Straddling across the provinces of Genoa and Savona, the Riviera del Beigua is a land of enchantment, a mountain riviera of sandy beaches and pleasant coves shouldered by imposing green peaks. Set between the Apennines and the Mediterranean, it is the reign of sports (from surfing to paragliding), nature (the paradise of trekkers and excursionists), culture (a joyful sequence of castles, villas, sanctuaries and museums), gastronomy (a triumph of gourmet pleasures) and traditions (including fairs and ancient crafts), an evergreen array of resources attracting the most diverse tourist targets.
Itineraries connecting mountaintops and coastal resorts count by the dozens in a all year round feast of colours that your mind and heart will lovingly cherish - the area of Mount Beigua, in fact, towers over the waves with its wealth of shady forests, streamlets and springs, rural churches and huts.
Start your exploration from the coast. Whether you travel by train (the ecologist’s choice) or by car along the Via Aurelia, you will enjoy a medley of lemon trees, olive groves and agaves, the scent of the maquis pleasantly accompanying your journey westwards.
Arenzano stands quiet and cosy in its bay, traverse by an elegant seaside promenade rich in trees and Art Nouveau villas. The setting is completed by a handful of picturesque carruggi dotted with old delicatessen shops), and by the exclusivity of the marina (not to forget the golf course in the Pineta). Restaurants and gelaterie provide plenty of opportunities to idle about after a day at the beach (indolence is an attitude…). If you look for the comfort of shade, a stroll in the park of Villa Negrotto-Cambiaso will surely represent a welcome alternative (and a chance to admire haughty peacocks marching around). Those interested in tradition and meditation are recommended a visit of the santuario del Bambino di Praga, one of the seats of popular devotion.
Past the Colletta, Cogoleto proudly shows its new tourist identity. The graceful coastal arch of the long seaside promenade is the ideal place for a relaxing walk (and for cycling as well), but the hills have plenty to offer too, from the botanic garden of Villa Beuca to the hamlets of Lerca and Sciarborasca, known all over the Riviera for their hearty trattorie.
After siding the scenic Piani d’Invrea (Mediterranean villas immersed in the thickest vegetation), the Aurelia arrives at Varazze, one of the capitals of Ligurian tourism. On your left, Lungomare Europa is a remarkable promenade, precipitous over the sea, which follows the track of the ancient railway line towards Arenzano. On your right, the city centre, a labyrinth of wonderful carruggi rich in churches, palazzi and botteghe, dozens of lively stabilimenti balneari flanking the shore. A brand new marina is set at the western extremity of the bay, dominated by the Santuario del Deserto since 1616 (Carmelites still dwell the place – renowned also for the sale of natural products).....