For much of Northern Italy and for many European tourists, the seaside is synonymous with summer in Liguria. It is the Riviera of longtime holidaymakers and born-and-bred Ligurians who know it by heart, of international visitors who return every year, but it is also a delightful “first time” for many Italians who had never considered it before.
At Vayadù, we have a deep connection with Liguria, perhaps because holidays here are part of the DNA of anyone born in Piedmont. For us, it is a home away from home: chaotic yet peaceful, fashionable yet timeless, elegant and down-to-earth, coastal and mountainous.
If you are thinking about spending your next summer in Liguria and still do not know where to start, this guide will help you find your bearings: the best destinations, the coolest places, the most beautiful beaches, and a few practical tips to avoid spending a fortune.
Summer in Liguria: what to expect from one of Italy’s most beloved coastlines
Liguria comes alive in summer: with sunshine warming the terraces, lemons and bougainvillea adding their colors, and the aromas of warm focaccia and freshly made pesto. Liguria has a very strong identity, and you can feel it around every bend of the road running between the cliffs: the narrow caruggi alleyways in historic centers that stay cool even during the hottest hours, the sound of the sea drifting through open windows, and ferries gliding along the coast from one town to another.
Being here in summer means accepting a compromise that, for many people, is more than worth the effort: the region is small, the coastal roads are narrow, and in August every journey requires a little forward planning. But anyone who knows how to get around will discover a region that offers very different experiences, often just a short distance from one another.
Let’s start with something important. Liguria has two sides: the Riviera di Ponente and the Riviera di Levante. The first is more open, sandy, and sunny; the second is steeper, rockier, and wilder. Understanding the difference before booking will help you choose the right destination for what you are truly looking for.
Where to go in Liguria in summer: the main destinations
There are many summer destinations in Liguria, and they are all very different from one another. Here is a quick overview to help you understand where it makes the most sense to book, depending on the kind of holiday you have in mind.
- Alassio is one of the most established destinations on the Riviera di Ponente: wide sandy beaches, a well-equipped seafront, livelier nightlife than in other towns, and a beautiful historic center that is easy to explore on foot. It is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a seaside holiday with a touch of glamour.
- Sanremo is the city of the Italian Song Festival, the casino, and a certain late-19th-century elegance that can still be felt in the historic center. It offers beaches, high-quality restaurants, and the atmosphere of a major international resort. It is also an excellent base for exploring the inland areas of the province of Imperia.
- Imperia is often underestimated compared with its neighboring towns, but it has an authentic character that will appeal to anyone who enjoys less touristy destinations. The Oneglia area, with its harbor and historic center, is easy to explore on foot without having to push through the crowds.
- Ospedaletti is a compact town with a more relaxed pace and an equipped beach without the frenzy of better-known destinations. In fact, it is chosen by many families and older travelers. It is a good starting point for exploring both Sanremo and Bordighera.
- Andora is ideal for anyone looking for a straightforward seaside holiday: sandy beaches, generally more affordable prices, and a medieval village with Andora Castle, which is worth a stop even just for the view.
- The Cinque Terre remain one of Italy’s most famous and iconic destinations. And rightly so, in our opinion: villages clinging to the cliffs, trails through vineyards overlooking the sea, pebble coves, and water so blue that in photos it looks as though a filter has been added. In short, it is a true gem, but it is also one of the busiest stretches of coastline in summer. To experience it properly, go early in the morning or choose May or October.
- Portofino and the Tigullio area symbolize a more exclusive side of Liguria, with towns such as Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, and Camogli. The Gulf of Tigullio is also one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
Below, you will find a closer look at the towns where we operate with Vayadù.
Alassio: the Liguria of sandy beaches, the Budello, and an early-morning swim
Alassio is the right destination if you want to stay close to the sea. Its sandy beach, located in the Baia del Sole, is popular with families. The seabed slopes gently, and you can start the day without having to organize any complicated journeys.
The town center is known for its typical long, narrow alleyway, the Budello. From here, you can go in search of the famous Baci di Alassio chocolates or take a detour to see the famous Muretto, with its iconic ceramic tiles signed by many figures from the worlds of culture and entertainment. Alassio has an elegant yet informal energy in summer: swimwear in the morning, a stroll around the shops in the afternoon, dinner out, and an evening walk with the sea just a short distance away.
Here, you can choose to stay at the Ensemble Rooms Guest House, which has five double rooms with private bathrooms and a kitchen shared with the other guests, just a few steps from the sea; Loft Tango, an apartment with a mezzanine bed and a sea-facing balcony; or Casa Armonia, a villa in the hills above Alassio, if you need plenty of outdoor space and more privacy, especially when traveling with family or friends.
To plan your day between the beaches, town center, and walks, you can also read our guide to Alassio: what to see, what to do, and where to stay.
Finale Ligure: the sea, Finalborgo, and days spent outdoors
Finale Ligure has a beach, a pleasant town center, and a hinterland that will tempt you to leave your beach towel behind for at least one day. Simply head toward Finalborgo and you will find yourself surrounded by medieval walls, alleyways, small shops, and outdoor tables where you can stop for a dinner that is different from the usual meal on the seafront.
It is also a popular destination for anyone looking for an active holiday, thanks to the mountain bike trails and climbing crags in the Finale area. Up in the hills, Villa Serena features five independent apartments surrounded by greenery. The penthouse is called Gli Oleandri, and it is truly special because it has an infinity pool for exclusive use, where it is a pleasure to relax during the hottest hours of the day.
Andora: beaches, hills, and homes made for outdoor living
Andora brings together two different ways of enjoying summer: the approach of someone looking for the beach and that of someone who does not want to give up a beautifully maintained outdoor space. By the sea, you can plan a day of swimming and walking. In the nearby hills, just a little higher up, you will find gardens, open views, and tables for dining outdoors.
Vayadù’s homes in the hills above Andora include Villa Nicole and Villa Le Onde. Villa Nicole is our most exclusive property, combining the building’s modern design with a 1960s park filled with plants, fruit trees, statues, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the sea. Its showpiece? The glass swimming pool with a dramatic waterfall and an outdoor hot tub.
Villa Le Onde is a little gem with two bedrooms, a garden with a barbecue area, a swimming pool, and sea views.
Our villas in Andora offer two options for families and groups of friends who want a home they can enjoy throughout the day, between a swim, breakfast outdoors, and dinner together.
Sanremo: the sea, the city, and a Riviera to explore by bicycle
Sanremo is ideal for anyone who enjoys having plenty of options on holiday. The beach is one part of the day, but there is also La Pigna, the old district that climbs upward through passageways and staircases, the gardens of Villa Ormond, the town center, and the coastal cycle path.
The city has an identity that goes far beyond the Festival, and in summer it is well suited to a holiday as a couple, with family, or with friends.
The Ciclovia dei Fiori, created along the route of the former railway line, runs through Sanremo and continues as far as Ospedaletti. Renting a bicycle and spending a morning riding along it is a lovely way to see the coastline from a different perspective.
In Sanremo, Casa Controvento is a cozy attic apartment with sea views, four sleeping spaces, and two recessed terraces where you can enjoy an aperitif while looking at the sea. Casa Melodie has a terrace that is perfect for breakfasts and dinners outdoors, as well as a covered parking space.
Both make excellent bases for anyone who wants to stay close to the Riviera while still having a private space to return to. For more detailed itineraries and useful addresses, you can find our guide to Sanremo on the blog: what to see, what to do, and where to stay.
Ospedaletti: terraces overlooking the sea and a peaceful base on the Riviera dei Fiori
Ospedaletti deserves your attention if you are looking for a smaller, more intimate stretch of coastline close to Sanremo, but with a different atmosphere. The cycle path allows you to reach Sanremo by bicycle, passing through the Capo Nero tunnel, which is connected with the history of the famous Milan–Sanremo cycling race.
In Ospedaletti, you can plan simple, enjoyable days: the beach, a walk, a bicycle ride, and dinner by the sea. Nausicaa has two spacious bedrooms and an enormous sea-facing terrace: the kind of place where breakfast, reading a book, or having dinner at home becomes part of the holiday itself.
What is the most beautiful seaside destination in Liguria?
When asked, “What is the most beautiful seaside destination in Liguria?”, we at Vayadù have to admit that we cannot make up our minds. The coastline changes appearance within just a few kilometers, and every place has its own way of staying in your memory.
If you love sandy beaches and the pleasure of stepping outside your home and immediately finding yourself in the middle of town life, you might choose Alassio.
If you want to look out at the sea from a large terrace and then choose between the beach and a bicycle ride, Ospedaletti is perfect.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more urban setting, with the sea, gardens, and evenings out, Sanremo has plenty to offer.
If your ideal holiday includes a historic village and outdoor activities, Finale Ligure could be the right choice.
The most honest advice we can give you is to follow your instincts: they are usually right.
What is the coolest place in Liguria during summer?
There is no single answer: the temperature, the home’s exposure, ventilation, and the time of your stay can significantly affect how hot it feels.
During the height of summer, if you would rather spend a few hours away from the seafront, consider a home in the hills near the coast, without giving up easy access to the beach.
The hills around Finale Ligure and Andora are well suited to this kind of stay, especially if you are looking for greenery, outdoor spaces, or a swimming pool.
The hills above Alassio, with Casa Armonia, are also worth considering if you are traveling with a group or with children.
Where to go in Liguria without spending too much?
Liguria is very popular during high season, but you can plan a budget-conscious vacation by making specific choices during the booking process, so you don’t have to sacrifice anything.
- Book in advance, especially for weekends in July and for August.
- Share a larger home with friends or family, splitting the cost among more people.
- Choose a property with a fully equipped kitchen, which is useful for breakfasts, simple lunches, and a few dinners on the terrace.
- Consider the hills close to the sea, especially if you are looking for more space than you would usually find in coastal towns.
- Combine days at the beach with affordable activities, such as walking through historic centers and villages or exploring sections of the shared pedestrian and cycle path.
On the Vayadù website, you can compare available homes in Liguria by date, number of guests, and property features, choosing the option that best suits your needs.
Summer cycling in Liguria: routes along the coast and through the hinterland
If you love cycling, Liguria will give you plenty of interesting ideas, with bends, villages, and views that cannot be seen from the sea.
Between Sanremo and Ospedaletti, you can use the Riviera di Ponente shared pedestrian and cycle path.
Alassio and Finale Ligure are excellent bases for more athletic rides between the coast and the first uphill stretches.
If you like the idea of bringing your bicycle on holiday, we have collected routes, distances, and useful accommodation options in our article dedicated to cycling tourism in Liguria: routes and places to stay.
Museums and places to visit in Liguria when you want a break from the sun
A cloudy morning, the hottest hours of the day, or simply a day away from the beach can be an opportunity to discover another side of the Riviera.
In the towns of western Liguria and near Vayadù’s properties, there are museums and natural attractions that we believe are worth visiting:
- The Archaeological Museum of Finale, in Finalborgo, is located in the Cloisters of Santa Caterina and tells the story of the area through archaeological finds and collections. It is a good place to combine with a walk through the village.
- Villa Nobel, in Sanremo, houses a museum dedicated to Alfred Nobel, 19th-century scientific discoveries, and the Nobel Prizes.
- The Civic Museum of Palazzo Nota, also in Sanremo, brings together archaeological, historical, and artistic collections in the heart of the city.
- The Carlo Carli Olive Museum, in Imperia, explores the culture of olive oil and olive growing, both of which have played an important role in Ligurian history and landscapes. Before visiting, always check opening hours, summer schedules, and admission arrangements on each venue’s official website.
- The Clown Museum at Villa Grock, also in Imperia, takes you inside an unusual home designed by Grock, the famous “King of Clowns.” With surprising architecture, a park, and an interactive museum experience, it offers something a little different and is also suitable for families.
- The All About Apple Museum, in Savona, is an original stop for anyone who loves technology and design. It tells the story of Apple from 1976 to the present through working computers that visitors are allowed to use.
- The Floriseum, located in the grounds of Villa Ormond in Sanremo, explores the city’s flower-growing tradition through historical documents, multimedia content, and temporary exhibitions held in the Art Nouveau Prediali greenhouse.
- The Balzi Rossi Prehistoric Museum and the archaeological area in Ventimiglia take you to one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites, with Paleolithic finds and caves used by prehistoric humans, just a short distance from the sea.
- The Toirano Caves, in the hinterland of the province of Savona, offer a journey through nature and prehistory. The underground route passes through stalactites and stalagmites, Homo sapiens footprints, and remains of Ursus spelaeus, the cave bear.
What to do with children: Le Caravelle and the Genoa Aquarium
After a few days at the beach, children may start asking to do something different. In Liguria, there are two great classics you can add to your plans.
Le Caravelle Water Park, in Ceriale, is particularly convenient if you are staying between Alassio and Finale Ligure. Swimming pools, waterslides, water games, and areas where you can take a break can turn a summer day into a small adventure for the whole family.
Tickets for the 2026 season are available online through the park’s official website.
The Genoa Aquarium requires a longer journey than the western Ligurian towns where our homes are located, but it can be a wonderful idea for a day dedicated to the Old Port and the marine world, especially when traveling with children.
With 400 animal species, 200 plant species, and 12,000 square meters of exhibition space, it is the largest aquarium in Europe.
We recommend checking the calendar, opening hours, and ticket availability before setting off, especially during the busiest periods of the summer.
What to eat and drink in Liguria in summer: the flavors of the Riviera di Ponente
In Liguria, even a day at the beach can begin at the table. Tradition says that a slice of focaccia bought in the morning before heading to the beach should be dipped into your cappuccino.
You also cannot miss Sanremo’s traditional sardenaira, a focaccia topped with tomato, anchovies, olives, capers, and garlic.
If you have a sweet tooth, Baci di Alassio are hazelnut and cocoa biscuits filled with a delicate chocolate ganache. They are the perfect gift to take home or a treat to open after dinner.
In western Liguria, summer is also about Taggiasca olives and extra virgin olive oil, which are perfect for preparing an aperitif on the terrace or adding a local flavor to a dinner cooked in your holiday home.
But life is not all about food. Liguria is also a wine-producing region, and its winemaking is often described as heroic.
Why heroic? Because the landscape is characterized by extremely steep slopes, sometimes exceeding 30%, and growing vines requires the construction of terraces supported by dry-stone walls. In short, it is no walk in the park.
Bottles to look for during your stay include Pigato and Vermentino from the Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC, pleasant white wines to enjoy with an aperitif or a seafood dinner.
Alternatively, if you travel toward the far western end of Liguria, you can sip Rossese di Dolceacqua, a red wine connected with the inland areas of the province of Imperia.
Whether you choose a table overlooking the sea or dinner in the garden after the beach, tasting local products is one of the easiest ways to get to know the place where you are staying.
Where to stay for your summer holiday in Liguria
A seaside holiday begins with the place you return to after the beach, where you open the windows in the morning, prepare breakfast, and meet up with family or friends again at the end of the day.
In Liguria, Vayadù helps you discover a variety of homes and destinations: rooms and apartments close to the sea in Alassio, terraces in Sanremo and Ospedaletti, and villas and accommodation surrounded by greenery, with swimming pools, in the hills above Andora and Finale Ligure.
These are homes carefully selected by us, so that you can experience the area with the feeling that you have chosen a real home, rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Are you planning your summer in Liguria? Are you looking for a holiday home in Liguria?
Check availability on the Vayadù website, choose the home that best suits your stay, and book directly.
The sea, the villages, and your next terrace on the Riviera are already a little closer.
Practical FAQs for planning a summer holiday in Liguria
Which area of Liguria is best for a holiday with children?
Alassio is particularly convenient for families thanks to its sandy beach and the ease of moving between the seafront and the town center. Our Ensemble Rooms Guest House is perfect when you are staying for just one or two nights.
Close to the beaches, with a large garden and plenty of space for children or friends, there is also Pirouette, which is pet-friendly.
If, on the other hand, you are planning a longer holiday and need plenty of cool space, comfortable bedrooms, and an outdoor area for playing, Casa Armonia in the hills is the ideal solution.
Finally, if you would really like to treat yourself, a home with a garden or swimming pool is perfect for days when you want to stay cool without necessarily going to the beach.
Discover Villa Serena, with its five modern, independent apartments in Finale Ligure, or Villa Le Onde in the hills above Andora, with breathtaking views.
Where should you stay in Liguria for a holiday without always using the car? Alassio, Sanremo, and Ospedaletti are suitable destinations for anyone who wants to reach the sea, walking routes, restaurants, and some local attractions without getting into the car every time.
From Sanremo and Ospedaletti, you can also use the Riviera di Ponente shared pedestrian and cycle path for a walk or bicycle ride.
Is it better to choose a home near the sea or a villa in the Ligurian hills? A home near the sea is ideal if you want to walk to the beach and enjoy the town center in the evening.
A villa in the hills is an appealing choice if you are traveling with family or friends and are looking for a garden, swimming pool, more privacy, and outdoor spaces that you can enjoy throughout the day.
Where should you go in Liguria for a summer weekend? For a short stay, Alassio is a good option if you want the sea and the town center to be easy to reach.
Sanremo allows you to combine the beach, walks, and cultural visits.
Ospedaletti is suitable for anyone looking for a very peaceful destination with sea views and the option of reaching Sanremo by bicycle.
What should you pack for a summer holiday in Liguria? For us, swimwear and sunscreen are essential.
You should also bring comfortable shoes for visiting villages and historic centers, a reusable water bottle, a light layer for the evening, and suitable cycling clothes if you are planning to use the shared pedestrian and cycle path.
When should you book a holiday home in Liguria for the summer? For stays in July and August, it is advisable to book a few weeks in advance, especially if you are looking for a home with a sea-view terrace, garden, swimming pool, or several bedrooms for a holiday with family or friends.
