Liguria in Pictures

Ingrid is one of our greatest Facebook fans. Every year she visits Italy at least once, and she is always kind enough to share her beautiful photos with us on our ItalyMammaMia group.

From Liguria (click for our guide) to Tuscany and lots of other places in between, Ingrid really has explored a great deal of Italy.

Enjoy this visual journey through one of Ingrid's favorite corners of Italy—the coast of Liguria.

There is a place on the Ligurian coast that has always held a special place in my and Maria's hearts. Ingrid, too, loves this part of the coast, and the photo above was taken there. To find out more on where this secret corner of the Ligurian coast is, click here.

Varigotti

About midway along the Italian Riviera, a little past Savona (view map), you'll find Varigotti, a unique little village that exudes an authentic Italian charm—it is sure to capture your heart.

What really sets Varigotti apart for me is that unforgettable beach—one of those places that creates priceless memories you'll forever treasure. Golden cottages sit right on the sand, and the water is so clear it feels like it belongs in a dream. The beach isn’t flashy or overrun. It’s just... beautiful, peaceful, and perfectly Ligurian.

The approach is part of the experience. You wander down these lovely little lanes—caruggi as they’re called locally—flanked by pastel-colored walls, creeping jasmine, and bright splashes of bougainvillea. There’s always a scent in the air—rosemary from the hills, or the sea carried in on the breeze.

Every turn gives you something: a peek at the sea, a family-run shop with handmade ceramics, or the aroma of something incredible being cooked—focaccia just out the oven, or fresh pesto calling your name. And when you finally step onto the beach, with cliffs rising behind you and the open Ligurian Sea ahead... it’s magic.

In Varigotti, the journey to the beach is as enchanting as the destination itself.

Exploring the village, you'll discover the remnants of a medieval past, from the ancient Saracen tower overlooking the sea to the charming church of San Lorenzo. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, soaking in the idyllic coastal views.

There’s a lot more to Varigotti than just a great beach and medieval town (though the beach really is something special). I love heading up the hills behind the village—there are some beautiful walking trails with views that stop you in your tracks. You’ll spot olive groves, turquoise sea, and those soft Ligurian colors everywhere you look. Back in the village, it’s all old-world charm and history, with a laid-back feel that’s hard to leave behind. This little corner of Liguria really stays with you.

Varigotti and the Baia dei Saraceni are on my list of the top four beaches in Liguria (view the complete list here). The walk down to the beach takes you through these meandering lanes I mentioned earlier. I love it!

Varigotti Beach

Once through the narrow lanes, this is the beach you end up on. A lovely place to spend a summer's day.

Ingrid's Liguria in Pictures really is a window on this lovely part of Italy. And the flower boxes and shutters are just so Italian. For a list of the fourteen most typical Italian reminders, visit Reminders of Italy.

Palm trees and tranquil blue seas—photos taken on the western part of the Ligurian coast near San Remo.

San Remo is one of those places that just feels right. They call it the "City of Flowers" for good reason—the weather’s mild pretty much all year, so the flowers are always out in force. I love wandering through the flower market; it’s like a splash of color and smell all at once, proper Italian charm. Then there are the palm-lined streets where you can just soak up the sea air and admire the old Belle Époque buildings that give the town its character.

And if you’re into music, San Remo’s got you covered. It’s famous for its music festival every year—a huge deal in Italy—and it’s launched some of the country’s biggest stars and some of the most famous of all Italian songs (here's the list) began life here. But it’s not just about the festival; there’s a great arts vibe here, with galleries and theaters scattered around, perfect for anyone wanting to dig into the culture a bit.

Of course, the sea is a big part of the appeal. The beaches are lovely—great for a bit of sun or a quick swim when the weather’s right. I’m a big fan of the coastal promenade too, especially at sunset when everything just clicks into place. San Remo’s one of those spots that’s easy to fall for.

There is a superb way to explore this coast, which we shared here.

Need a map of Liguria showing where the beaches and towns photographed above are? Click here.