Liguria, though not as flashy as the Côte d’Azur, is just as stunning—and a lot easier on the wallet. This coastal gem boasts colorful villages, dramatic cliffs, and culinary treasures like pesto and olive oil (though Gigia was more interested in the sunbeams than the sauces). From the majestic Santuario Diocesano Nostra Signora Assunta in San Remo, the “singing capital of Italy,” to the artsy streets of Valloria, Gigia explored it all.
She inspected the murals with the seriousness of an art critic (though her critiques mostly involved paw taps and tail swishes), strolled along the beach walls of Imperia like a tiny tourist, and even enjoyed a scenic lookout from the Molo di Alassio, where she gazed at the horizon as if planning her next great adventure—or maybe just her next nap.
Liguria may be famous for its pesto, but Gigia proved it’s also a paradise for cats who love sunbathing, sightseeing, and stealing the spotlight. Whether she was posing for photos or plotting her next escapade, Gigia left her paw prints on this coastal haven—and maybe a few fish-shaped daydreams.
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.
Others
Comune di Cipressa, a charming coastal town in Italy’s Liguria region, is known for its welcoming atmosphere for pets and their owners. The town features scenic walking trails, pet-friendly accommodations, and open spaces where dogs can roam freely. Many local cafés and restaurants also cater to pet owners, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with their furry companions.
Cipressa’s proximity to the Ligurian Sea provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, including pet-friendly beaches where dogs can enjoy the sun and surf. With a relaxed and pet-conscious community, Cipressa ensures a stress-free experience for visitors exploring its picturesque streets and breathtaking coastal views with their pets.
In addition to its beautiful landscapes, Comune di Cipressa hosts various pet-friendly events and activities throughout the year, fostering a sense of community among animal lovers. Many local businesses, from boutique shops to charming bed-and-breakfasts, welcome pets, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors. Whether strolling through the historic village, hiking scenic trails, or enjoying the coastal breeze,
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
Others
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.