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 crêuze there are many corners rich in history and truly wonderful views to photograph. The likes are guaranteed!
