Visit Alassio Italy: Beaches and Local Cuisine

Welcome to Alassio, a picturesque seaside resort nestled along the stunning Italian Riviera. This charming coastal town in Liguria, Italy, blends sandy beaches, laid-back vibes, and a touch of Riviera glam that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a full Mediterranean recharge, Alassio serves up the perfect mix of slow days, good food, and sun-kissed adventures. Halfway between an aperitivo and a dip in the sea, you’ll find unforgettable Liguria wine tours, seafood feasts with a sea view, and strolls down the iconic Budello di Alassio shopping street. Add a visit to the quirky Muretto wall signed by Ernest Hemingway, a few scoops of artisanal gelato, and a lazy afternoon on the sand—and you’ve got yourself a proper taste of Ligurian life.

Visit Alassio: What are the best things to do

Wander the iconic streets

Wander down the Budello di Alassio and you’ll see why it’s the beating heart of the town. This narrow, cobbled street stretches just behind the seafront and is packed with boutique shops, gelato stands, and cute little cafés where locals sip espresso like it’s a ritual. It’s not just for window shopping, grab a box of Baci di Alassio, the town’s decadent chocolate-hazelnut kisses, and snack as you stroll.

Explore the Muretto di Alassio

Don’t miss the Muretto di Alassio, one of the town’s quirkiest and most beloved landmarks. This low, colorful wall is lined with ceramic tiles signed by artists, musicians, and movie stars, from Ernest Hemingway to contemporary Italian celebs. It all started back in the 1950s as a playful idea by writer Mario Berrino and quickly became a symbol of Alassio’s romantic, slightly bohemian soul.

Visit the Gardens of Villa della Pergola

Step into a postcard at the Gardens of Villa della Pergola, where lemon trees, wisteria tunnels, and sea views collide in the dreamiest way possible. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, your phone stays in your pocket (except for the “wow” photos), and everything smells like spring, even in autumn.

Follow the light to Alassio’s heart

There’s something cinematic about the view from the mole stretching into Alassio’s bay, the curve of the coast, the soft golden light, and the pastel buildings waiting at the end like a promise. Whether you’re catching the first morning breeze or soaking in a fiery Ligurian sunset, this seaside promenade offers one of the town’s most serene, soul-stirring perspectives. It’s not just a walkway, it’s an invitation to slow down and let Alassio’s beauty guide you in.

Step into Alassio’s elegant past at City Hall

Alassio’s City Hall is a glimpse into the town’s refined, historic soul. Housed in a beautiful early 20th-century villa, the building charms with its stately architecture, sweeping staircase, and intricate interiors. Outside, the small plaza and surrounding streets feel like classic Alassio: warm, welcoming, and quietly sophisticated. Stop by as you explore the town, it’s one of those places that adds a subtle layer of elegance to your stroll.

Climb through time at Saracen Tower

Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea, Alassio’s Saracen Tower is a striking reminder of the town’s medieval past. Built to defend the coast from pirate raids, this historic watchtower now stands as a peaceful symbol of resilience and charm. Located in the picturesque hamlet of Laigueglia, just a stone’s throw from Alassio’s beach promenade, the tower offers one of the best panoramic views on the Riviera. It’s the perfect photo stop, and a great excuse to pause your beach day for a little adventure.

Visit Alassio: What are the best things to do around

Head to Albenga

Just a quick cruise west of Alassio, Albenga flips the script with a mix of medieval drama and relaxed Riviera charm. Think fewer beach umbrellas, more ancient towers. This town swaps flip-flops for cobblestones, perfect for a change of pace when you’ve had your fill of sunbathing. Stroll through alleys lined with gelato shops and old-school bakeries, snap a few shots of those epic Roman ruins, then grab a bite in a piazza where time moves a little slower. It’s not a history lesson, it’s a vibe. Albenga’s flat terrain makes it easy on the legs and great for wandering aimlessly (the best kind of travel, let’s be honest).

Explore the fishing village of Laigueglia

Just a short hop from Alassio, Laigueglia feels like a secret whispered along the coast. This small fishing village pairs pastel-painted houses with peaceful beaches and scenic walking trails that wrap around the bay. With fewer crowds and a more local vibe than its glitzier neighbor, it’s the perfect place to wander barefoot along the sand, sip an espresso in a tucked-away piazza, or simply watch the fishing boats drift by. If Alassio is the Riviera’s socialite, Laigueglia is its poet, quiet, sun-kissed, and effortlessly charming.

Dive into the charm of Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is more than just a beach town, it’s a laid-back Italian escape with layers of personality. Along the Riviera di Ponente, it mixes golden coastlines, medieval alleys, limestone cliffs, and a taste for the good life. Start your day with a cappuccino by the sea, spend the afternoon wandering Finalborgo’s stone streets, and finish with local pesto and a glass of Ligurian wine as the sun melts into the Mediterranean. From mountain biking trails to seaside aperitivi, Finale Ligure is where Italy slows down in the best way possible.

Read our latest guide and visit Finale Ligure to complete your trip!

Stroll through elegant Bordighera

Set between sea and mountains near the French border, Bordighera blends effortless Riviera charm with a hint of artistic flair. Palm trees sway along the waterfront promenade, pastel villas peek through lush gardens, and the town’s old quarter invites long, lazy walks. Grab a cone of artisan gelato, explore Monet’s favorite views, and let the relaxed vibe wash over you. If you’re chasing authentic Ligurian moments, Bordighera is a scenic stop worth slowing down for, and an ideal base to kick off Liguria wine tours along the coast.

Discover more and visit Bordighera Italy to enjoy an entire Italian experience.

Experience the artistic streets of Cervo

About 18.5 miles from Alassio but a world away in vibe, Cervo is a hilltop village that feels like a movie set (but quieter, with better seafood). Perched above the Ligurian Sea, it’s a dream for anyone chasing that perfect mix of cobblestone drama, baroque beauty, and sea breeze. Lose yourself in tiny alleys that lead to panoramic views, pop into quirky galleries, or time your visit with one of Cervo’s famous music festivals. It’s romantic, it’s artsy, and yes, it’s absolutely worth the climb. Wrap it all up with a coastal walk and a glass of local wine by the sea.

Good to know before visiting Alassio