Riviera di Ponente is the western part of the Ligurian coast, which differs from the eastern part by a large number of sandy beaches and a gentler coastline. It has both its stars - the popular resorts of San Remo, Alassio and Diano Marina, and small towns lying on the shores of picturesque bays, surrounded by rocky slopes and evergreen groves.
European tourists have long chosen this part of Italy, especially since the French Riviera is just a stone's throw away, with Russian travelers this destination is not as popular as Nice, Cannes or Monaco. Rest in the resorts of Riviera di Ponente promises a wonderful tan, gastronomic pleasures and a varied excursion program.
Popular resorts of western Liguria
San Remo
Large international resort in the province of Imperia on the Ligurian coast. It began to develop back in the 19th century. It is known to the mass tourist for its casinos and the legendary music festival. This is a really chic city, decorated with magnificent parks and built up with luxurious pitchforks, with a festive atmosphere, sandy and pebble beaches of not the worst quality and expensive hotels located in elegant palaces.
Alassio
One of the most elegant resorts in the Riviera di Ponente. It is located on the territory of the bay, which was nicknamed the "Bay of the Sun". Most of the local beaches are sandy. Allacio is easily accessible from almost any Italian city, as it is located at the intersection of railways. Moreover, the border with France is 50 km away, so any day from here you can go on an excursion to Nice.
Finale Ligure
The city can be roughly divided into 3 parts: the residential area of Finale Pia, the port of Finale Marina and the area of Final Borgo, where buildings from the Middle Ages have survived. In this resort, relaxing on the beach can be combined with walks along rocky hills among pine groves, as well as visiting ancient temples and castles. More than 50 hotels and guest houses are waiting for tourists, most of which are very small in size and provide service at the 3 * level.
Zeros
A real medieval town that has preserved its atmosphere and has not lost its age-old traditions. Its towers of the 13th-16th centuries and Romanesque churches have survived almost unchanged to this day. Local beaches are covered with a mixture of pebbles and sand, many of them are marked with the Blue Flag. A picturesque embankment framed by palm trees and green lawns stretches along the coastline.
Spotorno
A resort in the province of Savona that grew out of a small village. The lifestyle of the locals completely changed after the railroad from Genoa to Nice was built in 1872. After the opening of the movement, tourists began to come to Spotorno, who settled in small shacks - the first hotels. With the growing popularity, the appearance of the city also changed: today it is a comfortable modern resort with a well-thought-out infrastructure.
Varigotti
Small town with 2 km of coastline, lined with picturesque and colorful Ligurian houses (they overlook directly the beach). It is a surprisingly atmospheric place suitable for tourists who like to soak up the regional flavor and be absorbed in the local culture. Near Cape Krena, there is a secret beach, one of the best wilderness swimming spots on the Ligurian coast.
Diano Marina
The resort is located in Diano Bay. It is very popular with tourists from Europe, but Russian travelers have not yet had time to appreciate all its advantages. There are no noisy discos, parties until the morning, crowded with bar visitors, but there is a relaxed and calm atmosphere that helps to fully relax and gain strength. For entertainment it is better to go to nearby San Remo.
Bordighera
The resort is located in the province of Imperia, just 20 km from the border with France (13 km from San Remo). Despite the small size of the town, there are many attractions, literally at every step there is a restaurant where seafood dishes are prepared and delicious desserts are served. City beaches are covered with large pebbles and stones in some places, but sunbathing on a sun lounger is quite comfortable.
Varazze
The strip of beaches in Varazze is one and a half kilometers covered with pebbles, interspersed with rocks. These places are amazingly picturesque, for a long time they have attracted romantics, artists and poets. There are many fish restaurants along the city's waterfront, where they serve traditional Ligurian cuisine and seafood delivered directly to the table by local fishermen.
Arenzano
A small resort with a provincial atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking peace. It is a typical Italian town on the shores of a bay with houses nestled on the slopes, a strip of pebble beaches, a promenade and a yacht dock. Among the attractions are several medieval churches and a park near the municipality, where peacocks roam freely.
Cogoleto
There are no significant sights in Cogoleto. People come here for the clear sea and bronze tan. On the local beach of small pebbles and sand, rows of sun loungers and umbrellas are lined up, along the coastline there is a promenade. The city is next to Genoa, as is Arenzano. If you wish, you can get on foot or by bike from one resort to another, moving along the sea and overcoming sections with tunnels.
Arma di Taggia
The resort is located just 5 km from Sanremo. There is a regular bus service between the cities. In just one and a half to two hours from the local station, you can get to Nice and Cannes. Arma di Taggia is divided into two parts: a resort village with beaches, hotels, restaurants, infrastructure and the historical part of Taggia, where the main attractions are located.
Celle Ligure
The resort is set against the backdrop of picturesque mountain peaks, which are covered with snow in winter. It is surrounded by pine and olive groves, along the coast there are colorful houses built in the traditional style of the Italian province. The beaches of Celle Ligure are covered with yellow sand and pebbles. Tourists adhering to a healthy lifestyle prefer recreation at the resort - there are many sports grounds in the city.
Albissola Marina
The entire Riviera di Ponente is dotted with picturesque resort towns, and it is often difficult for a traveler to make a choice, because at first glance they are all the same: colorful houses, equipped beaches, small cozy parks, several medieval villas and churches, narrow stone streets. Albissola Marina will attract the attention of those tourists who value comfort, excellent service and long beaches.
Savona
The largest city after Genoa and an important port on the Ligurian coast. But it is often overshadowed by travel giants such as San Remo and Alassio. This is because it is mainly focused on industry and not on the tourism industry. Nevertheless, the historical center of Savona deserves attention, where you can see real architectural gems. Moreover, two city beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag more than once.
Pietra Ligure
The history of Pietra Ligure began in the 1st century. Many past eras have left an indelible imprint on the appearance of the city and the atmosphere prevailing in it. Here tourists can admire interesting sights, stroll along the beautiful promenade, enjoy a stay on luxurious beaches, equipped with everything necessary for a quality rest and stretching for many kilometers along the sea.
Loano
A lively and popular resort that lures guests away from San Remo and Alassio.It can offer tourists all kinds of recreation: classic beach, hiking and biking in the surrounding area, excursion program with visits to palazzo and monasteries, various cultural events, boat trips on luxury yachts and even horse riding lessons.
Ceriale
A small commune in the province of Savona, one of the many resorts of the Riviera di Ponente with many hotels, restaurants and several beaches. Why do you need to go here? There are no specific reasons - you can "wander" into the city by chance or visit it as part of a large excursion around Liguria. Ceriale is quite calm and quiet, but at the same time, there is everything for a full vacation.
Laigueglia
Quiet resort in the western part of the Riviera di Ponente. An interesting feature of Laiguella is that its central square rests directly on the sea. That is, it turns out that tourists are sunbathing on the beach in the middle of the city. The promenade also begins here, offering picturesque views of the streets and the coast. Laigueglia is a calm and quiet place that beckons with its peaceful atmosphere.
Genoa
The capital of Liguria and an important port, which is one of the largest in Europe. It is a developed and economically prosperous city with a rich historical past. Genoa is not a beach resort, although there are swimming areas here too, they are small and almost always crowded. Rather, people come here for excursions, visiting the ancient port, shopping and visiting museum collections.
