If you are always looking for romantic places to spend pleasant moments in the company of your sweet half, then Liguria is the perfect destination for you.
In our region, many places will make your and your partner’s hearts beat, and after reading this article on the most romantic places in Liguria, you will be spoiled for choice!
Among the fascinating atmospheres of art cities, the hidden corners perfect for enjoying an enchanting sunset and the picturesque villages overlooking the sea or perched on the hills of the hinterland, there is no shortage of romantic places in Liguria. These are magical places, where saying “I love you” has a completely different flavour.
What are the most romantic places in Liguria to visit on a couple’s trip? We have selected the perfect places for a passionate kiss, or an unforgettable declaration of love.
And we have to admit it: it was by no means a simple choice because around here there are so many magical spots!
Here is our personal list of the most romantic places to visit in Liguria:
LA PASSEGGIATA DEGLI INNAMORATI (THE LOVERS’ PROMENADE) IN IMPERIA
There is nothing more romantic than a pleasant walk hand in hand along the stunning promenade dedicated to Domenico Moriani, a young partisan killed by the Nazis in 1944 when he was only 19, that due to its beauty is called the “Lovers’ Promenade”.
Charming and scenic, it is one of Imperia’s main tourist attractions as well as one of the most evocative places on the Ligurian Riviera.
The path, completely pedestrian, in about ten minutes connects Borgo Foce to Borgo Marina, the two ancient seaside villages of Porto Maurizio that, animated by the life of the marinas, offer typical Ligurian views.
The walk winds along the cliff overlooking the sea, amid typical Mediterranean scrub bushes and their sweet scents and aromas. Along the way, there are some benches, perfect to sit and admire the view or enjoy a magnificent fiery red sunset.
ALASSIO
About 40 km from our beloved Relais is the seaside village of Alassio, one of the jewels of the Ligurian Western Riviera. It is the only city in Italy that can boast the “city of lovers” label.
An ancient legend tells that it was a love story that gave life to the town: Adelasia, daughter of Otto I of Saxony, ran away on a hill with the squire Aramo and together they built a castle, around which the village was founded with the name of Alaxia, in honour of the princess.
Here everything speaks of love: from the famous wall covered with coloured tiles with the signatures and dedications of famous people to the bronze statue of the “Lovers” by Eros Pellini, from the work “Les Amoureux” by Raymond Peynet to the Baci di Alassio, delicious sweets made with hazelnuts and cocoa with a romantic name (literally Alassio’s Kisses).
MONTALTO LIGURE
Montalto Ligure, a small medieval village in the Argentina Valley located about 30 km from our hotel in Borgomaro, is as well the protagonist of a legendary love story.
Known as the “land of love”, according to a legend it was founded in the thirteenth century by a young married couple fleeing Badalucco to escape the obligation of “jus primae noctis” which Count Oberto di Ventimiglia claimed to exercise over the whole area.
For the beauty of its architecture and the legend of its origins, Montalto Ligure is without a doubt one of the most romantic and suggestive destinations in Liguria.
The atmosphere that reigns in its historic centre attracts lovers of all ages from all over Italy and beyond.
There are many couples, especially foreign ones, who decide to get married in the village in what is called the lodge of the spouses.
THE EMPRESS’ PROMENADE IN SANREMO
A few kilometers from Borgomaro is the fascinating Riviera dei Fiori, whose most famous and important city is Sanremo.
Here is the romantic and flowery Empress’ Promenade, one of the most elegant and famous seaside paths in Europe. Built at the end of the 19th century, it was named in honour of the Russian empress Maria Alexandrovna, who, in love with the city, donated a large sum to adorn the Western course with palm trees.
Two sculptures embellish the itinerary: the statue of “Spring” by Vincenzo Pasquali, which has become a symbol of the city; and the one dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, built between 1905 and 1908 by Leonardo Bistolfi.
For the most romantic, the best time for a walk hand in hand to enjoy the splendid view is at sunset: an experience that gifts unforgettable emotions and memories.
APRICALE
Another romantic place to visit in the area is Apricale, a beautiful medieval village full of charm, aromas and flavours, loved by artists and painters.
To reach it from our Relais you’ll have to drive for about an hour, but once you’ll be at your destination, you will remain speechless in front of its extraordinary beauty. It is a town out of the ordinary, which boasts a truly exceptional panoramic position.
Walking through its narrow streets that climb up the hill, you will feel like inside a fairy tale.
Entirely built in stone, the town still retains the charm of a place where time seems to have stopped. The latticework of the old stone alleys, connected by steep stairways, is especially beautiful.
Apricale is also known as the “town of artists”: the village is characterized by numerous murals made by Italian and international painters.
THE LITTLE CHURCH OF SANT’ AMPELIO IN BORDIGHERA
Another place not to be missed is definitely in Bordighera: here, the Church of Sant’Ampelio rises overlooking the sea in an inlet, where the sunsets in contrast with the waves of the sea offer perfect views for your love proposal.
Small tip: you can easily set out to discover these suggestive places right from Borgomaro, the small and delightful village where our romantic boutique hotel is located, perched on the mountain and surrounded by an absolutely unique atmosphere.
Now you have no more excuses: if you want to surprise the person you love, chose the gift of a romantic stay in Liguria!
