The winding road heads on to Celle Ligure, a seaside borgo that has developed through time into an elegant resort. Pleasant hotels intersperse an area where the work of man harmoniously blends with nature. The air scents of sea (Celle has been awarded with the Blue Flag label for twelve years in a row) and… focaccia, a mouth-watering treat. From the central junction, a diversion to the right climbs to the nice hamlet of Sanda, the ideal destination for excursionists and gourmets.
Get back to the coast: a rapid straight stretch and a tunnel later you will reach Albisola Superiore (do not miss Villa Gavotti and the “La Filanda” golf course) and Albissola Marina, the capital of ceramics. Local highlights include the lungomare, adorned with the masterpieces of famous artists, Villa Farraggiana, the Ceramics Museum and the Fabbrica Mazzotti, a temple of creativity that has been frequented by several protagonists of 20th century art. A five-minute drive links Albissola to Savona (take plenty of time – at least a full day – to visit this beautiful town) and to the immense cruise liners lying at anchor in the port.
Your exploration of the Riviera del Beigua far from over, it is time to turn your back to the sea and discover the amenity of its entroterra along a network pleasant roads traversing the greenery. Miss-not routes take in the Valle Stura (its entrance stands along the strada del Passo del Turchino, which starts in Voltri – between Genoa and Arenzano) and the Colle del Giovo, a panoramic pass through the cheerful village of Sassello connecting western Liguria and lower Piedmont (you are strongly recommended to discover the unexpected wonder of Acqui Terme)
The first itinerary – that can be travelled over by train, too (get on board the touching Genoa—Acqui Terme line and jump back in time) – touches the 18th century santuario dell’Acquasanta and the Paper Museum, Masone and the Iron Museum, Forte Geremia and the Santa Maria in Vezzulla hermitage, Campoligure with the Castello Spinola and the Filigree Museum, Rossiglione and the “Vereira” (an ancient glass-manufacturing centre) in Val Gargassa, and – last but not least – Tiglieto with its astounding Cistercian abbey among the trees. The area is appreciated for its first-quality milk and cheese. The cuisine du terroir celebrates the glory of earth produce (the sea a distant note): filled pasta (yummy ravioli above all), game, fried vegetables and meat dishes, chestnuts, and corn flour focaccia are heartily linked to the gourmet pleasures of Piedmont.
The second itinerary is the acme of the “far from the madding crowd” attitude – a route through culture, geology and gastronomy that flawlessly meets the expectations of any kind of touris target 12 months a year. From Albisola climb up to Stella (the “paese delle cinque parrocchie” – five churches), the birth place of Italy’s most loved Presidente, Sandro Pertini, then continue to Pontinvrea (500 mts. a.s.l.) in the Valle dell’Erro for a visit of the 17th century palazzo municipale (plenty of porticoes and frescoes). Between Stella and Pontinvrea a tranquil diversion turns eastwars to Sassello, a verdant rural and holiday village (enjoy almond amaretti, liquers and the more sober pleasure of the Museo Perrando), and – further on – to Urbe, set in a peaceful area rich in springs and chestnut forests. The choice between a hundred excursions is up to you – an array of rifugi (mountain huts), farms, secluded corners of tranquillity where nature shows its brightest colours. Get in gear for the most rewarding vacation, a blue & green Ligurian stay rich in trekking, cycling, birdwatching – and much more to follow!