The most beautiful villages in Liguria

Imagine finding yourself in a place where time seems to have stopped, where the colors of the houses are reflected in the deep blue of the sea and the cobbled streets tell stories of past centuries. Well, this is what awaits you in the most beautiful villages of Liguria, a region that boasts not only breathtaking landscapes, but also a cultural heritage and an atmosphere that will leave you breathless. Surprisingly, Liguria is home to over 100 historic villages, many of which have been awarded the title of “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”.

In this article, we will take you to discover three aspects that make these places unique: first of all, we will explore the architectural and artistic wonders that characterize the villages, from centuries-old churches to enchanted castles. Secondly, we will reveal to you the authentic flavors of Ligurian cuisine, which reflect the tradition and passion of its inhabitants. Finally, we will focus on the experiences you can live, from walks immersed in nature to cultural events that enliven the squares.

But have you ever wondered what makes a place truly special? Is it perhaps its history, the people who live there or the emotions it manages to arouse? Get ready to discover the hidden treasures of Liguria, where each village is a page of a book to leaf through, and be inspired by a journey that goes beyond simple tourism. Let’s start this adventure!

Discover the charm of Apricale: a journey through time

An unforgettable memory

I still remember my first arrival in Apricale, with its narrow alleys that climb up the hill, as if time had stopped. The golden light of the sunset illuminated the stone facades, creating a magical atmosphere that seemed to tell stories of a bygone era. Every corner, every step, carried with it a piece of history.

Practical information

Located in the heart of Liguria, Apricale is easily reachable by car from Sanremo or Ventimiglia. Don’t miss the Local History Museum, where you can discover the life of this medieval village. Historical sources, such as the website of the Municipality of Apricale, are full of information for planning your visit.

A secret tip

An insider will tell you to look for the “Roman Bridge” just outside the town: a perfect place for a panoramic photo and to enjoy a moment of quiet away from the crowd.

Cultural heritage

Apricale is a symbol of the Ligurian resistance, with its artisan traditions and the famous “Music Festival”. This event is not just a celebration of music, but an opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultural roots.

Sustainable tourism

Taking a guided walking tour will not only allow you to explore the village, but will also help keep the community alive. Discovering the beauty of Apricale in a responsible way is a way to respect this heritage.

An unmissable experience

Don’t forget to taste the “Focaccia di Recco” in one of the small trattorias in the town, an authentic Ligurian delight.

Myths to dispel

Contrary to popular belief, Apricale is not just a place of passage: it is an opportunity to live an authentic and profound experience.

When was the last time you got lost in a village where time seems to have stopped?

The magic of Cervo: art and music in a village

Walking through the cobbled streets of Cervo, I was lucky enough to come across a small impromptu concert, with local musicians playing enchanting tunes in the shade of the olive trees. This moment captured the essence of a village that lives on art and music, where every corner tells a story.

Cervo, known for its chamber music festival, is transformed into an open-air stage every summer, attracting internationally renowned artists. For those wishing to immerse themselves in local culture, the Beech Museum offers a fascinating collection of contemporary works of art.

An insider tip? Don’t miss the small church of San Giovanni Battista, with its 17th century frescoes. Many visitors overlook it, but here there is an atmosphere of peace and contemplation, perfect for a moment of reflection.

Cervo is not just a place of artistic beauty; it is an example of how the community is committed to preserving traditions. Sustainability is at the heart of local initiatives, with events promoting art and music responsibly.

To fully experience the atmosphere, take part in a pottery workshop: a unique opportunity to create your own personalized souvenir and learn from the expert hands of local artisans.

It is often thought that Cervo is only a summer destination, but the village has its charm even in the winter months, when tranquility and silence envelop its streets. Have you ever wondered what a place can offer during the low season?

Bormida: trekking between history and nature

Walking along the paths that run along the Bormida stream, I remember the intense scent of the Mediterranean scrub and the sound of flowing water, a background that accompanies every step. This corner of Liguria is a real treasure for trekking lovers, where nature is intertwined with history.

A Unique Trek

The paths of Val Bormida offer routes of varying difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experts. According to the local tourism office, the most evocative routes are found between the hamlets of Millesimo and Carcare, where it is possible to admire ancient villages and the remains of medieval fortifications. A little-known tip is to visit the Sentiero dei Guerrieri, a path that winds through centuries-old woods and offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Culture and History

This area has a rich history linked to the medieval era, evidenced by its castles and the remains of ancient fortifications. Many of these places have been restored and offer cultural events that celebrate local traditions, such as reenactments of medieval battles.

Sustainability and Respect

In an era where responsible tourism is fundamental, Bormida promotes initiatives to preserve the environment, encouraging visitors to respect nature and use sustainable means of transport.

From trekking through history and nature to a break in one of the local trattorias, where you can taste typical dishes, every experience in this village is an invitation to reflect on how important it is to connect with our past. What stories will you take home after your trip?

The Dolceacqua culinary experience: authentic flavours

Arriving in Dolceacqua, I immediately noticed the aroma of freshly baked focaccini and the scent of extra virgin olive oil wafting in the air. This small village, nestled among the Ligurian hills, is a true paradise for gourmets. Here, cooking is an art that is handed down from generation to generation, and each dish tells a story of tradition and passion.

Flavors to discover

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the Rossese di Dolceacqua, a DOC red wine that goes perfectly with typical dishes, such as pansoti with walnut sauce. Visit the weekly market on Fridays, where local producers display their fresh and genuine products. According to the Dolceacqua Producers Association, the quality of the products is guaranteed by sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation methods.

An insider tip

For a unique culinary experience, try booking a local cooking class in one of the village’s historic houses. Learning how to make fresh pasta with a local old woman is an opportunity not to be missed!

History and culture

Dolceacqua is not just food; its medieval bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, bears witness to centuries of history and offers an enchanting backdrop for a contemplative walk. The fusion between gastronomy and culture makes this village a place where every bite is a journey into the past.

Are you ready to discover the true flavor of Liguria? 🍷

The art of hospitality in Manarola: Ligurian hospitality

Imagine arriving in Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre, and being greeted by the scent of fresh basil and lemons. The first time I visited this village, I had the privilege of being the guest of a local family, who made me feel at home from the first moment. Their willingness to share stories and typical dishes transformed a simple stay into an unforgettable experience.

A warm welcome

Manarola is famous not only for its breathtaking beauty, but also for the hospitality of its inhabitants. Here, the accommodation facilities, mainly family-run, offer a personalized service that makes the difference. According to the official Ligurian tourism website, many of these families adopt sustainable tourism practices, such as using local products and promoting eco-friendly excursions.

An insider tip

A well-kept secret is the Sentiero dell’Amore, a panoramic route that connects Manarola to Riomaggiore. This is not just a trail, but an opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the region and exchange smiles with the residents who walk alongside.

The cultural impact

Ligurian hospitality is rooted in local culture, influenced by centuries of maritime and peasant traditions, making each visit an immersion in the history and customs of this land.

Visit Manarola and let yourself be involved in its warm welcome. What story will you take home?

A dive into history: the castle of Lerici

I remember the first time I crossed the threshold of the castle of Lerici, an imposing fortress that seems to emerge from the rock like a silent guardian of the Gulf of Poets. As I climbed the stone steps, the scent of the sea mingled with the smell of history, and each stone told a tale of battles and legends.

The castle, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the main attractions of Lerici and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Ligurian coast. Recently restored, the site is open to the public, and the entrance fee is affordable, with discounts for students and families. Updated information can be found on the official website of the Municipality of Lerici.

A little-known tip: visit the castle at sunset! Not only will you have the opportunity to take spectacular photographs, but you will also be able to enjoy a magical atmosphere, with the sun turning the waters below gold.

The castle played a crucial role in the defense of the Ligurian coast against enemy incursions, but today it is a symbol of peace and beauty. For those looking for responsible tourism, it is possible to participate in guided tours that promote local history and heritage conservation.

During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the picturesque center of Lerici, where restaurants and cafes offer typical dishes based on fresh fish. Have you ever wondered how a simple visit to a castle can turn into a journey through time?

Responsible tourism: living the villages in a sustainable way

One Saturday afternoon, walking through the cobbled streets of Dolcedo, a village not far from the sea, I met a group of local artisans working on a community project to redevelop abandoned spaces. This unexpected and authentic meeting sparked in me a profound awareness of the importance of responsible tourism in Liguria.

In this region, where the beauty of the landscapes is shocking, practicing sustainable tourism means choosing to support local economies. Opting for eco-friendly accommodation facilities, such as Agriturismo I Piastroni in Dolceacqua, is a way to live an authentic experience and contribute to the preservation of traditions.

A little-known tip: take part in a ceramic workshop in Albisola Superiore, where you can not only learn from master craftsmen, but also take home a unique piece of Ligurian culture. The history of these villages is intrinsically linked to their community; every article, every recipe is a piece of a cultural puzzle that has formed over time.

Having a responsible approach to tourism also means respecting the environment: walk, use the bike or public transport to move between one village and another. The voices that tell stories of passion and resilience are the same ones that remind us how important it is to preserve our heritage.

Have you ever thought about how the way you travel can affect the communities you visit?

The celebration of traditions in Valloria: a unique experience

Walking through the cobbled streets of Valloria, a small village immersed in the greenery of Liguria, I had the opportunity to participate in the Festa delle Tradizioni, an event that conveys the authenticity of this community. I still remember the smell of the typical dishes prepared by local families, which mixed with the notes of folk music, creating a magical atmosphere that seemed to pass through time.

A dive into local traditions

Every year, in the month of September, Valloria comes alive with dances, markets and artisan workshops that celebrate the cultural heritage of this village. Local sources, such as the Valloria tourist office, suggest arriving early to fully immerse yourself in this festival. Don’t forget to taste the famous hazelnut cake, a delicacy that you won’t find elsewhere.

An insider tip

A secret that only residents know is the possibility of visiting the “Herb Garden”, a hidden corner where you can discover local aromatic plants and learn their uses in traditional cuisine.

The cultural impact

The festival is not only a moment of celebration, but also a way to preserve Ligurian culture, transmitting knowledge and traditions to the new generations. This sustainable approach to tourism allows visitors to live an authentic experience, without altering the balance of the village.

An activity worth trying

During the festival, I recommend you take part in a ceramic workshop where you can create your own personalized souvenir, taking home a piece of Valloria.

In a world where traditions are lost, what better way to connect with local culture than through celebration and community?

The mystery of Varazze’s murals: art and community

Walking through the charming streets of Varazze, I came across an imposing mural depicting a scene of maritime life. The atmosphere of the village, where the scent of the sea mixes with the notes of a guitar played in the distance, transforms into a real open-air museum. These murals, created by local and international artists, tell stories of a community that has been able to express its spirit through art.

Varazze is renowned for the Mural Festival, an annual event that attracts artists and visitors from all over, creating a deep bond between art and the community. For those who wish to explore these masterpieces, the advice is to get lost in the less traveled streets, where you can discover lesser-known and equally fascinating works.

Although the murals are a symbol of rebirth and creativity, there is no shortage of doubts: some argue that urban art can ruin the historic charm of the village. However, the murals help tell the local story, uniting tradition and modernity in a vibrant embrace.

For a unique experience, book a guided tour with a local artist who will take you through the works, revealing their secrets and techniques used. Exploring Varazze is an opportunity to discover how art can transform a place, enriching the daily life of the community. And you, what story will you take home after admiring these murals?

A weekend in Seborga: the kingdom that doesn’t exist

I still remember my first meeting with Seborga, a small village perched on the Ligurian hills. While walking through its cobbled streets, I came across a charming local market. The sellers, with a warm smile, told me that Seborga considers itself an independent principality, an authenticity that is reflected in its inhabitants, proud of their history.

A dive into history

Located a few kilometers from Bordighera, Seborga offers a unique mix of history and legend. Its proclamation as a principality dates back to 1963, when a group of residents decided to reaffirm their cultural identity. Today, the village is famous for its principality, but it is also a place where life flows slowly, far from the chaos of the more crowded places.

An insider tip

For an authentic experience, don’t miss the opportunity to try the “Torta Pasqualina”, a typical dish prepared with fresh local ingredients. Many restaurants serve this specialty, but the secret is to ask in the small family-run places, where the recipe is jealously guarded.

Responsible tourism

Seborga is an example of sustainable tourism: its residents are committed to protecting the historical and environmental heritage. Visitors can contribute to this mission by choosing not to leave waste and respecting local traditions.

In this corner of Liguria, where time seems to have stopped, it is easy to get carried away by the magic of the place. Have you ever wondered how many stories are hidden behind the walls of a village like Seborga?