Laigueglia
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Latest page update: 25 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Laigueglia
Laigueglia has a charming but modest selection of established hotels, in keeping with its character as one of Liguria’s most authentic seaside villages. Accommodation here focuses on relaxed stays close to the seafront, with properties that offer convenient access to the beach, promenade and narrow historic streets. Standards are steady, and the best-reviewed hotels place emphasis on location, hospitality and a traditional Riviera atmosphere.
Among the leading options, Hotel Mediterraneo offers a central seafront stay with comfortable rooms and positive feedback for service and convenience (€€€). Hotel Aquilia, close to the promenade, provides a welcoming atmosphere, clean rooms and steady guest satisfaction for value and location (€€). For those seeking a little more comfort, Hotel Ambassador offers well-maintained rooms, sea views and a good reputation for hospitality and proximity to the beach (€€€).
Among the leading options, Hotel Mediterraneo offers a central seafront stay with comfortable rooms and positive feedback for service and convenience (€€€). Hotel Aquilia, close to the promenade, provides a welcoming atmosphere, clean rooms and steady guest satisfaction for value and location (€€). For those seeking a little more comfort, Hotel Ambassador offers well-maintained rooms, sea views and a good reputation for hospitality and proximity to the beach (€€€).
Where is
Where is Laigueglia?
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The small seaside town of Laigueglia is situated along the Riviera di Ponente in the northern Italian coastal region of Liguria.
Laigueglia is an all out assault on the senses, a riot of colour, picture-postcard location with a little bit of everything. When you look at the name and try to pronounce it you'd be excused for getting it wrong but it's something like "LIE GWELLIA". |
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Located along the main SS1 highway that runs along the coastline, a motorway exit close by and a train station, it couldn't be easier to get to although parking can be difficult during July and August.
Once you get there you'll find narrow, winding streets with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you interested if the attractions of the golden, sandy beach are not interest enough.
As with so many places in Liguria you'll find multi-coloured buildings as well as its iconic landmark, Torrione del Cavallo, a small watchtower.
Once you get there you'll find narrow, winding streets with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you interested if the attractions of the golden, sandy beach are not interest enough.
As with so many places in Liguria you'll find multi-coloured buildings as well as its iconic landmark, Torrione del Cavallo, a small watchtower.
Comune di Laigueglia
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Piazzette al Mare (Little Piazzas on the Sea)
Listing headline: Piazzette al Mare (Little Piazzas on the Sea)
What People Ask About Laigueglia, Liguria
Is Laigueglia worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Laigueglia?
How do I get to Laigueglia?
What is Laigueglia known for?
When is the best time to visit Laigueglia?
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Discover
Discover Laigueglia
Laigueglia is a coastal town in Liguria, positioned on the Riviera di Ponente between Alassio and Andora. It is set along a wide curve of the Ligurian Sea, with a sandy beach stretching the length of the town and a seafront promenade that defines its maritime character. The settlement rises gently towards the hills behind, where green slopes provide a natural backdrop to the compact historic centre.
The old town is characterised by narrow alleys, pastel-coloured houses and the striking Church of San Matteo, whose twin bell towers dominate the skyline. Fishing traditions remain part of local life, reflected in events and cuisine, while the town’s layout preserves its medieval origins. Laigueglia is well connected to the coastal routes linking Savona and Imperia, with its location offering access to both nearby resorts and the inland valleys of western Liguria.
The old town is characterised by narrow alleys, pastel-coloured houses and the striking Church of San Matteo, whose twin bell towers dominate the skyline. Fishing traditions remain part of local life, reflected in events and cuisine, while the town’s layout preserves its medieval origins. Laigueglia is well connected to the coastal routes linking Savona and Imperia, with its location offering access to both nearby resorts and the inland valleys of western Liguria.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Laigueglia
- Church of San Matteo is one of the most striking buildings in the town, with its twin Baroque bell towers facing the sea. Inside, it houses paintings and decorative altars from the 17th and 18th centuries. The church stands at the heart of the historic centre, close to the seafront promenade.
- Laigueglia old town is a compact area of pastel-coloured houses, narrow alleys and vaulted passageways. Once a fishing and coral-harvesting village, it retains its maritime character. The seafront piazza and small harbour are popular spots for evening walks and summer events.
- Laigueglia beach stretches for over a kilometre and is known for its fine sand and shallow water. It’s one of the more family-friendly beaches on the Ligurian coast, with gentle waves and lifeguard supervision in summer. The beach is lined with both free areas and private lidos.
- Sailing and sea kayaking are popular activities, with local clubs and rental services operating during the warmer months. The calm waters of the bay make it ideal for beginners, and guided tours explore nearby coves and rocky sections of coastline. Sunset outings are especially recommended.
- Hiking routes to Colla Micheri offer elevated views over the coast and lead to a historic hamlet once visited by explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The trail passes Mediterranean scrubland, pine woods and terraced hillsides. It’s a gentle walk of around an hour from the centre of Laigueglia.
Tours and Activities
Laigueglia Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Laigueglia
- Ristorante La Gritta: Specialising in fresh seafood, this restaurant offers a variety of Ligurian dishes with a focus on local fish and shellfish. Located near the beach, it provides a lovely atmosphere with sea views, perfect for a relaxed meal. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- Trattoria I Belli: Known for its traditional Ligurian cuisine, Trattoria I Belli serves a variety of local dishes, including homemade pasta and fresh seafood. Situated in the heart of Laigueglia, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- Ristorante Vento di Ponente: This restaurant is celebrated for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. With a charming setting near the seafront, it offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a delightful meal with views of the Ligurian coast. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- La Locanda di Albi: Offering a blend of Italian and Ligurian cuisine, this cosy restaurant is known for its delicious seafood and pasta dishes. Located in a quiet part of Laigueglia, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for a more intimate dining experience. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- Ristorante Il Castello: Combining traditional Ligurian and Italian dishes, Ristorante Il Castello is known for its fresh ingredients and excellent service. Situated on a charming street near the town centre, it offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
Photo Gallery
Laigueglia Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Laigueglia
- Alassio (approx. 5 km west of Laigueglia): A lively seaside town, Alassio is famous for its long sandy beaches and vibrant atmosphere. The Muretto di Alassio, a wall covered in tiles signed by celebrities, is one of the town’s highlights. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade or explore the historic centre, which offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Celle Ligure (approx. 10 km east of Laigueglia): A peaceful coastal town with a relaxed vibe, Celle Ligure offers a long, sandy beach and a charming historic centre with narrow streets, local shops, and cafes. The town is perfect for a quiet day by the sea, with opportunities to enjoy both the beach and the surrounding hills.
- Albenga (approx. 15 km west of Laigueglia): Known for its rich Roman heritage, Albenga is home to the Battistero di San Giovanni and the Cathedral of San Michele. The town’s historic centre is full of ancient buildings, narrow streets, and quaint squares. Albenga is a great place to wander around, taking in the mix of history and local charm.
- Varazze (approx. 20 km west of Laigueglia): A popular seaside town with a lovely beach and a scenic promenade, Varazze is ideal for both relaxation and outdoor activities. The town’s historic centre features narrow streets lined with cafes and shops, while the Passeggiata Romana, a coastal walkway, offers stunning views of the Ligurian Sea.
- Noli (approx. 25 km southeast of Laigueglia): A charming medieval town with a beautiful beach, Noli offers a peaceful retreat. The Castello di Noli provides panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, and the town’s narrow streets, lined with colourful houses, create a picturesque and serene atmosphere. It’s a great destination for history lovers and those seeking a tranquil coastal escape.
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 Laigueglia
By Rail: Laigueglia has its own train station on the Genoa–Ventimiglia railway line, served by Trenitalia regional trains. The station provides direct connections to Albenga, Savona, and Genoa. Travel times are approximately 10 minutes to Albenga, 45 minutes to Savona, and 1 hour and 30 minutes to Genoa. The station is located close to the beach and within easy walking distance of the town centre.
By Road: Laigueglia is situated along the Ligurian coast between Alassio and Andora. It is accessible via the A10 motorway, with the nearest exits at Albenga and Andora. The drive from Genoa takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while Nice can be reached in around 2 hours. Public parking is available near the seafront and in designated areas above the town.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Laigueglia is situated along the Ligurian coast between Alassio and Andora. It is accessible via the A10 motorway, with the nearest exits at Albenga and Andora. The drive from Genoa takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while Nice can be reached in around 2 hours. Public parking is available near the seafront and in designated areas above the town.
Nearest International Airports:
- Genoa Airport (Aeroporto di Genova Cristoforo Colombo): Located about 95 kilometres north-east of Laigueglia, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The airport provides regular domestic and European flights.
- Nice Airport (Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur): Around 120 kilometres west, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours by car. This is one of the busiest airports in the region, offering a wide range of international routes.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano Linate): Approximately 200 kilometres north, the journey by car takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Private Transfers
Laigueglia Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a direct and convenient way to reach Laigueglia or to continue your journey elsewhere along the Ligurian coast. You’ll be collected from the location you choose and driven straight to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to organise connections or manage your own transport.
From Laigueglia, transfers provide easy links to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, with longer services also available to Milan Malpensa Airport. They are equally useful for shorter coastal trips to nearby towns such as Alassio, Albenga, and Finale Ligure, or for travelling further west to Monaco and the French Riviera.
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 Laigueglia, transfers provide easy links to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, with longer services also available to Milan Malpensa Airport. They are equally useful for shorter coastal trips to nearby towns such as Alassio, Albenga, and Finale Ligure, or for travelling further west to Monaco and the French Riviera.
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.
