Alassio, Finale Ligure & central

Sandy beaches on the Riviera di Ponente

The stretch of Ligurian coast between Alassio and Finale Ligure is the sunny, westward-facing side of the Italian Riviera. Unlike the cliffs further east, much of this shore is lined with long sandy beaches, which makes it one of the easiest parts of Liguria for a family seaside holiday. Behind the beaches, olive terraces and wooded hills climb quickly towards the Maritime Alps.

Alassio has one of the longest sandy beaches on the Riviera, a lively pedestrian main street known as the budello, and the Muretto, a wall decorated with tiles signed by famous visitors. Just along the coast, Laigueglia is a smaller, quieter fishing village with painted houses facing the sea.

Towns, villages and the hills behind

Finale Ligure is really three places in one: a seafront promenade, the beach suburb of Finale Pia and the walled medieval village of Finalborgo a short walk inland. The limestone hills around Finale are well known for rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking, so it suits active families and couples as much as beach lovers.

Nearby, Varigotti has whitewashed houses set right on the sand, and Noli keeps the towers and narrow lanes of its days as a small maritime republic. Albenga, between Alassio and Finale, has a fine medieval centre with tall brick towers, and offshore lies the small island of Gallinara. Inland, the Toirano caves make a good outing on a cloudy day.

Food, wine and getting here

Ligurian cooking is built around olive oil and herbs: pesto with trofie pasta, focaccia, farinata made from chickpea flour and plenty of fresh fish. Albenga is known for its violet asparagus, and the local white wines, Pigato and Vermentino, go well with all of it.

Genoa is the nearest airport, with Nice a longer drive along the coast road. A railway follows the shore, linking most of the seaside towns, but a car is useful for the hill villages. Summer is busy and warm; spring and early autumn are quieter, with mild weather that suits walking.

Explore more of the Italian Riviera, or browse the villas listed below to find a base on this sunny coast.