Riviera di Ponente: 7 Beautiful Towns to Visit on Italy's Western Riviera

The Riviera di Ponente is the western half of the Italian Riviera, stretching from the city of Genoa towards the French border. While many travellers head straight for the famous villages of Cinque Terre or Portofino, this part of Liguria remains one of northern Italy's best-kept secrets. Here, colourful seaside towns sit beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, medieval villages perch on the hillsides, and long sandy beaches alternate with hidden coves and scenic coastal walks. The Riviera di Ponente also enjoys one of the mildest climates in Italy, making it a wonderful destination not only in summer but also in spring, autumn, and even winter, when many European seaside resorts become quiet.

In this guide, I'll take you on my favourite route along the Riviera di Ponente, starting in Finale Ligure and ending in Sanremo near the French border. Along the way, I'll share the towns I think are truly worth visiting, from medieval villages and beautiful beaches to panoramic viewpoints and historic centres. You'll also find practical tips on how to get around, where to stay, how many days to plan, and how much to budget for your trip. I hope this guide helps you discover a part of Liguria that often gets overlooked, despite being home to some of the region's most beautiful beaches, charming historic towns, and spectacular coastal scenery. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, this helps me keep this site running.

When people think of the Italian Riviera, they usually picture Cinque Terre or Portofino. While both are undeniably beautiful, they also attract huge crowds, especially from late spring to early autumn. The Riviera di Ponente offers a different experience. The towns are generally quieter, the atmosphere feels more relaxed, and it's much easier to enjoy the coastline without constantly navigating busy streets or waiting for the perfect photo spot.

Another reason I keep coming back is the beaches. Unlike Cinque Terre, where many beaches are small, rocky, or difficult to reach, the Riviera di Ponente is known for its long stretches of sand and wide, well-equipped beaches. Along the Riviera di Ponente, you'll find everything from lively beach clubs to quiet coves and long stretches of sand where you can easily spend an entire afternoon by the sea.

One of the biggest advantages of the Riviera di Ponente is its location. It sits between Genoa and the French Riviera, making it an easy addition to a longer northern Italy itinerary. We've visited this part of Liguria several times, combining it with destinations such as Cinque Terre and the Côte d'Azur, and it works surprisingly well as a stopover between Milan and Nice. If you're arriving on a cruise in Genoa, you can also visit several of these towns on a day trip, thanks to the excellent railway that runs along the coastline.

The Riviera di Ponente is well connected to the rest of Italy and easy to reach by plane, train, or car. Here are the most convenient options.

By plane. The nearest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, located about an hour's drive from Finale Ligure. If you're planning to explore the western part of the Riviera di Ponente or continue into France, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is another excellent option. You can also fly into Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, or Bergamo Airport and continue by train.

By train. Travelling by train is one of the most convenient ways to reach the Riviera di Ponente. Finale Ligure, Pietra Ligure, Albenga, Alassio, and Sanremo all have railway stations served by regional and Intercity trains. The only town in this guide without a station is Varigotti, which is easily reached by bus from Finale Ligure.

By car. A car gives you more flexibility if you'd like to explore the inland villages or stop at scenic viewpoints along the coast. That said, it's not essential for this itinerary. We travelled almost entirely by train and local bus, and found public transport reliable and easy to use.

The Riviera di Ponente is one of those destinations that easily fits into almost any itinerary. Thanks to the short distances between towns and the excellent railway running along the coast, you can see quite a lot in just a couple of days. At the same time, spending longer here gives you the chance to slow down, discover quieter corners of the coastline, and enjoy the beaches without rushing from one place to another.

If you only have 1 day, choose just one destination. Sanremo is the best option if you'd like to explore historic streets, elegant architecture, gardens, and the famous seafront. If your priority is a relaxing day by the sea, I'd recommend Finale Ligure or Pietra Ligure, both of which combine beautiful sandy beaches with charming old towns and plenty of cafés and restaurants. These towns also make excellent day trips if you're arriving in Genoa on a cruise ship.

If you have 2 days, I'd recommend concentrating on the eastern part of the Riviera di Ponente. Finale Ligure, Finalborgo, Varigotti, Borgio Verezzi, and Pietra Ligure are all located close together, making them easy to explore without spending too much time travelling.

With 3–4 days, continue west to Albenga and Alassio. Both towns have a completely different character from Finale Ligure and are well worth adding to your itinerary. This gives you enough time to explore the historic centres, enjoy the beaches, and stop for long lunches without feeling rushed.

If you have 5–7 days, continue all the way to Sanremo and explore the Riviera di Ponente at a much more relaxed pace. You'll have time to visit every town in this guide, stop at scenic viewpoints along the coast, spend a few afternoons on the beach, and enjoy some of the beautiful drives between the different destinations. In my opinion, a week is the perfect amount of time to experience this part of Liguria properly.

The Riviera di Ponente stretches for more than 200 kilometres, but you don't need to visit every town to experience its charm. This route follows my favourite stretch of the coastline, starting in Finale Ligure and ending in Sanremo. Each stop has its own character, from medieval villages and colourful fishing hamlets to elegant seaside resorts and wide sandy beaches.

Finale Ligure is one of my favourite stops along the Riviera di Ponente because it offers a little bit of everything. You can spend the morning on one of the best beaches on the Ligurian coast, wander through a beautifully preserved medieval town in the afternoon, and finish the day with panoramic views from an old fortress. Although Finale Ligure is officially made up of several districts, the two you'll most likely visit are Finale Marina and Finalborgo, both connected by a pleasant 15–20 minute walk.

I'd recommend starting in Finale Marina, especially if you're arriving by train, as the railway station is just a few minutes from the seafront. The beach here is one of the widest and most comfortable on the Riviera di Ponente, with a mix of private lidos offering sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as free public beach areas where you can simply lay down your towel. The palm-lined promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea if you'd like to stop for lunch or an afternoon coffee.

From the beach, walk inland to Finalborgo, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Liguria and officially listed among I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages). Surrounded by well-preserved town walls, its narrow cobbled streets are filled with small boutiques, cafés, and colourful historic buildings. Don't miss Porta Reale, the impressive entrance gate to the old town, and the Archaeological Museum of Finale, which tells the story of the region from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

If you don't mind a short uphill walk, continue to Forte San Giovanni. The climb takes around 20–30 minutes and rewards you with fantastic views over Finalborgo, the coastline, and the surrounding hills. In my opinion, it's one of the best viewpoints in this part of Liguria and well worth the effort.

Just a few kilometres west of Finale Ligure lies Varigotti, a charming seaside village with colourful houses, a small historic centre, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera di Ponente. Although the village itself is worth a short stroll, most visitors come here for its coastline, especially the famous Baia dei Saraceni.

Baia dei Saraceni is undoubtedly one of the most scenic beaches in Liguria. Surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water, it feels much wilder than the organised beaches you'll find elsewhere along the coast. To reach it, you'll need to walk through a dedicated pedestrian tunnel before following a short path down to the beach. The beach itself is covered with large pebbles, there are no beach clubs or facilities, and it isn't the easiest place to spend an entire day. However, if you're looking for spectacular scenery and some of the clearest water on the Ligurian coast, it's absolutely worth the effort.

For a more comfortable beach day, stay in Varigotti itself. The village's main beach offers beach clubs, sunbeds, cafés, restaurants, and everything you need for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. I see Baia dei Saraceni as a place to visit for its breathtaking landscape rather than for comfort.

Varigotti doesn't have its own railway station, so the easiest way to get there is by bus from Finale Ligure. The journey only takes a few minutes, buses run regularly throughout the day, and tickets can be bought in advance at the tabacchi next to Finale Ligure railway station.

Borgio Verezzi is another stop that's well worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you enjoy historic villages and panoramic views. Like Finale Ligure, it consists of two distinct parts: the modern seaside town of Borgio, where the railway station is located, and the medieval hilltop village of Verezzi. Be prepared for a fairly steep uphill walk, but the views at the top are more than worth the effort.

The highlight is Verezzi, one of the most beautiful hill villages in Liguria. Its narrow stone alleyways, tiny squares, and old houses create a peaceful atmosphere that's completely different from the busy beaches below. As you wander through the village, you'll come across several terraces overlooking the Ligurian coast, making this one of my favourite viewpoints on the Riviera di Ponente.

Another interesting attraction is the Borgio Verezzi Caves (Grotte di Borgio Verezzi), home to one of the largest colourful cave systems in Italy. Guided tours take visitors through impressive underground chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral formations created over thousands of years.

While exploring the streets of Borgio and Verezzi, keep an eye out for the colourful street art scattered throughout the village. Murals and artistic details appear unexpectedly between the historic buildings.

Pietra Ligure was our base for exploring the Riviera di Ponente, and after spending almost a week here across several trips, it quickly became one of my favourite towns on the Ligurian coast. It combines a beautiful sandy beach, a lively seafront promenade, a charming historic centre, and an excellent selection of cafés and restaurants. Thanks to its convenient railway station, it's also one of the best places to stay if you're planning to explore the surrounding towns without renting a car.

Since I've already written a detailed guide to Pietra Ligure, I won't repeat everything here. Instead, I recommend reading my full article, where I cover the best things to do, beaches, restaurants, accommodation, and practical tips for planning your stay.

If you're looking for one of the best sandy beaches on the Riviera di Ponente, Alassio should definitely be on your itinerary. The beach stretches for around three kilometres and is one of the widest on the Ligurian coast, making it an excellent place to spend a relaxed day by the sea. Most of the waterfront is lined with beach clubs, cafés, and restaurants, although you'll also find sections of free beach.

Away from the seafront, take some time to wander through the Budello, Alassio's historic pedestrian street. Running parallel to the beach, it's lined with boutiques, gelato shops, cafés, and colourful buildings, making it a pleasant place for an evening stroll. Don't miss the Muretto di Alassio, the town's famous wall decorated with hundreds of ceramic tiles signed by artists, writers, actors, and other well-known figures from around the world. It's one of Alassio's best-known landmarks and a popular photo stop.

Before leaving, walk to the Torrione Saraceno, a 16th-century defensive tower overlooking the sea. Built to protect the coastline from pirate attacks, it's one of the town's oldest landmarks and a great spot to enjoy the coastal views.

Unlike many of the seaside resorts along the Riviera di Ponente, Albenga is a destination that feels much more historic than beach-focused. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre is one of the oldest in Liguria, with narrow cobbled streets, impressive towers, and centuries of history around almost every corner. If you enjoy exploring historic towns, Albenga is definitely worth a stop.

The highlight of our visit was the Baptistery of Albenga, one of the best-preserved early Christian baptisteries in northern Italy. Dating back to the 5th century, it's famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and remarkable state of preservation. Right next door is the Old Bishop's Palace, which now houses the Diocesan Museum. Together, these buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into Albenga's long religious and cultural history.

Even if you don't plan to visit the museums, take some time to wander through the historic centre. Albenga is often called the City of Towers, and its medieval skyline is unlike anywhere else on the Ligurian coast. Walking through the narrow streets and quiet piazzas feels completely different from the neighbouring beach towns, making Albenga one of the most unique stops on the Riviera di Ponente.

The final stop on this itinerary is Sanremo, the largest and most elegant town on the Riviera di Ponente. Best known for its famous music festival and historic casino, Sanremo has a completely different atmosphere from the smaller coastal towns you'll have visited along the way. Grand villas, palm-lined streets, luxury boutiques, and lively piazzas give it a distinctly Riviera feel.

One of the town's most recognisable landmarks is the Russian Orthodox Church, with its distinctive onion domes standing out against the Mediterranean skyline. Just a short walk away is the elegant Casino di Sanremo, one of the oldest casinos in Italy and a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture. Even if you don't plan to go inside, both buildings are worth seeing from the outside.

I also recommend spending some time strolling along the seafront promenade. It's a lovely place for a walk, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and gelato shops overlooking the sea. Although Sanremo has several beaches, I personally preferred spending my beach days in Pietra Ligure and came here mainly to explore the town itself.

Before leaving, wander through the shopping streets around the centre. Sanremo has one of the best selections of boutiques, local food shops, and souvenir stores on the Riviera di Ponente, making it a great place to pick up a few gifts before heading home.

After visiting every town in this guide, I realised there's no single "best" place to stay—it all depends on the kind of trip you're planning. Here's how I'd choose.

Pietra Ligure. If I came back to the Riviera di Ponente, I'd stay in Pietra Ligure again. We spent almost a week here and found it to be the perfect base, with a beautiful beach, a charming historic centre, excellent train connections, and plenty of restaurants within walking distance. If you're planning to stay in Pietra Ligure, don't miss my complete city guide, where I also review Hotel Jolly Roger and share more tips for visiting the town.

Finale Ligure. Choose Finale Ligure if you'd like to combine beach time with sightseeing, hiking, cycling, or climbing. It's also one of the easiest towns to explore by train and a great base for visiting nearby Varigotti and Borgio Verezzi.

Varigotti. Varigotti is ideal if you're looking for a slower pace and beautiful beaches. Since the village doesn't have a railway station, I'd mainly recommend staying here if you're travelling by car.

Albenga. If you'd rather stay in a medieval old town than a beach resort, Albenga is the place to book. Its historic centre is full of narrow lanes, towers, cafés, and local shops, while both the beach and railway station are within walking distance.

Alassio. With one of the longest sandy beaches on the Ligurian coast, Alassio is a great choice if relaxing by the sea is your priority. It's particularly popular with families and anyone looking for a classic Italian beach resort.

Sanremo. Stay in Sanremo if you're planning to continue towards the French Riviera or simply prefer a larger town with more shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

One of the things I liked most about travelling around the Riviera di Ponente was how easy it was to move from one town to another. We explored almost the entire coastline without renting a car, and honestly, I wouldn't do it any differently next time. Unless you're planning to visit inland villages or stay in Varigotti, public transport is more than enough.

By train. For most travellers, the train is the best way to explore the Riviera di Ponente. Nearly every town in this guide has its own railway station. Regional trains run frequently throughout the day, and most journeys take less than 20 minutes. Since the stations are usually located close to the historic centres or the beach, you can simply step off the train and start exploring without needing another bus or taxi. We often visited two or even three towns in a single day, and travelling between them was quick and stress-free. One small tip: don't forget to validate your paper ticket before boarding if you're not using a digital ticket.

By bus. The only place in this itinerary that isn't served by the railway is Varigotti. We took the local bus from Finale Ligure, and it was much easier than I expected. The bus stop is close to the railway station, services run regularly throughout the day, and tickets can be bought at the tabacchi next to the station before boarding. The bus also saves you the hassle of finding parking in Varigotti during the busy summer months.

By car. Having a car gives you more flexibility, especially if you want to explore the hilltop villages, scenic viewpoints, or beaches away from the main railway line. It's also the most convenient option if you're planning to stay in Varigotti or Borgio Verezzi, where public transport is more limited. That said, driving along the Ligurian coast in summer isn't always as relaxing as it sounds. Roads can be busy, parking near the beaches fills up quickly, and many historic centres have limited traffic zones (ZTLs). For this particular itinerary, I'd happily choose the train again.

The Riviera di Ponente is a destination you can visit throughout the year, but the experience changes quite a bit from season to season. The best time depends on what you'd like to do.

For sightseeing. I'd recommend April, May, September, or October. The weather is usually warm enough for long walks, train journeys between towns, and exploring historic centres without the intense summer heat. It's also much easier to find accommodation, and the beaches are noticeably quieter.

For a beach holiday. June to early September is the best time for swimming and relaxing by the sea. Beach clubs are fully open, the water is warm, and the coastal towns have a lively atmosphere. July and August are the busiest months, so it's worth booking accommodation well in advance.

For fewer crowds. If you prefer a quieter trip, visit in late September, October, or even early spring. Many sunny days still feel warm enough for lunch by the sea or a stroll along the promenade, but you'll have much more space to enjoy the beaches and historic centres.

My favourite time to visit. Personally, I'd choose September. The sea is still warm after the summer, most restaurants and beach clubs remain open, and the Riviera feels much more relaxed than it does in July or August. For me, it's the perfect balance between beach weather and comfortable sightseeing.

Compared to some of Italy's better-known coastal destinations, I found the Riviera di Ponente to be surprisingly affordable. By staying in Pietra Ligure, travelling by train, and mixing restaurant meals with quick lunches or focaccia from local bakeries, it's easy to keep your budget under control.

Accommodation:

• Budget B&B or guesthouse: €70–120 per night
• Mid-range hotel: €120–220 per night
• Seafront hotels and resorts: from €250 per night in summer

Prices are generally highest in July and August, so booking a few months in advance is well worth it.

Transport. Regional train tickets between neighbouring towns usually cost €3–8, making day trips both easy and affordable. If you're arriving by car, keep in mind that motorway tolls and parking can add to your daily budget, especially during the summer season.

Food & Drinks

• Espresso: €1.20–2
• Gelato: €3–5
• Pizza or pasta: €10–18
• Dinner in a mid-range restaurant: €20–40 per person

One of my favourite ways to save money was picking up fresh focaccia or pizza by the slice from local bakeries for lunch.

Beaches. Most towns offer both private beach clubs and free public beaches (spiaggia libera). Renting two sunbeds and an umbrella usually costs €25–40 per day, depending on the location and season. If you're travelling on a budget, the free beaches are an excellent alternative.

If you're looking for the best value, I'd recommend staying in Pietra Ligure and using regional trains to explore the rest of the coast. We found it much more affordable than changing hotels every night, and the excellent train connections made day trips incredibly easy.

Before my first trip, I honestly didn't know much about the Riviera di Ponente. However, after spending time here, however, it quickly became one of my favourite parts of the Ligurian coast. What I love most is the variety. Within a relatively short stretch of coastline, you can spend the morning wandering through medieval streets, enjoy an afternoon on the beach, watch the sunset from a hilltop village, and finish the day with fresh seafood overlooking the sea. Each town has its own character, so no two stops feel the same.

If you're looking for a beautiful coastal destination that's easy to explore and feels a little less crowded than some of Italy's most famous seaside towns, I can wholeheartedly recommend adding the Riviera di Ponente to your itinerary. I certainly know I'll be back.