Riviera di Ponente

The Riviera di Ponente (Western Riviera) between Genoa and the French border is gentler and more family-friendly than the wild east coast. Long sandy beaches, mild climate (Flower Riviera!), historic coastal towns.

Albenga ★★

Surprisingly well-preserved medieval old town with brick towers and an early Christian baptistery (5th century). The plain around Albenga is Liguria's vegetable garden — artichokes, tomatoes, basil.

Finale Ligure ★★

Two places in one: the medieval Finalborgo (one of the most beautiful Borghi in Italy) on the hill and the seaside resort Finale Marina down by the sea. Plus: Europe's best mountain biking terrain (the Finale Ligure Trail Center is legendary in the MTB scene).

Sanremo ★

The "City of Flowers" is known for the Festival della Canzone Italiana (in February — Italy's Eurovision pre-selection), the casino, and Belle Époque architecture. The Pista Ciclabile (cycle path on a former railway line, 24 km along the sea) is one of the most beautiful cycle paths in Liguria.