Top 10 Small Towns in Liguria You Should not Miss
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Liguria’s coastline is home to some of the most famous sights in Italy, from the colourful houses of Cinque Terre to the chic promenades of Portofino. But beyond the big names, the region is full of smaller, lesser-known towns that are just as worth exploring.
These towns offer a quieter, more immersive experience—whether you’re looking for beach days, hilltop views, or medieval lanes with barely a soul around. Here are ten small towns in Liguria that deserve a place on your itinerary. |
Dolceacqua, Liguria
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Finale Ligure
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One of the best all-round coastal towns in Liguria, Finale Ligure combines a long sandy beach with an elegant seafront promenade and a lively old town. It’s popular with cyclists, families, and anyone looking for a base with good facilities.
You can also visit the nearby Finalborgo area—an enclosed medieval quarter full of artisan shops and archways. The surrounding hills offer walking trails and panoramic views over the sea, while the nearby caves of Borgio Verezzi are a popular day trip. Visit Finale Ligure → |
Finale Ligure
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Tellaro
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Perched on the rocks near Lerici, Tellaro is often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
It’s small, quiet, and full of pink and orange houses tumbling towards the sea. The village has long attracted artists and writers, and it remains a peaceful escape with a local feel. There are no beaches in the traditional sense, but sunbathing spots on the rocks and access to the water make it a favourite with swimmers. Its size means it’s easy to explore in a couple of hours. Explore Tellaro → |
Tellaro, Liguria
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Cervo
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Built on a hill above the sea, Cervo is known for its baroque church and narrow streets that wind up through stone houses and small squares.
It hosts a well-known chamber music festival each summer, drawing musicians from across Europe. The views are excellent, and the town itself has been carefully preserved. Though small, it has a few excellent restaurants and galleries, and the walk up through the old streets is one of the highlights of a visit. Discover Cervo → |
Cervo, Liguria
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Noli
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Noli is a rare example of a Ligurian beach town that still has much of its medieval character intact.
There are towers, ancient gates, and remnants of the old walls still visible. It also has a working fishing fleet, giving the town a sense of everyday life alongside the summer buzz. With a small beach and a mix of local shops and restaurants, it’s ideal for a short stay or a day trip from nearby Finale Ligure or Varigotti. Get to know Noli → |
Noli, Liguria
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Apricale
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Apricale sits inland from the coast, close to the French border.
It’s a maze of staircases, stone alleys and painted doorways, with houses stacked dramatically along the hillside. The town often hosts art festivals and open-air performances in summer, making it a great place to visit in the warmer months. It’s also a good base for exploring the Nervia Valley, which is dotted with other small villages and scenic walking routes. Visit Apricale → |
Apricale, Liguria
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Dolceacqua
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This small town is best known for its stone bridge, made famous by Claude Monet. The Doria Castle overlooks the old quarter, and the narrow lanes are lined with wine bars and small restaurants.
Dolceacqua is also known for its local Rossese wine and makes an excellent day trip from the coast. The town has a strong cultural identity and hosts several events throughout the year, including food festivals and medieval-themed celebrations. Explore Dolceacqua → |
Dolceacqua, Liguria
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Camogli
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Camogli is a traditional fishing village with a deep harbour, striped church, and rows of painted buildings facing the sea.
There’s a pleasant pebble beach, and ferries run from here to San Fruttuoso and Portofino. It’s also one of the best places in Liguria for seafood, with plenty of waterfront restaurants. The seafront promenade and the tiny harbour make it a great place to stroll, and there are regular cultural events and food fairs. Discover Camogli → |
Camogli, Liguria
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Zoagli
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Zoagli is a small coastal town between Rapallo and Chiavari, known for its seafront promenade carved into the cliffs and its long-standing tradition of silk weaving.
The town has a small beach and clear water, making it popular with swimmers in the summer months. It's quieter than its neighbours, with a local feel and fewer crowds. The scenic walk along the coast offers views of the Tigullio Gulf, and the nearby hills provide access to panoramic trails and viewpoints. Say hello to Zoagli → |
Zoagli, Liguria
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Lerici
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Lerici combines a long promenade with a crescent beach and a castle overlooking the Gulf of Poets.
It has a slightly larger town feel than some others on this list, but still retains a slower pace. You can also reach Tellaro by walking along a coastal path, or take a boat to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre. The town has a strong literary history and offers plenty of cafés, boat trips, and local shops around the harbour. Get to know Lerici → |
Lerici, Liguria
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Moneglia
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Moneglia lies on the train line between Genoa and the Cinque Terre, making it a good alternative for travellers who want a quieter base nearby.
The beach is sandy and central, with a laid-back town behind it. Moneglia is also a good starting point for hikes into the nearby hills or along the coast. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of locals and visitors, and it’s well equipped for longer stays. Visit Moneglia → |
Moneglia, Liguria
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These towns show how much variety Liguria has beyond its most famous sights. From the coastal cliffs of Tellaro to the inland charm of Apricale, each offers something unique. Click through to explore each town in more detail and start planning your own journey through one of Italy’s most distinctive regions.
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