RIVERA DI PONENTE
The Riviera di Ponente, or Coast of the Setting Sun, stretches from Genoa to the French border. It is a stunning blend of elegant resort towns and rugged, colorful fishing villages.
Known as the Riviera of Palms and Flowers, this coast offers long sandy beaches, unique medieval villages, and a sophisticated, yet quieter, Italian charm.
Most Popular Attractions
Elegant Resort Towns & City Core:
Sanremo Casino: A grand Art Nouveau landmark and the famous host venue for the annual Italian Song Festival.
La Pigna (Sanremo Old Town): The historic “pinecone” district, a charming, medieval labyrinth of steep, narrow streets and archways.
Corso dell’Impero (Imperia): The heart of the city, connecting the two formerly separate towns of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio.
Alassio: Famous for its long, sandy beach and the Muretto di Alassio, a wall signed by hundreds of celebrities.
Savona Harbor & Priamar Fortress: Explore the bustling port area and visit the impressive 16th-century fortress dominating the seafront.
Bordighera: A refined seaside town known for its lush palms and the charming historic district, Bordighera Alta.
Ventimiglia Market: A popular border town, famed for its bustling weekly market and the historic center set on a hilltop.
Medieval Seaside Villages & Coastline:
Noli: One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, featuring a well-preserved medieval core, a castle ruin, and a lovely pebble beach.
Varigotti: The “Pearl of Western Liguria,” characterized by its distinctive, colorful Saracen houses built right on the water’s edge.
Baia dei Saraceni: Recognized as one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the region, located between Noli and Varigotti.
Finale Ligure: A major resort area; the medieval walled hamlet of Finalborgo (slightly inland) is recognized for its historical beauty.
Albenga’s Medieval Towers: Unique for its walled historic core featuring ten slender red family towers, located a short walk from the sea.
Celle Ligure: A picturesque village known for its brightly painted houses, small harbor, and family-friendly sandy beaches.
Pista Ciclabile (Coastal Cycle Path): An impressive 24km scenic path built on a former railway line, running along the sea from Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare.
Inland Gems & Natural Sites:
Dolceacqua: A stunning medieval village famed for the ruins of Doria Castle and the elegant humpback bridge painted by Monet.
Grotte di Toirano (Toirano Caves): A complex system of spectacular karst caves featuring prehistoric traces and an underground lake.
Hanbury Botanical Gardens: Located near Ventimiglia, these extensive gardens showcase exotic flora on a steep peninsula overlooking the sea.
Triora, the Witch Town: A high mountain village known for its dark history, the site of Italy’s last witch trials in the 16th century.
Apricale: A captivating, ancient hilltop village with houses clustered dramatically around the base of its 10th-century castle.
Museo dell’Olivo (Olive Museum): Located in Imperia, dedicated to the history and production of the high-quality Ligurian olive oil.
Rossese di Dolceacqua Wine Route: Explore the Nervia Valley vineyards that produce the region’s iconic dry red DOC wine.
Gallinara Island: A small, distinctive island visible from Albenga, now a Regional Natural Reserve, famed for its protected marine life.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Sentiero del Pellegrino (Pilgrim’s Path): This scenic trail connects Noli and Varigotti, offering stunning views of the coast, Saracen towers, and the historic cave church of Santa Margherita.
Explore the Caves of Toirano: Go on a guided tour through these incredible underground complexes, which feature spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and archaeological remains.
Take a Pesto Making Class: Liguria is the birthplace of pesto. Join a workshop in Genoa or a smaller town to learn how to prepare the authentic sauce using a mortar and pestle.
Go Whale and Dolphin Watching: Book a boat tour from Imperia, Savona, or Sanremo into the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area renowned for its concentration of cetaceans.
Cycle the Pista Ciclabile Area 24: Rent a bike and ride along this spectacular coastal bike path built on an old railway line, stretching for over 24 km from San Lorenzo al Mare to Ospedaletti.
Wander through the “Carruggi” of Genoa: Get lost in the narrow, medieval alleyways of Genoa’s historic center, a labyrinth of hidden squares, churches, and traditional shops.
Discover the Hanbury Botanical Gardens: Explore this magnificent, internationally acclaimed garden near Ventimiglia, home to thousands of species of exotic and Mediterranean flora set against dramatic sea cliffs.
Relax on the Beaches of Finale Ligure: This area is famous for its large, sandy, and well-equipped beaches, perfect for sunbathing or family activities.
Take a Sailing or Kayaking Trip: Rent a kayak or join a sailing excursion to explore the hidden coves and crystalline waters between Alassio and Laigueglia.
Explore the Medieval Village of Cervo: Visit this charming, perfectly preserved hilltop village, famous for its Baroque church and breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.
Climb or Hike in Finale Ligure: The inland area of Finale Ligure, known as the “Finalese,” is a European mecca for rock climbing and offers hundreds of trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential for Flexibility: To fully explore the diverse coastline, from the seaside resorts to the medieval hilltop villages (borghi), a rental car is highly recommended. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and limited parking in the older towns.
Efficient Coastal Trains: The Trenitalia regional train service is an excellent, stress-free way to travel between the major coastal cities (Genoa, Savona, Imperia, Sanremo, Ventimiglia). They are reliable and offer scenic views of the sea.
Public Buses for Local Access: The local bus network connects the coastal towns with the more remote inland villages. While sometimes slow, they are affordable and a good option if you choose not to drive.
Genoa’s Unique Transport: Genoa, the regional capital, has a comprehensive public transport system including buses, a short metro line, and several funiculars and public elevators that connect the lower city with the steep hillsides—a fun and practical experience.
The Ligurian Diet: Focus on Pesto, Focaccia, and Seafood: Ligurian cuisine is distinctive, relying heavily on basil, olive oil, walnuts, pine nuts, and the freshest seafood.
Pesto: Don’t leave without trying authentic pesto, often served with trofie or testaroli pasta.
Focaccia: A regional staple, eat it for breakfast, as a snack, or with your lunch. The Focaccia di Recco (cheesy focaccia) is a must-try.
Farina: A savory pancake/flatbread made from chickpea flour, best eaten hot from a street vendor.
Embrace the “Carruggi”: The historic centers of towns like Genoa, Albenga, and Ventimiglia are mazes of carruggi (narrow alleyways). They can look intimidating but are safe to explore during the day and are where you’ll find the most authentic local life, traditional shops, and hidden restaurants.
A Different Kind of Beach Culture: While the beaches are beautiful, be aware that many of the best stretches are privately owned (stabilimenti balneari). You pay a fee for entry, a sun lounger, and an umbrella. Look for Spiaggia Libera signs for free, public access areas, though they will have fewer amenities.
Hidden Gems
Bussana Vecchia: A ghost town near Sanremo, partially abandoned after an earthquake and now a unique, self-governed community of international artists and artisans. It has a bohemian, slightly surreal atmosphere.
Albenga’s Historic Center: Often overlooked for its coastal neighbors, Albenga has one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Liguria, featuring striking towers and a Roman baptistery.
Dolceacqua: Monet painted this stunning medieval village and its ancient bridge, calling the sight “a wonder of lightness.” It’s an essential inland excursion.
Laigueglia’s Promenade: This charming town has a beautiful, wide sandy beach and a seafront promenade that retains an old-world, fishermen’s village feel, making it less crowded than places like Alassio.
Language: While Italian is the official language, the local Ligurian dialect (Zeneise) is still widely spoken among older residents. English is common in tourist centers, but knowing basic Italian phrases will greatly enhance your interactions, especially in smaller towns.
Top Restaurants
Osteria Didù [$15-$25] – A popular, unpretentious seafood osteria in Imperia, often cited by locals for excellent, fresh fish dishes at very reasonable prices.
Trattoria La Vecchia Marina [$20-$30] – Located near the port of Savona, this is a classic spot known for its fresh fish, simple, traditional preparations, and warm, local atmosphere.
Da ‘U Titti [$20-$30] – A beloved trattoria in the tiny hamlet of Lingueglietta, inland from Imperia, offering traditional Ligurian dishes with a focus on local produce and a cozy setting.
A Ciassa [$20-$30] – A simple, authentic trattoria in Albenga known for solid, traditional Ligurian cuisine, including excellent vegetable pies and savory tarts.
Osteria della Corte [$20-$30] – Located in Albenga, this osteria is known for its classic Ligurian and Mediterranean flavors, using fresh, local ingredients in a welcoming environment.
U Giancu [$25-$40] – Situated in the hills above Rapallo (near the Ponente/Levante border), this historic spot is famous for its simple, traditional cuisine, especially their legendary pesto, and an eccentric, art-filled setting.
Antica Osteria del Vascello [$25-$40] – A traditional stop in the San Lorenzo al Mare area, offering classic Ligurian dishes with an emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients, often frequented by locals.
Trattoria L’Ostaia [$25-$40] – Tucked away in the historic center of Ventimiglia, this trattoria is praised for its authentic home-style Ligurian cooking, including rich stuffed vegetables and simple pasta dishes.
Trattoria La Ruota [$25-$40] – Located in the inland area of Imperia, this spot is known for its focus on cucina bianca (white cuisine) and the more rustic, mountain flavors of the Ligurian interior.
Ai Torchi [$30-$50] – A highly-regarded restaurant in Finalborgo, near Finale Ligure, which offers a contemporary take on traditional Ligurian cuisine, with a focus on fresh fish.
Bagatto [$30-$50] – Situated in Loano, this restaurant is known for its refined interpretation of regional classics, particularly seafood, in an elegant setting.
Quintilio [$30-$50] – Located in Altare, inland from Savona, this restaurant focuses on hearty, traditional cuisine from the Ligurian interior and is popular with locals.
Rosita [$25-$40] – A simple yet popular restaurant in Finale Ligure known for its traditional Ligurian dishes, particularly its fresh pasta and local seafood preparations.
Machettö [$30-$50] – A contemporary spot in Pietra Ligure offering creative dishes with a modern flair, using Ligurian ingredients in new and inventive ways.
Quintogusto [$35-$55] – Located in Savona, this restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine, often featuring creative twists on local seafood and produce.
CASAeBOTTEGA [$35-$55] – Situated in the beautiful medieval village of Dolceacqua, this place offers modern regional cuisine with a focus on high-quality, local, and sometimes unexpected ingredients.
Il Giardino del Gusto [$40-$60] – A highly-rated restaurant in Ventimiglia, known for its creative and refined take on Mediterranean and Ligurian flavors, often in a beautiful setting.
Sarri [$50-$80] – Located in Imperia, Chef Andrea Sarri’s restaurant is renowned for its inventive and high-level take on Ligurian seafood, earning it a Michelin mention for its modern cuisine.
La Pignese [$40-$70] – A historic name in Sanremo, this restaurant offers a balance between traditional Ligurian seafood and more contemporary, refined preparations.
Glamour Ristorante [$40-$70] – Located in Bordighera, this restaurant offers a creative and modern menu that elevates Ligurian ingredients with an eye for presentation and inventive flavor combinations.
Ristorante L’Incanto [$40-$70] – Situated in the picturesque village of Noli, this restaurant provides a creative Mediterranean menu with stunning sea views.
Il Vascello Fantasma [$40-$70] – Located in Alassio, this restaurant is known for its inventive seafood dishes and a focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients in a sophisticated setting.
Agape [$40-$70] – A modern and elegant restaurant in Sanremo that features creative Mediterranean and Ligurian cuisine, often with artistic presentations.
Moi Ristorante [$45-$75] – Located in the port area of Savona, this spot is known for its contemporary cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques and an excellent wine list.
Da u’ Zena [$50-$80] – A sophisticated spot in Verezzi (near Finale Ligure) that offers refined Ligurian cuisine with a creative touch and is located in a beautiful medieval village setting.
Balzi Rossi [$80-$120] – Located in Ventimiglia, right near the French border, this is a historic and highly regarded restaurant known for its exquisite seafood and refined French and Ligurian influences.
Nove [$80-$120] – Located in Alassio, this restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its highly refined and innovative cuisine, which draws deeply from Ligurian tradition and ingredients.
Salvo Cacciatori [$70-$100] – A historical restaurant in Imperia, known for its high-level, traditional Ligurian cuisine and a focus on quality local products, particularly meat and inland dishes, in an elegant atmosphere.
Paolo e Barbara [$70-$110] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Sanremo, offering a classic fine dining experience with a focus on high-quality, seasonal, and impeccably prepared Ligurian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Il Ristorante di Casa Vaudagna [$60-$90] – Located in the inland town of Triora (Imperia province), this restaurant offers a high-end experience with an emphasis on rustic yet refined Ligurian and Piedmontese influences, a beautiful deviation from the coast.
Claudio [$60-$90] – Located in Bergeggi, this high-end restaurant is known for its elegant seafood dishes and panoramic views, providing a sophisticated Ligurian dining experience.
A Spurcacciun-a [$70-$110] – Part of the Yacht Club in Savona, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience focused on top-quality seafood, with an elegant take on Ligurian flavors.
Locanda dell’Angelo [$70-$110] – Located inland in Millesimo (Savona province), this is a well-established fine dining spot known for its refined Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful country setting.
Marco Valla Ristorante [$60-$90] – Located in Sanremo, this refined restaurant is known for its attention to detail and creative, high-quality seafood dishes.
Pasticceria Bar Roma [$10-$20] – A local institution in Diano Marina, perfect for a casual start to the day with Ligurian pastries, focaccia, and coffee, capturing a true local feel.
Il Timone [$15-$25] – A casual, portside spot in Portovenere (near the Riviera di Ponente’s edge, but still a local gem) that offers excellent, affordable Ligurian food, including fried specialties and fresh pasta.
Mille e Una Pizza [$15-$25] – Though focused on pizza, this popular spot in Sanremo is a local favorite for its innovative gourmet pizzas and relaxed, non-touristy atmosphere.
Osteria Voltalacarta [$20-$35] – While technically in Genoa, its high praise for fresh, simple, local seafood makes it a necessary inclusion for the entire region’s guide, renowned for its honest, quality cuisine.
Ristorante Nove di Taggia [$25-$40] – Located in Taggia (Imperia province), this restaurant is well-regarded by locals for its fresh seafood and traditional Ligurian dishes in a casual setting.
Cantina Mancianu [$25-$40] – Located in Dolceacqua, this spot is known for its excellent local wines, which perfectly pair with their traditional charcuterie, cheeses, and simple Ligurian dishes.
Trattoria del Mare 113 [$30-$50] – A highly-rated seafood trattoria in Sanremo, praised by locals for its very fresh fish and unpretentious, high-quality cooking.
Ristorante Pizzeria L’Oasi [$25-$40] – Located in the inland area of Cairo Montenotte (Savona province), this spot is a local favorite for a mix of good pizza and hearty traditional inland Ligurian dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Mille806 (Sanremo): Found in the heart of Sanremo’s historic center, near La Pigna, this cocktail and wine bar has a convivial atmosphere, extending to an outdoor area in a small square. The barlady creates cocktails using local spirits like Amaro Camatti or Gin Taggiasco.
Pinha Social Club (Sanremo): A delightful haven for gin enthusiasts, this elegant and refined venue is located in Piazza Bresca, the beating heart of Sanremo’s nightlife, offering a selection of over 100 gins and seasonal signature cocktails.
Sunset Lounge Bar (Sanremo): Situated on a magical terrace at the Miramare The Palace Hotel, this elegant lounge bar offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Their mixologists craft unique, sensory creations using good, fresh, and seasonal ingredients.
Delirium – Cocktail Bar (Sanremo): Open until late, sometimes as late as 6 am, this cannot-miss bar in Sanremo is known for its lively atmosphere.
Twenties Cocktail Club (Albenga): This bar, located in the historic center of Albenga, focuses on high-quality mixology with a drink menu featuring signature cocktails and international classics, often highlighting a seasonal, local ingredient like the Albenga artichoke.
The Balance (Savona): Situated in Savona, this sophisticated cocktail bar is known for its exquisite, clean cocktails with an emphasis on balance.
Monkeys’ Bar (Imperia): Located in Imperia Oneglia, this venue is noted for its hundreds of spirits, including a significant selection of gin and mezcal, and a drink list crafted with high-quality ingredients and attention to the environment.
Winston Churchill (Imperia): This spot in Imperia, known for its focus on environmental sustainability, also boasts a high-quality drink list and a vast selection of spirits, especially gin and mezcal, available for tasting pure.
Piano Mare Lounge Bar (Alassio): A sophisticated cocktail bar located within a luxurious, exclusive 5-star hotel in Alassio, offering an ideal setting for a sunset aperitif or an after-dinner drink on the seaside promenade. The drinks are rooted in classic international mixology.
Rudy Cafè (Alassio): Known for being one of the best nightlife spots in Alassio, this is a popular place to enjoy an evening drink.
Caffè Barusso (Alassio): This bar is another prominent feature of Alassio’s nightlife scene, known for its welcoming atmosphere.
JO HOUSE THE ROOFTOP (Pietra Ligure): A rooftop venue in Pietra Ligure offering a Mediterranean experience with great views and an enticing bar menu.
Terrazza Ondina (Finale Ligure): Located on the Lungomare in Finale Ligure, this restaurant and cocktail bar offers a beautiful view and a pleasant setting for a drink.
Il Cappero (Borgio Verezzi): Suspended between the clouds and the sea in Borgio Verezzi, this stone-built venue with terraced seating and wrought-iron tables offers delicate aperitifs and a stunning panoramic position.
Bagni Marea (Savona): Part of a complex on the Savona waterfront, this bar offers a romantic and trendy atmosphere with a tropical setting, palms, and a pool, perfect for a chic apericena.
Bay Club (Sanremo): A well-known and stylish club in Sanremo, offering diverse music and shows, with a popular Sunday night apericena event that continues late into the night.
Victory Morgana Bay (Sanremo): Located on the Sanremo waterfront, this venue is a prominent spot for nightlife, often combining a high-end restaurant with a lively club environment.
Boca Beach (Sanremo): Offering a daytime event that captures the essence of summer between food and party, this venue in Sanremo is part of the lively beach club scene.
Le Vele (Alassio): One of the most famous and popular discos on the Riviera, located in Alassio. It’s known for its varied programming, often hosting big guests and different music genres.
Essaouira Club e Ristorante (Alassio): This Alassio disco and restaurant offers fun, quality music, shows, and events, with DJs ready to ignite the dance floor, often hosting exclusive showcases and residencies.
Koko Beach (Imperia): A well-liked meeting place in Imperia, this club is popular with locals, making its evening events a key part of the city’s seasonal nightlife, especially starting from May.
La Suerte (Laigueglia): Located in Laigueglia, this is the ideal spot to have fun and relax, with its dance floor leading onto the beach and a busy weekly schedule of events.
Barca Bar (Finale Ligure): Known as the “Pulse of Finale Ligure’s Nightlife,” this lively venue in Finale Ligure has late-night hours (until 5 AM), an electrifying ambiance, and hosts themed nights and DJ sets.
Golden Beach (Albisola Superiore): Located in Albisola Superiore (Savona province), this club is open on weekends and offers commercial music, sometimes hosting weekday events.
Aegua Discoteca (Savona): A known disco in the Savona area, part of the wider Riviera di Ponente nightlife circuit.
L’Onda Music Hall (Finale Ligure): Part of the club and dancing scene in the Finale Ligure area.
Il Gozzo (Laigueglia): While often a restaurant, many seaside Ligurian venues transform or have an integrated space for music and dancing, contributing to the late-night scene, particularly in Laigueglia.
Matrix S.r.l. (Savona area): A generic listing for a disco in the Savona area, suggesting a late-night venue.
La Perla Dancing (Savona area): A dancing venue, typically for more traditional music and couple dancing, but a part of the overall nightlife offerings in the area.
Prana (Savona area): Listed among the clubs and venues in the Riviera di Ponente.
Twenties Cocktail Club (Albenga): While primarily a cocktail bar, its energy, sophisticated crowd, and late hours position it as a key pre- and post-dinner spot for a lively night out in the historic center.
Caffè Roma (Alassio): A key spot in Alassio’s nightlife, providing a lively atmosphere that acts as a popular gathering point.
Il Retrobottega (Alassio): A late-night spot in Alassio known for its vibrant ambiance.
Twenty7 (Alassio): Listed as one of the best nightlife venues in Alassio.
Baba Beach (Alassio): A beach club on the Alassio coast that hosts events and parties, especially during the summer.