Liguria Travel Guide: Coastal Villages, Hidden Gems & Gigia’s Adventures
Liguria, the slender coastal region stretching along the northwest of Italy, is one of the country’s most captivating yet surprisingly accessible destinations. Often compared to the French Riviera, Liguria offers equally dramatic scenery—colorful seaside villages, terraced hillsides, and sparkling Mediterranean waters—while retaining a more authentic and relaxed Italian charm.
For travelers searching for coastal towns in Italy, hidden seaside villages, or a more affordable alternative to the Côte d’Azur, Liguria quietly delivers on every front.
For Gigia, of course, it was something else entirely: a sun-drenched kingdom of walls to patrol, viewpoints to conquer, and strategically placed sunbeams to supervise.
🌊 A Coastline of Color, Cliffs, and Character
Liguria’s landscape is defined by its dramatic meeting of mountains and sea. Steep cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, while pastel-painted villages cling to the coastline as if defying gravity.
From the elegant promenades of Sanremo—known as Italy’s “City of Flowers” and home to the famous Sanremo Music Festival—to quieter corners like Cipressa, the region offers a rich variety of coastal experiences.
Gigia approached these landscapes with purpose: walls were walked, corners inspected, and scenic overlooks evaluated with the quiet authority of a cat who assumes every view exists solely for her benefit.
🎨 Art, Villages, and Hidden Gems
Beyond the coastline, Liguria reveals a more unexpected side.
In villages like Valloria—famous for its painted doors—art spills into the streets, transforming everyday spaces into open-air galleries. Naturally, Gigia conducted her own artistic review, offering critiques in the form of strategic pauses, tail flicks, and selective approval.
Meanwhile, in Imperia, she strolled along seaside promenades and beach walls like a seasoned traveler, effortlessly drawing attention without ever appearing to seek it.
🌅 Seaside Views and Slow Travel Moments
Liguria is not just about destinations—it’s about perspective.
At places like the Molo di Alassio in Alassio, the coastline opens into sweeping sea views that invite you to pause.
Gigia did exactly that—gazing out toward the horizon with the expression of a creature contemplating either the meaning of life… or her next meal.
🍝 Flavors of Liguria
Liguria is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most iconic culinary traditions.
This is the home of pesto alla genovese, fragrant olive oil, and simple dishes that celebrate fresh, local ingredients.
While Gigia maintained her strict culinary standards (firmly fish-focused), she took her role as regional food inspector seriously—carefully supervising every meal from a comfortable vantage point.
📍 Explore Liguria
Within Liguria, you’ll find a collection of coastal towns and hidden gems, each offering a distinct experience:
🌟 Why Visit Liguria?
Liguria is one of Italy’s most underrated coastal regions.
It offers fewer crowds than more famous destinations like Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast, while delivering equally breathtaking scenery. This is authentic Italy at its most compelling—perfect for travelers seeking slow travel experiences and coastal beauty without the crowds.
For Gigia, it was simple:
A place of endless sun, elevated viewpoints, and uninterrupted opportunities to be admired.
Planning Your Liguria Adventure
For more inspiration and practical advice, explore these resources:
Cipressa (IM)
Cipressa, Italy
We discovered Cipressa entirely by chance, thanks to the charming little house we rented for the holiday. Tucked into the hills of Liguria, this tranquil village turned out to be a delightful surprise—a peaceful haven with winding cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured houses, and a quiet charm that felt like stepping into a storybook. The roads leading up to our rental house were lined with pots of succulent plants, their fleshy leaves and striking shapes adding a touch of greenery to the stone walls.
Cipressa’s welcoming vibe was perfectly captured by a local cat who greeted Gigia with a polite nod (or maybe it was a territorial stare—it’s hard to tell with cats). Gigia, ever the diplomat, responded with her signature regal poise, as if to say, “I approve of this village.”
We used Cipressa as our base to explore the surrounding area, but the village itself became a highlight of our trip. Whether we were sipping coffee at a tiny café or wandering the calm, sun-dappled streets at sunset, Cipressa offered a refreshing escape from the busier coastal towns. The village also boasts a stunning view of the rolling hills and the sparkling Ligurian Sea, making every stroll feel like a moment to treasure. For Gigia, it was the ideal spot to soak up the sun, survey her new domain, and occasionally exchange silent greetings with her feline neighbour.
Cipressa may not be on every traveller’s radar, but for us, it was a serendipitous discovery—and a reminder that sometimes the best adventures begin with a quiet village, succulent-lined roads, and a curious cat.
Explore
Imperia (IM)
Imperia, Italy
Imperia, a picturesque coastal town in Liguria, is a delightful blend of sun-soaked beaches, olive groves, and charming seaside promenades. Known for its olive oil production and the merging of two historic towns, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, Imperia offers a tranquil escape with a touch of Mediterranean magic—and, as it turns out, a touch of feline mischief.
For the first time, Gigia enjoyed a peaceful walk along the promenade by the sea, sticking her head out of her camper backpack like a tiny explorer surveying her kingdom. Her tail twitched with curiosity, and her wide eyes took in the sights as if she were plotting her next great adventure. She even seemed to enjoy the gentle sea breeze, though she drew the line at touching the water. (Why get wet when you can ride in style?)
She couldn’t resist playing with the plants on the side, batting at leaves and sniffing flowers as if she were conducting her own botanical inspection. (Who needs a degree in horticulture when you’ve got curiosity and paws?) The soothing sound of waves provided the perfect soundtrack for her little adventure, though Gigia seemed more interested in the local flora than the view.
The highlight of her visit was when she received attention from the vendor at the local veggie market, Andrea Doria (sadly, temporarily closed now). Sticking her head out of her camper, Gigia charmed everyone she met, her whiskers twitching as if to say, “Yes, I’m the star of this show.” Imperia may be famous for its olive oil, but Gigia proved it’s also a paradise for cats who love seaside strolls, botanical explorations, and stealing the spotlight—all from the comfort of her backpack throne.
While Imperia has plenty of eateries, we decided to venture a bit further to Molini, a charming little area just outside the town. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, Molini feels like a hidden retreat. The restaurant, Ristorante Il Charlie di Ferrero Marinella, is located on a quaint street that exudes old-world charm. The area is calm and picturesque, with stone houses, winding paths, and the soothing sound of a nearby stream. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every meal feels like a celebration of local flavours and traditions.
Our adventurous detour to Molini was well worth it, and Gigia seemed to approve of the tranquil setting—though she was more interested in napping in her backpack than sampling the menu. Imperia and its surroundings may be known for their beauty and cuisine, but for Gigia, the real highlight was the attention she received—and the occasional leaf to bat at.
Eat & Drinks
Explore
Alassio
Alassio, Italy
What drew us to Alassio was the Molo di Alassio, an iconic pier that’s a must-visit spot in this charming coastal town. With its sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea and the lively marina, it’s the perfect place to soak in the Mediterranean vibe—and maybe daydream about owning a yacht (or at least a really nice fishing boat).
Gigia, ever the laid-back traveller, enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the Molo, her head poking out of her camper backpack like a kangaroo joey peeking out of its pouch. She surveyed the scene with her trademark regal calm, as if the sparkling sea and bustling atmosphere were all part of her royal itinerary. Whether she was people-watching or simply basking in the gentle sea breeze, Gigia proved that even the simplest stroll can be an adventure—especially when you’re a cat who knows how to travel in style.
Sanremo (IM)
Sanremo, Italy
Known as the “City of Flowers,” Sanremo is famous for its annual music festival, which has launched the careers of many Italian singers—though Gigia probably thought the performances were just humans yowling at each other. The town is also known for its casino and elegant Art Nouveau architecture, though Gigia wisely kept her distance from the roulette tables (because even a cat knows not to gamble with nine lives).
She gained a vantage view from the high point of the Santuario Diocesano Nostra Signora Assunta, surveying the town like a tiny queen. She even traced the steps of ancient Italians in the old town, probably wondering why they didn’t leave behind more cat-friendly monuments. (A statue of a giant scratching post, perhaps?)
Of course, no visit would be complete without pizza for lunch—because some traditions are sacred. We headed to Napul’é. Pizza, Cantina & Crudi di Mare, a charming spot with a stunning Seaview that made every bite taste even better. Gigia, ever the food critic, sat in my lap and inspected the menu with suspicion, her nose twitching as if to say, “Where’s the section for cats?” Though she seemed more interested in the seagulls flying by than the margherita, she still managed to steal a few admiring glances from the staff.
Sanremo’s charm and elegance provided the perfect backdrop for Gigia’s adventures, proving that even a city of flowers can bloom with feline flair. Whether she was people-watching from the sanctuary or pretending to ignore the seagulls at lunch, Gigia left her paw prints on this coastal gem—and maybe a few daydreams about that giant scratching post.
Valloria (IM)
Valloria, Italy
Tucked deep in the Ligurian hills, Valloria is known as the ‘Village of Painted Doors.’ Local artists have transformed the village by painting colourful murals on doors and walls, turning every corner into an open-air gallery. While the town is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer, our December visit meant we missed the purple haze—but not the charm. Gigia made sure she inspected every mural on the walls, doors, and alleyways, her tail flicking with curiosity as if she were a tiny art critic on a mission.
No visit to Valloria would be complete without leaving with local souvenirs. The village is known for its lavender products—like sachets and essential oils—and its olive oil, a staple of Ligurian cuisine. Valloria’s charm and creativity provided the perfect backdrop for Gigia’s adventures, proving that even a small village can leave a big impression—especially when there’s a cat in the mix.