so it's strictly forbidden to visit the island itself, but you can easily circumnavigate the island to see all its beautiful spots. The trip is about 10 minutes by canoe from "Lido delle sirene", so it's not a big effort. Heading towards the island, you'll enter the marine protected area: it's a chance to admire all the pristine wildlife of the zone, so keep your head down while rowing, but remember not to hit those swimmers!

Add to

Details

Noli

Noli is one of the old 8 "Repubbliche marinare" (Maritime Republics), a unique place that has been able to maintain its authenticity during centuries. It's a constant presence in "Borghi più belli d'Italia," a list drawn up every year containing the most beautiful old villages ("Borgo") across all of Italy.

Fisherman's Beach

@Davidedalmazzo

The main Noli’s free beach. At the first light of dawn, fishermen sail with their little boats from this beach, trying to catch fish to sell right in front of the beach. They then leave their boats on this beach, giving a particular atmosphere that smells of an old era.

Add to

Details

Capo Noli beach

@Davidedalmazzo

Another stunning beach is located in "Capo Noli," a fraction of Noli: "Capo" in Italian means something like "tip." Hence, in order to reach this beach, you'll need to start from the location pinned and then head towards the south, trying to reach the promontory between Noli and Varigotti; you'll find a few little beaches, one more beautiful than the other. Beaches are not so sandy in this area, but in my opinion, this is a plus because you'll clean yourself better before going home! Pay attention while entering the water because there are a few sea urchins.

Add to

Details

Noli isn't only beaches; you must visit the little center of this town and get lost through its narrow alleys. Here are some spots you just can't miss.

Pappus Gelateria Artigianale

@Davidedalmazzo

Regional products, real flavors, artisanal ways... it's one of the best gelatos I've ever had in my life. It's worth queuing, trust me!

Add to

Details

Nostra Signora delle Grazie

@Davidedalmazzo

A super spot in Noli to see the sunset, just a few steps from the centre. Ideal place to take some photos of this beautiful little town

Add to

Details

Varigotti

An old Saracen village, full of history, plenty of colors, and stunning water.

Saracens were people from the Arabian Peninsula who settled in this area for a period during the Middle Ages. This mix of totally different cultures created the unique architecture of this place. You'll never see anything like it anywhere else.

Varigotti centre

@Davidedalmazzo

Like Noli, this old fisherman village has a charming little center. It's vibrant, full of colors and life. Please don't use your GPS while here; if you get lost, it's part of the experience. Just enjoy those orange alleys that open up to the sea.

Add to

Details

Saraceni Bay

@Davidedalmazzo

According to several sites (and according to me), it's one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy. "Baia dei Saraceni" is the small free beach located near the gallery, next to which there's "Spiaggia del Malpasso," another stunning beach but this one is not free. This green water will remain etched in your memory.

Add to

Details

Spiaggia libera di Varigotti

@Davidedalmazzo

The free beach near the little port is, in my opinion, the best in Varigotti center. The presence of the rocks makes the water remarkably calm and clear. You make it 10 meters into the water and you'll be surrounded by different fishes.

Add to

Details

And here's, in my opinion, the highlight of this list: "Punta Crena," the promontory of Varigotti. There are two short treks to get to this promontory (about 5 minutes each):

One starts in Varigotti's center; there are those red stairs on the eastern village street, the one closest to the promontory. The other begins near the entrance to "Baia dei Saraceni," right next to the gallery.

You'll want to take one of these two paths until you reach a crossroads. Here you can choose: follow the trail marked with a light blue marker to reach the beach, or continue uphill using the stairs to reach the "Torre Saracena."

beach Punta Crena

@Davidedalmazzo

One of those secret beaches you thought you could only see in movies. There are two ways to reach this beach: -By sea from the Varigotti port, in about a 10-minute swim (boring) -By a short trek, abseiling down a cliff with ropes (HIGHLY recommended if you feel up to it) If you follow the light blue path mentioned before, you'll find two points at the end of the trail where you have to use ropes to continue the trek. It's a little scary, so think carefully about it and inform yourself through videos and blogs. Remember not to bring anything more than a backpack because you'll want your hands free. This beach is famous for being a spot for nudism, so keep that in mind!

Add to

Details

Torre Saracena

@Davidedalmazzo

A recently renovated area, a small archaeological and natural park; at the top of the promontory, you'll find a big terrace overlooking the sea with a spectacular view. Listen to me: grab a cold beer, take that short trek, and reach this spot at sunset.

Add to

Details

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Davide Dalmazzo

Hello! I'm a 21 year old guy from Liguria, Italy. I just graduated from "Politecnico di Milano” with a degree in Aerospace engineering, and in the last 3 years I've had the pleasure of traveling extensively throughout Europe. Every time I have the possibility i plan a new trip with meticulousness and a lot of passion, in order to escape from the stressful university life. I love the act of researching information, learning about the cultural and historical differences between different European countries, dreaming about the wonderful people I will meet, and planning the trip itself is a wonderful experience, and I would love to do it for other people. Of course, as a student, I'm always looking for ways to travel on a budget, and I've become quite skilled at finding the best deals: night buses, old trains, long distances, sleepless nights, no matter what you need to do, you're young, you can do it to save some money!! And traveling these ways allows you also to experience unforgettable memories, meet incredible people, try real local food. I’m surely not a travel creator, I barely use social networks, but I have a deep passion and some sort of experience even if I am so young; I would be pleasured to let someone experience the feelings that I felt during my trips. I've lived in Milan for 3 years, and i consider myself an expert on travelling in Italy, especially the north. I can speak English and a bit of Spanish.

Read less

Send A Tip

Support Davide Dalmazzo’s work.

Select your tip amount

$10

$20

$50

Or type in other amount