DISCOVERING THE TERRITORY
From Liguria to Piedmont
Marina di Varazze is set in the narrow strip of coastline between the mountains and the sea, offering guests the chance to discover local beauty spots in either Liguria or southern Piedmont, both of which pride themselves on their fine food & wine.
Genova, the “Superba”
The Marina is just half an hour by car from Genoa, where you can visit the Museo del Mare, the Aquarium, the Lanterna (Genoa’s iconic lighthouse), the Palazzo Ducale and Carlo Felice Theatre. Boccadasse deserves a special mention. This storied fishing village offers a unique atmosphere and some spectacular views. History lovers can visit dozens of monuments, historical buildings and churches, the most important and oldest of which are located in the old town, where the characteristic lanes with their multi-ethnic atmosphere represent a fine showcase for local traditions and culture.
In Arenzano, the Santuario del Bambino di Praga (Shrine of the Infant of Prague). To the west, Priamar Fort in Savona
To the east of the Marina, the Shrine of the Infant of Prague in Arenzano is well worth a visit, while a few kilometers to the west, in Savona, are the Sistina Chapel and Priamar Fort, where operas and other events are often staged. Of particular interest is the Santuario della Madonna della Misericordia [Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy]. Also nearby is the medieval town of Noli.
Taste Culture
Focaccia, pesto, oil and olives form part of the region’s culinary tradition. Well worth a visit to find out about the origins and history of these products is the Museo dell’Olivo e dell’Olio (Olive Tree Museum) in Imperia.
Beigua Nature Park / Unesco Global Geopark
The mountain that overlooks the Marina hides a fascinating natural park. Sports lovers can go horse riding, canyoning, running, cycling and much more, or alternatively stay overnight in one of the Park’s mountain huts and enjoy the local dishes on offer.
Step into prehistory in Toirano
Visitors with an interest in the underground world of caves will want to make the short trip to the Toirano cave complex. A tour that all the family will enjoy.
Truffles and wine in the Langhe area of Piedmont
A short trip to southern Piedmont takes you to the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato area, where your visit cannot fail to explore not only the local culture, but also the fine food & wine the area is famous for. Here the local fare is graced by the area’s celebrated truffles and accompanied by wines like Barbera, Barbaresco, Dolcetto and Dogliani. It is home to numerous parks, gardens and wonderful towns steeped in history and tradition, not least the medieval Castiglione Falletto, Castello di Monticello d’Alba, and the Bosco dei Pensieri in the Fontanafredda Royal Estate, with its 250 acres of vineyards.
A trip to Mondovì offers the bravest visitors the chance to enjoy a view of the area from the sky… in a hot air balloon!