Liguria is a beautiful strip of land between the sea and the mountains, with a succession of landscapes that are nothing short of stunning and enchanting views that seem to have been specially created to be photographed. So, if you are an Instagram addict, there is no better destination to take spectacular and like-catching photos. In this article, we reveal some of the most Instagrammable places in Liguria. All you have to do is follow our advice, add the hashtags and post.
The Church of Sant’Ampelio in Bordighera
Among the most Instagrammable places in Liguria, the Church of Sant’Ampelio in Bordighera could certainly not be missing. For its beauty and its characteristic position overlooking the sea, it is undoubtedly one of the wonders of the Riviera di Ponente. The promontory on which it stands is the southernmost in northern Italy. The archaeologist Nino Lamboglia called it ‘a palimpsest of ten centuries of history’. The current building dates back to the 11th century although it has been modified and restored several times. It has always been a place full of charm and mystery, around which ancient legends hover. The best time to take a photo is at sunset.
The carruggi of Albenga
Albenga is a delightful little town where past and present coexist in a unique atmosphere, in a symphony of visual contrasts and magnificent scenery. It is also known as the ‘city of a hundred towers’ for its spectacular and unmistakable towers that dominate the landscape. It has one of the best-preserved historic centres on the Riviera di Ponente. Photographs of its carruggi, where, in addition to the many monuments to be discovered, one can also admire works of art hanging on the walls and real murals, get a lot of likes on Instagram. Over the last few years, a group of artists has changed completely the image of some of these alleys, transforming them into a small open-air exhibition.
Bussana Vecchia
It is impossible not to include Bussana Vecchia in this list: it is one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria, if not in Italy. Its history is very special, since it was a quiet village until 23 February 1887, when a violent earthquake marked the village’s destiny forever, forcing the inhabitants to migrate towards the sea, where they founded the municipality of Bussana Nuova. The old village, since then called Bussana Vecchia, remained in a state of total abandonment until the late 1950s, when it was brought back to life by a community of artists, who worked and still work there. Its narrow streets are full of potentially Instagram-perfect views.
The Bay of Saracens in Varigotti
Another of the most photographed, and Instagrammable, places in Liguria is the marvellous Baia dei Saraceni located in Varigotti, a hamlet and historical village of Finale Ligure. Its name has very ancient origins; it is said to have been the landing point for merchants arriving from Byzantium. It is a wild oasis where nature has been particularly generous. The beach, about 400 metres long, is a handkerchief of golden sand and fine gravel, squeezed between rocks, overlooking a stretch of crystal-clear sea. Due to the abundance of fish, it is perfect for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Moreover, thanks to its shallow waters, it is ideal for families with children.
The Balzi Rossi Beach in Ventimiglia
Another beach, which attracts Instagrammers from all over the world, is the Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi in Ventimiglia. Forbes magazine called it ‘one of the seven most spectacular beaches in Italy’. This small cove of rare beauty, set among the rocks, is bathed by incredibly crystal-clear waters. It is located just a few steps from the border, on the Côte d’Azur, and derives its name from the colour of the limestone walls, which, rich in ferrous materials, appear reddish (from the Ventimiglia dialect ‘bàussi russi’, meaning red stones). The entire area is dotted with prehistoric caves, where numerous finds dating back to the Palaeolithic period have been discovered.
The crêuze of Borgio Verezzi
Finally, if you want to impress your followers, you cannot miss Borgio Verezzi, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Set along the Riviera delle Palme, it owes its name to the two centres that make it up: Borgio at sea level and Verezzi in an elevated position. The ‘Saracen’ village, perched on the Orera hill, is composed of four hamlets (Crosa, Piazza, Poggio and Roccaro) connected by narrow carruggi and ancient mule tracks (called crêuze in Ligurian dialect), preserved in their original integrity. Along the carruggi and crêuzethere are many corners rich in history and truly wonderful views to photograph. The likes are guaranteed!
Just over 25 kilometres from Relais del Maro is the picturesque village of Cervo, where time seems to have stopped in the Middle Age. The village, included in the prestigious club of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, is nestled on a spur that slopes down to the sea and is able to amaze and fascinate in every season of the year thanks to its extraordinary historical, artistic and architectural heritage.
Cervo boasts an evocative historical centre, enclosed by ancient walls and characterised by a labyrinth of narrow alleys (in Ligurian dialect called carruggi) that descend towards the coast, lined with typical pastel-coloured houses. As you lose yourself in these shady glimpses, you can savour the village’s still entirely medieval atmosphere. Its coastline consists of small bathing establishments, wide stretches of free beach and quiet rocky inlets.
At the highest point of the village, precisely in Piazza Santa Caterina, stands the Clavesana Castle, from whose terrace one can see both the mountains and the sea at a glance. It was built around the 13th century by the Marquises of Clavesana (from whom it takes its name) as their residence, incorporating the original high-medieval tower. The structure has been used for various purposes over the years: seat of the municipal parliament, defensive bulwark against the Saracens, Oratory of the Disciplinants of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and hospital. It is currently home to the Tourist Office and the Museum Centre, which houses, on the first floor, the Ponente Ligure Ethnographic Museum and, on the second floor, the permanent exhibition ‘Women of Liguria – A Century of History 1850/1950’.
Another feather in the village’s cap is the majestic Church of San Giovanni Battista, also known as ‘dei Corallini’ because it was built with the proceeds from the coral fishing that the people of Cervo practised in the seas of Corsica and Sardinia. Begun in 1686 to a design by architect Gio Batta Marvaldi and completed in 1734 by his son Giacomo Filippo, it is one of the main examples of Baroque architecture in western Liguria. The elegant bell tower was instead erected in the second half of the 18th century to a design by painter Francesco Carrega. The church houses several valuable works of art, including the wooden crucifix by Maragliano, the high altar by Pittaluga and the choir frescoes by Carrega. From the square in front, one can enjoy an enchanting view of the entire gulf.
In the immediate vicinity of the Church of St John the Baptist is the former Oratory of St Catherine, a classic example of a Romanesque structure originally built on a Latin cross plan. The building was built in the 13th century on the initiative of the Knights Hierosolimitani as a church, but around the 18th century, when the Church of the Corallini was consecrated, it was demoted to an oratory. Inside, some 16th century works can be admired, including a large fresco of St George slaying the dragon above the main entrance. The building is now deconsecrated and used as a hall for art exhibitions, concerts, conferences and cultural events.
At the foot of the village is Palazzo Viale, the residence of one of Cervo’s most important families. Built in the 18th century, it is distinguished from other buildings by the Baroque decorations that adorn its façade. Inside, walls and ceilings are embellished with remarkable frescoes by Carrega. The palace is now owned by the municipality, which carries out cultural initiatives there. Other buildings of some value are: the 17th-century Palazzo Morchio, today’s Town Hall; the Tower of Sant’Antonio, built around the middle of the 16th century; and the Church of San Nicola da Tolentino, Cervo’s oldest and first parish church, located just outside the walls.
Among the major events in Cervo, we recommend the International Chamber Music Festival, born in 1964 from a happy intuition of Hungarian violinist Sandor Vegh. The prestigious kermesse, scheduled on evenings between July and August, owes its success to the fame of the performers who take part. A tip for the gourmand: an aperitif with a breathtaking sea view at Bar Ariel and a dinner accompanied by good wine at Ristorante San Giorgio or San Giorgino wine bar
On a hill behind Sanremo, about 40 kilometres from the Relais del Maro, lies a charming medieval village, now known as the ‘artists’ village’, built on the ruins of a village abandoned long ago after a terrible earthquake. We are talking about Bussana Vecchia, a place with a controversial history, where you can breathe art at every corner.
Its origins date back to Roman times, but only in the 12th century it began to develop as a village inhabited by farmers and shepherds. Life in the village remained relatively quiet until 23 February 1887, when a very strong earthquake struck the hinterland of Sanremo, seriously damaging the small town, until then simply called Bussana. Within seconds, the earthquake killed many people and destroyed most of the buildings. The survivors, after living for years in the destroyed houses, moved a few kilometres further down the valley. Thus, between 1889 and 1894, a new Bussana (called Bussana Nuova) was built, while the old village (since then called Bussana Vecchia) was definitively abandoned, becoming a real ghost town.
Uninhabited for decades, it began to come back to life at the end of the 1950s, when the great ceramist Mario Giani, known by his stage name Clizia, decided to settle in the village with a dozen other artists, attracted by the particularity of the place. A statute was also drawn up to regulate village life. Bussana Vecchia became a destination for painters, sculptors, craftsmen, musicians and poets, not only from Italy but from all over the world, who renovated and made the less damaged buildings habitable again. In the late 1960s, the first workshop was also opened, where it was possible to buy the works created by the artists. Over time, the community continued to grow.
Today, the village is an authentic open-air museum and, although it has changed a great deal since the 1960s, it remains a magical place that offers emotions and enchanting views at every turn. In Bussana Vecchia it is pleasant to get lost in the narrow streets, to walk without a precise destination and to be surprised step by step. The village is inhabited all year round by about sixty people and up to two hundred in summer.
The old stone houses, some of which are still in ruins, house workshops and ateliers selling a wide variety of handicraft and artistic products: paintings, sculptures, ceramics, costume jewellery, lithographs and countless other handicrafts. In spring and on warm summer evenings, the village comes alive with theatre performances, exhibitions and live music.
The symbol of Bussana Vecchia is the church of Sant’Egidio, where most of the inhabitants were at the time of the earthquake, which has left only the original part and the bell tower on the side of the building intact. Never restored, it still retains traces of the original stucco and paintings.
Another impressive site is the ruins of the castle, built in the 12th century by the Counts of Ventimiglia, feudal lords of the village. Among the wonders to visit are: the garden among the ruins, a well-kept green space in the middle of the ruins, dotted with geraniums and various species of flowers; and the miniature railway, more than 350 linear metres of tracks arranged in three rooms of an old house. And if you get peckish during your visit, you can stop at the Osteria degli Artisti, the oldest restaurant in the village, serving excellent local cuisine!
Did you know that it is one of the lowest calorie cocktails ever? And that juniper berries have a myriad of beneficial effects on our bodies? There are even those who say that this mix of herbs is an excellent ally against cellulite..
How many more reasons do you need to drink a good gin and tonic? I know, you don’t need reasons, you just need a hot summer and a nice holiday (maybe at the Relais!)
Laughter aside, maybe I can still tell you something you don’t know… for example that in Liguria, gin is produced from at least 10 different producers.
“Martina but of course, we drank one at Relais!”
I know! Oleificio Roi’s Gin Taggiasco, which you know well, is the gin produced with taggiasca olives from our region and we already have it on our gins menu.
But which are the others?
1. Portofino Gin – Asti | Portofino Gin – Asti | Although it is produced in the Asti area, the bouquet of aromatics used comes entirely from the Portofino hills. Citrusy, floral, pleasantly spicy: what an icon!
2. Gin Ginuensis – Genova | “Ginuensis is smooth, clean and fragrant on the palate, with an almost sweet and lovable aftertaste. The spicy nose is reminiscent of oriental scenery… And other similar belinate” is how their creators describe it. Kaffir lime leaves, orange, liquorice and cumin, these are the suggestions of the Genoese gin par excellence. P.s.: and if you don’t know what a “belinata” is… well, click here but don’t be proud of it!
3. Camügin – Camogli (GE) | Camuginis the old Genoese name by which the inhabitants of the seaside village called the town of Camogli. Absolute protagonists: sea salt and the herbs of the Ligurian hills. One more reason to visit Camogli, besides the focaccia!
4. Gin Gino – Cengio (SV)| In the ORIGINE workshop, only raw materials from organic farming are processed. Here the granddaddy of all Ligurian gins is born: Gin Gino. A gin that doesn’t mince its words, so if you prefer soft, round flavours, it may not be for you
5. Gin Legend – Genova | A balanced gin, suitable for every palate but with a unique note that makes it perfectly recognisable (and therefore my super favourite): peppermint. Although…
6. Gin Mä – Genova | ..being in Liguria, I would rather say that the favourite can only be the only gin in the world produced with Basilico Genovese DOP! Two is better than one, said an advertisement, and here it is even better than three, four and five… the only botanicals used are in fact only two: basil and juniper.
7.“U Spessià” Gin – Savona | Didn’t we say at the beginning that gin and tonic is like a balm for the body? This gin produced by the Opificio Clandestino degli In-Fusi takes its name from the ancient figure of the pharmacist, who knew how to heal all ills thanks to his herbal mixes, in the words of Andrea Bruzzone.
8. 969 Gin – Genova | Again the scents of the city of Genoa enclosed in a bottle, thanks to the intense salty notes of the seaweed used as botanicals. In addition: orange peel, to soften its salinity..
9.Rusagni Gin – Rezzoaglio (GE)| From the Liquorificio Fabrizii di Rezzoaglio comes at last a nice warm gin, even in colour. Citrusy notes, local herbs, juniper: these are the ingredients of Rusagni, a gin ‘as it once was’.
The difficult part comes now: which one to choose to include in our gin list!
Relais del Maro is now famous among our customers as the perfect place for couples and family holidays as well.
We have already talked about our services designed specifically for couples, but what opportunities can you choose in the area during your holiday for three, four, five, or ten people?
Fear not, crew! The band of the Relais offers you all the useful material free of charge at the reception desk! All you have to do is ask and you will receive a handy brochure with a list of the most interesting activities to do together. An example? Check out the top 5 fun activities for families here.
Of course, the Relais is not just a paradise for children; nevertheless, you will find dedicated bathroom products for your children, baby seats and lunch sets to assist them during meals, colouring books, and books to read in the library. You won’t even have to worry about making room in the car for the cot: we can install one of our cots that Bianca and Bella carefully disinfect and arrange whenever necessary. For your little ones, we also offer the possibility of requesting a babysitting service, if you want to organize a dinner for two to spend a romantic evening. Come to the reception for any request and we will be happy to help you!
Warning for older children: at Reception, you will find a map that can lead you to a beautiful playground! Or…you can have fun finding it yourself by following the voices of the children of Borgomaro! A small village is like a magical and ancient world just waiting to be explored!
Aaah, Christmas traditions! Every region, city, town…actually every family has its own!
In mine, for example, we have always only celebrated with lunch on December 25th. And I have often thought: “That’s enough for me!”…and in fact, that’s enough indeed since there is always some leftover! So much so that another Christmas tradition is that of the “Leftovers Dinner”: friends or other family members meet for dinner and each brings a leftover from their Christmas lunch, so the party continues. In short, whether it’s for lunch or dinner, only on Christmas day or going through Boxing Day and starting Christmas Eve, there is a thin common thread that unites every Ligurian during the holidays:food!
Here are the three most common dishes that can be found on our tables during the holidays:
1. Ravioli
In ancient times, the typical first course was Natalini in broth, but as far as I’m concerned, ravioli is the best you can ask for in life for Christmas lunch. Tradition would like them with “Tocco” – the typical Genoese sauce prepared with minced beef, mushrooms, spices, tomato pulp and red wine – but I also love them the simple way, seasoned with butter and herbs.
2. Cappon Magro
If you have the time – 1 hour of preparation, 4 of rest, 2 of cooking – this is one of those dishes that will raise you to the level of starred chef. Cappon Magro, a dish which is difficult to say whether it is tastier or more spectacular, comes from the Genoese gastronomic tradition. Take a pen and paper and mark on the shopping list: capon, potatoes, green beans, carrots, prawns, tuna, octopus, beetroot, black salsify, white wine, bay leaf, juniper, olives, capers, pine nuts. It takes patience for this dish, but the result is truly mouth-watering.
3. Pandolce
In Borgomaro we know it well: the Pandolce prepared by Forno di Nonna Pierina, in fact, is a must both as a dessert at the end of a meal and also as a sweet present! The town eagerly awaits the first batches in November, when the streets smell of butter, raisins and pine nuts, which are the main ingredients of this delicacy. Even on television they talked about it and here we wrote about it too: Christmas in the village: christmas traditions in Liguria
