Liguria: bikes, flowers, and beaches – a winning trio, even off-season.
Spring transforms Western Liguria into a vibrant and colorful stage where nature, sports, and gastronomy blend into a unique experience. From flower parades along the sea to thrilling cycling challenges, here are the 5 events you can’t miss.
1. Sole&Vento – The Kite Festival on the Beach in Imperia
Sole&Vento celebrates the energy of the Ligurian coast, where the mild climate and Mediterranean winds make every day an invitation to adventure. This event combines outdoor activities with relaxing moments on the beach, offering entertainment for both young and old. It showcases activities related to the sun, wind, and nature – intrinsic elements of the city – while promoting environmental awareness in a fun and festive atmosphere. 📅 March 29-30, 2025
2. Aromatica – The Festival of Ligurian Scents and Flavors in Diano Marina
If you’re a food and wine enthusiast, Aromatica is the perfect event for you. Dedicated to the typical flavors and aromas of Liguria, this festival highlights local products such as aromatic herbs, fine oils, and characteristic wines. During Aromatica, market stalls become a kaleidoscope of colors and scents, offering tastings and workshops where you can discover the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine. A must-attend event to experience the authentic flavors of the region. 📅 May 9-11, 2025
3. Sanremo in Fiore – The Flower Float Parade in Sanremo
The famous Sanremo in Fiore, also known as the Corso Fiorito, transforms the Sanremo waterfront into a spectacular display of flowers and creativity. Lavishly decorated floats adorned with stunning floral arrangements parade along the coast, attracting thousands of visitors. This event, usually held on the second Sunday of March, celebrates the arrival of spring and the art of flower decoration, turning the city into an open-air garden. 📅 March 16, 2025
4. Il Salone Agroalimentare – A Celebration of Ligurian Excellence in Finalborgo
For lovers of authentic flavors, the Salone Agroalimentare Ligure is an event not to be missed. During this fair, producers and artisans come together to showcase the finest products of the region: traditional delicacies, cheeses, cured meats, and many other delights that tell the story and culinary heritage of Liguria. A unique opportunity to discover and taste the gastronomic treasures of the region in a warm and festive atmosphere. 📅 March 14-16, 202
5. Milano-Sanremo – The “Classicissima” Cycling Race on the Riviera dei Fiori
The Milano-Sanremo is a must-see race in the world of cycling. This competition blends the passion for sports with the breathtaking scenery of the Ligurian coast, as top cyclists compete on a nearly 300 km route from Milan to Sanremo. The event is not just a sporting challenge but a true spectacle that brings excitement to the streets of Liguria, drawing cycling enthusiasts and curious spectators from all over. The women’s race, which celebrates the strength and determination of female athletes, adds to the significance of this remarkable event. 📅 March 22, 2025
Christmas is a time for tradition, family, and sweetness—and in Italy, it’s also synonymous with Panettone. In Imperia, one of the finest Panettoni in Italy is crafted with exceptional skill and passion.
Jacopo Chieppa, the talented chef and master of leavened dough, who recently earned a Michelin star for his restaurant Equilibrio in Dolcedo, has created limited-edition, award-winning artisanal Panettoni.
A Starred Panettone: Seven Exclusive Creations
The art of baking leavened goods is a true passion for Chef Chieppa, who once again presents seven unique Panettoni this year, designed to surprise and delight even the most refined palates. Made with carefully selected ingredients and crafted using traditional techniques, each Panettone tells a story of dedication, harmony, and innovation.
The Classics: A Tribute to Liguria
Traditional Ligurian Panettone – A homage to tradition: candied orange and sultanas soaked for two days in Pigato wine give this Panettone a distinctive, regional character.
La Coccola – A true celebration of Liguria: extra virgin olive oil, candied olives, white chocolate, and candied lemon.
Gianduia Panettone – A dream for chocolate lovers, featuring luscious Gianduia chocolate.
70% Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel – An irresistible combination and a bestseller from 2023, where dark chocolate meets the sweetness of salted caramel.
New for 2024: Three Special Edition Flavors
To mark his first “starred” collection, Jacopo Chieppa has unveiled three brand-new flavors, true masterpieces of pastry craftsmanship:
Pears, Dark Chocolate, and Coffee – A refined blend for those who enjoy bold, aromatic flavors.
Red Berries and Dark Chocolate – A perfect balance of freshness and sweetness.
Apricots and Dulce de Leche – A creamy embrace of fruit and South American-inspired sweetness.
Where to Buy Jacopo Chieppa’s Panettone
Chef Chieppa’s Panettoni are available for €30 at:
Kilo, his pizzeria on the Imperia seafront.
Equilibrio restaurant in Dolcedo.
Online, via the official websites of both locations.
For those who want to bring home a taste of Michelin-starred Christmas, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the pastry artistry of Jacopo Chieppa. May your Christmas be sweet, elegant, and unforgettable!
Liguria is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a haven for those seeking exceptional gastronomic experiences. Traditional and authentic Ligurian cuisine harmoniously blends with innovation to create unique flavors. Today, the region has become a benchmark for Michelin-starred restaurants offering unparalleled culinary experiences. Just a month ago, in the western part of Liguria, our fellow citizen Jacopo Chieppa achieved his dream by earning his first Michelin Star—the only new one in the entire region this year—bringing Imperia’s tally to two stars. Bravo J.C.!
Equilibrio: The New Michelin Star Honoring Liguria
Gone are the days of meeting up with friends at Giardini Toscanini on lazy Saturday afternoons. This is my first memory of a young but determined Jacopo Chieppa: at just sixteen, his talent and charm already stood out. Hungry, ambitious, and tireless, Jacopo steadily paved his way to his dream, eventually finding his “Equilibrio” (Balance). Equilibrio, his restaurant in Dolcedo, recently earned its first Michelin Star. The name perfectly reflects the concept behind his dishes: a “constant balance of curiosity, respect, and determination.” The restaurant offers more than just a meal; it is a sensory journey that combines modern techniques with fresh, authentic Ligurian ingredients.
The Michelin recognition crowns years of dedication and passion, confirming Liguria’s growing reputation as one of Italy’s most promising gastronomic regions.
Sarri: A Creative Take on Ligurian Cuisine
Located in Imperia Porto Maurizio, Sarri is a star of Ligurian high-end cuisine. With its Michelin Star, Sarri blends Ligurian gastronomic tradition with a modern, sophisticated approach. Chef Andrea Sarri is renowned for combining the freshest local ingredients, especially seafood, into innovative dishes that honor Ligurian roots.
Vignamare: Where the Sea Meets Culinary Art
In the heart of the Riviera di Ponente, Vignamare stands out for its refined cuisine and innovative approach to cooking. Chef Giorgio Servetto captures the essence of Liguria with dishes that highlight each ingredient, embracing self-sufficiency in sourcing raw materials. The restaurant’s setting—a restored 1970s water cistern overlooking the sea—adds to the uniqueness of the dining experience.
Casa Buono: Tradition and Sustainability in Cuisine
Nestled in Ventimiglia’s hinterland, Casa Buono has earned its Michelin Star through an authentic interpretation of Ligurian cuisine. Chef Gabriele Buono celebrates the region’s biodiversity with a menu that changes daily, focusing on seasonal, zero-kilometer ingredients. Sustainability and environmental respect are at the heart of this gastronomic offering.
Nove: A Sensory Journey Through Ligurian Flavors
In Alassio, Nove has won its Michelin Star with creative cuisine inspired by Ligurian tradition but delivered with a modern twist. Chef Antonio Romano, who earned his first star at just 26, creates dishes that surprise and captivate, with special attention to presentation and ingredient pairings. Each plate is a discovery, a sensory journey exploring Liguria.
The Future of Ligurian Cuisine: A Star That Shines Brighter
With Michelin Stars awarded to Sarri, Vignamare, Casa Buono, Nove, and Equilibrio, Liguria continues to rise as one of Italy’s and the world’s most promising gastronomic destinations. The region not only celebrates its culinary heritage but also excels in innovation, sustainability, and respect for the territory. These Michelin-starred restaurants tell the evolving story of Ligurian cuisine, staying rooted in tradition while embracing the future.
Let’s be honest: here in Liguria, we can’t wait for summer to end so we can say goodbye to the forestieri — or tourists, in local slang. But then, when autumn comes with its first rains… well, the grumbling triples!
If you’ve decided to vacation in Liguria during the off-seasons, you might be looking for advice in case your stay happens to include a few gray, rainy days. So, what can you do in Liguria when it rains?
Let me reveal what we locals do, those of us who live here all year round!
First and foremost, here’s my advice: take your time! What could be better than enjoying a day without any rush? How often does simply seeing the sun shine fill us with expectations, even making us feel a bit guilty for taking things slowly? So, first, look at it from this perspective, and savor the slowness, the quiet, and the rain.
And does bad weather make only me feel hungry? A rich breakfast is exactly what’s needed. Cappuccino, hot chocolate with whipped cream, pastries, focaccia, pizza… by noon, we might already feel full. The weather is perfect to spend the morning in the intimate, retro atmosphere of Caffè Pasticceria Piccardo.
Now, off we go: a bit of shopping at The Mall Luxury Outlet in Sanremo, a visit to the Olive Museum to learn about the history and culture of our people, a stroll under the porticoes of Oneglia, or if you have the time and interest, you can hop on a train and quickly reach Genoa for a unique experience at the Aquarium.
In the meantime, has the sky perhaps let up a bit? Take the opportunity to listen to and breathe in that natural miracle that is the “il mare d’inverno”, as an old Italian song goes:
The winter sea Is just a black and white movie seen on TV And toward the inland A few clouds falling from the sky Wet sand A letter the wind is carrying away Invisible points chased by dogs Tired parabolas of old seagulls And here I stay alone Looking for a coffee
Among the specialities for which our region is known, there are few famous dessert recipes… but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t actually sweet treats to try. But which do we think are the DOC Ligurian biscuits?
The canestrelli
Canestrelli are flower-shaped shortbread biscuits belonging to the Ligurian tradition, created in the early 19th century in Torriglia near Genoa. The recipe includes only flour, butter, eggs and lots of sugar, but in some cases some lemon juice is also added. Little curiosity: be careful asking for Canestrelli in Taggia: here the canestrello is a kind of salted cracker, made with our Taggiasco olive oil… delicious! You can find it in all the bakeries of the small town of Taggia.
Amaretti from Sassello
Sassello is a small town on the heights of Albisola, on a road connecting Liguria and Piedmont. It is famous for its particular macaroons that, compared to the better known Saronno macaroons, are softer and more crumbly. The original recipe calls for sweet almonds, egg white, sugar and bitter almonds, but every pastry shop in Sassello boasts of having a secret ingredient. Other versions of these Ligurian amaretti, less common than those from Sassello, are the macaroons from Vallecrosia and the those from Gavenola, a hamlet of Borghetto d’Arroscia, both in the province of Imperia.
Baci from Alassio
Alassio is a famous seaside resort in the province of Savona, where back in 1919 Rinaldo Balzola, of the famous pastry which bears his name (and is still in business today) patented this sweet that became famous among the town’s rich tourists from all over Europe. The recipe? Roasted hazelnuts, sugar, bitter cocoa, honey, eggs, egg whites, dark chocolate for the cream.
From Alassio, these Baci actually spread a little throughout Liguria, and now several towns, including Sanremo, boast their own typical baci, which are exactly the same product as the baci created in Alassio.
Biscotti Lagaccio
These biscuits are the real biscuits of Ligurian grandmothers, who use to crumble or dip them in their cup of milk in the morning.Halfway between a biscuit and a rusk, they bear the name of a neighbourhood in Genoa. They are often confused with Salute biscuits typical of the Ovada area in Piedmont, but they are actually two different products. They were first produced in a bakery in Genoa in 1593 and were originally slices of toasted bread to be eaten during sea crossings as a substitute for galettes. All you need to make them is flour, butter, brewer’s yeast and sugar.
Let us say, however, that our customers’ favourite goodness is the shortbread and biscuits made by our Bruna, the legendary baker from Borgomaro who bakes hundreds of pastries for us during our season. And it is precisely these that you find at our five o’clock tea and on our breakfast buffet that both young and old go crazy for
Western Liguria is a fascinating region of Italy, famous for its spectacular coastline, picturesque medieval villages and rich culinary culture. While many people choose to visit this region during the summer season, autumn offers an equally fascinating and unique experience. With breathtaking landscapes, pleasant temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere, autumn in Western Liguria offers visitors moments of serenity and discovery. In this article, we will discover five reasons why autumn is the perfect time to visit this beautiful region.
Breathtaking landscapes with autumnal colours
Autumn transforms western Liguria into a living picture with its warm and evocative colours. The region’s vineyards and olive groves are tinged with shades of red, yellow and orange, creating a unique colour spectacle. Coastal panoramas and sheer cliffs are even more fascinating with their autumnal hues, making each view an unforgettable postcard.
Mild and pleasant climate
During autumn, western Liguria offers a mild climate, with pleasant temperatures and sunny days. Temperatures drop slightly compared to summer, but are still warm enough to allow nice walks on the beach or excursions to the surrounding villages. This climate makes autumn an ideal time to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the region.
Fewer tourists and tranquillity
One of the main reasons for visiting western Liguria in autumn is the reduced flow of tourists compared to the summer season. With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy the region quietly and without queues or waiting. Medieval villages such as Noli, Finalborgo and Albenga are particularly charming during this season, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the history and unique atmosphere of these places without the summer hustle and bustle.
Local events and festivals
Autumn is also the season of local festivals and events in Western Liguria. During this period, many towns and villages host traditional festivals, food and wine festivals and cultural events. Visitors have the opportunity to taste local specialities, participate in folkloristic shows and immerse themselves in the authentic traditions of the region. One example is the “Olioliva” in Imperia, dedicated to the local extra virgin olive oil, a real treat for the palate.
Favourable offers and rates
As tourism decreases during the autumn, many hotels and tourist facilities offer favourable rates and special promotions to attract visitors. This makes autumn a perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing and experience-packed holiday, saving on costs and enjoying high-quality services
Conclusions
Western Liguria in autumn is a must-visit destination for those who want to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, authentic culture and moments of tranquillity. With mild weather, fewer tourists, local events and favourable rates, autumn offers a unique experience to immerse yourself in the beauty and richness of Western Liguria. Whether you are passionate about nature, culture or gastronomy, this beautiful Italian region will captivate you with its autumn magic.
