Brugnato
|
Latest page update: 25 May 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Brugnato
Brugnato has only a small number of places to stay, with accommodation in the village mostly made up of guesthouses rather than full-service hotels. For travellers who prefer established properties with stronger facilities and reliable guest feedback, the best selection is found in La Spezia, which offers a wider choice of well-reviewed hotels within easy driving distance of Brugnato.
In La Spezia, Hotel Firenze e Continentale stands out for its elegant rooms, professional service and convenient position close to the railway station and historic centre (€€€). CDH Hotel La Spezia provides another dependable option, appreciated for its comfortable rooms, helpful staff and central location near the waterfront (€€€). For a more modern style, The Poet Hotel offers contemporary interiors, welcoming hospitality and solid guest satisfaction, all within easy reach of shops, transport links and the harbour (€€€).
In La Spezia, Hotel Firenze e Continentale stands out for its elegant rooms, professional service and convenient position close to the railway station and historic centre (€€€). CDH Hotel La Spezia provides another dependable option, appreciated for its comfortable rooms, helpful staff and central location near the waterfront (€€€). For a more modern style, The Poet Hotel offers contemporary interiors, welcoming hospitality and solid guest satisfaction, all within easy reach of shops, transport links and the harbour (€€€).
Where is
Where is Brugnato?
|
The town of Brugnato is situated within the Province of La Spezia in Liguria and has a population of around 1,300 residents.
It stands at an elevation of 150 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Touring Club Italiano also include Brugnato in their own list of Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag) towns. |
Places of interest nearby include Pignone, Vezzano Ligure, the Cinque Terre and Deiva Marina.
Comune di Brugnato
|
Province: La Spezia
Region: Liguria Population: 1,276 (in 2024 - source) Size: 12 km² Elevation: 150 metres Highlights: Piazza Brosini, Romanesque Cathedral, clock tower Close by: Pignone, Vezzano Ligure, Cinque Terre, Deiva Marina Recommended accommodation: Hotel Al Terra di Mare (20 km) |
|
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Il Borgo a Forma di Tenaglia (The Claw-Shaped Village) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Since: 2006 1 of 15 in Liguria listed by Touring Club Italiano |
What People Ask About Brugnato, Liguria
Is Brugnato worth visiting?
Yes, Brugnato is worth visiting for its medieval walled centre, colourful houses, and location in the Vara Valley. It is recognised as one of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia and offers a quieter inland alternative to the Ligurian coast.
How do I get to Brugnato?
Brugnato is located about 20 km from La Spezia, close to the A12 motorway exit at Brugnato-Borghetto. The nearest train stations are in Levanto and La Spezia, from where the village can be reached by bus or car.
What are the main attractions in Brugnato?
Highlights include the medieval streets, the Cathedral of Saints Peter, Lawrence and Columbanus, and the old town walls. Brugnato is also home to festivals and events that celebrate local traditions and produce.
When is the best time to visit Brugnato?
The best time to visit Brugnato is in spring and early autumn, when the weather is ideal for exploring the historic centre and the surrounding countryside. Summer is also popular, with cultural events and village celebrations.
How long should I stay in Brugnato?
A half-day visit is usually enough to explore the medieval centre and main sights. Some travellers choose to stay longer, using Brugnato as a base for discovering the Vara Valley or visiting the nearby Cinque Terre.
Related links
Discover
Discover Brugnato
Brugnato is a small town in Liguria, situated in the Vara Valley between La Spezia and Levanto. It developed as a medieval settlement around its cathedral and bishop’s palace, reflecting its importance as an ecclesiastical centre in the region. The old town preserves a compact historic core with narrow streets, stone houses, and remnants of defensive walls that hint at its past strategic role.
Visitors can explore the Cathedral of Saints Peter, Lawrence and Columbanus, which dates back to the 12th century, along with a number of chapels and convent buildings. Brugnato is also known as a point on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route, with paths leading into the surrounding hills and countryside. The nearby outlet village provides modern shopping, offering a contrast to the historic setting.
Visitors can explore the Cathedral of Saints Peter, Lawrence and Columbanus, which dates back to the 12th century, along with a number of chapels and convent buildings. Brugnato is also known as a point on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route, with paths leading into the surrounding hills and countryside. The nearby outlet village provides modern shopping, offering a contrast to the historic setting.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Brugnato
- Centro Storico di Brugnato is laid out in a medieval grid, unique among Ligurian villages, with orderly streets and pastel-coloured houses. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and hidden courtyards. Decorative façades and arches add character. Walking here offers a quiet glimpse of traditional village life.
- Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro, Lorenzo e Colombano stands as Brugnato’s main church, originally a Benedictine abbey. The building combines Romanesque and baroque features. Inside are marble altars and religious artworks. It remains central to village events and religious observances.
- Ponte Romano di Brugnato crosses the Vara river and is a reminder of the village’s strategic importance along ancient routes. The stone arches are simple but elegant. The bridge connects the village to paths into the green Vara valley. It’s a pleasant spot for a short walk or a photo stop.
- Piazza Brosini is the heart of Brugnato’s social life, surrounded by arcades and colourful buildings. Locals gather here for markets and small festivals. Outdoor tables from cafés and bars fill the square. It’s an ideal place to sit and watch village life unfold.
- Local food tastings in Brugnato introduce visitors to Ligurian specialities like focaccia, cheeses, and salumi. Small shops and producers often offer samples and explanations. Tastings sometimes include wines from the hills around the village. It’s a delicious way to discover regional flavours.
Tours and Activities
Brugnato Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Brugnato Photo Gallery
Liguria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Brugnato
By Rail: Brugnato does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in La Spezia, about 25 kilometres away, on the Genoa–Pisa line operated by Trenitalia. From Genoa, trains to La Spezia take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, while from Pisa the journey is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From La Spezia, Brugnato can be reached in about 30 minutes by car or local bus.
By Road: Brugnato is located in the Vara Valley, in the province of La Spezia. From La Spezia, the distance is about 25 kilometres, with a driving time of around 30 minutes via the A12 motorway. From Genoa, the journey is approximately 85 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the main access roads.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Brugnato is located in the Vara Valley, in the province of La Spezia. From La Spezia, the distance is about 25 kilometres, with a driving time of around 30 minutes via the A12 motorway. From Genoa, the journey is approximately 85 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the main access roads.
Nearest International Airports:
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: About 95 kilometres from Brugnato, with a drive of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The closest major airport, offering extensive domestic and international flights.
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: Approximately 100 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Provides domestic and European services.
- Florence Peretola Airport: Roughly 160 kilometres from Brugnato, taking about 2 hours by car. Offers a wide range of domestic and international connections.
Private Transfers
Brugnato Private Transfers
A private transfer to Brugnato provides a straightforward way to travel, avoiding the need for changes on public transport or driving winding inland roads. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination in comfort.
From Brugnato, Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) is around 95 km away, with a journey time of about 1 hour 20 minutes. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport lies approximately 100 km to the northwest, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. Florence Airport (Peretola) is around 160 km away, with a travel time of just over 2 hours. The nearby city of La Spezia can be reached in 25 minutes, while Levanto is about 30 minutes by road.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Brugnato, Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) is around 95 km away, with a journey time of about 1 hour 20 minutes. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport lies approximately 100 km to the northwest, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. Florence Airport (Peretola) is around 160 km away, with a travel time of just over 2 hours. The nearby city of La Spezia can be reached in 25 minutes, while Levanto is about 30 minutes by road.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

