Valle Impero
The olive groves dominate the “Dock of olive”, the Valle Impero, the largest of the West Liguria. Raising from Grande Mountain, the Impero stream, that draws its profile, runs out into the sea of Imperia. Perched villages, breathtaking views and the silver of the olive characterize the high part, where Chiusanico, Caravonica, Lucinasco, known for the church of St. Stephan and the lake, stand out. Down in the valley, the closest towns to the commercial development of the county town: Pontedassio, Borgomaro and Chiusavecchia. Since the Middle Ages, the olive is the featuring element of the valley; the Benedicte monks living in Chiusanico would have spread its cultivation in all the area. Climbing to the heights, Conio is known for its prestigious beans, Slow Food product. The State road 28, which is adjacent to a part of the valley, goes on to Col di Nava, passage of the Ligurian Alps that connect Valle Arroscia and Val Tanaro. Mountainous tourist center, Nava is famous for the lavender and the forts, remain of the Savoy and Napoleonic era.
Valle Arroscia
The territory of Arroscia ranges from the hundred meters of Ranzo to the over thousand meters of San Bernardo di Mendatica, passing through the crossroad of Pieve di Teco. The forests of Alta Valle Arroscia dominate the landscape, among which the luxuriant beech wood of Rezzo wood stands out. Starting point for panoramic excursions to Mongioie or Saccarello, where is the only ski resort of the West Liguria, Monesi, severely affected by the flood of 2016 and it is here that, next to Mendatica, the waterfalls of Arroscia can be admired. The valley is also rich in artistic and ethnographic routes, such as the widespread museum system “The Faces of Ubagu”, which combines all of the eleven municipalities. Gastronomy is linked to sheep farming, especially to the “white cuisine” based on poor and nutritious ingredients that recall the paths of the transhumance. Among the specialties, the brussu, the fermented ricotta and the Ormeasco, an altitude red wine produced in Pornassio, Montegrosso Pian Latte, Cosio and Mendatica.
Diano Marina
If you are looking for a seaside destination where to have fun and relax with your family, Diano Marina is the place where to choose. A long sandy beach and shadow waters, bathing establishments where to enjoy beach volleyball, surfing, canoeing and accommodation structures for all purses. In Roman times, Diano Marina was in the so-called “Iocus Bormani”, a station along the route connecting the Po Valley and Gallia. The name refers to an ancient cults in the woods replaced by the Latin one for the goddess Diana, whose reverb can be noticed in so many Diana place names. The story of Diano Marina is narrated in the local Civic Museum with the story of the earthenware recovered from the Roman ship sunk in front of the coast the First century AD. Destroyed by a severe earthquake in 1887, the current Diano Marina has a modern urban structure that makes the city one of the most well-known and sought-after tourist destinations, especially by visitors from north Europe, with a rich and varied calendar of events and festivals.
Diano Castello
A village steeped in history, is set in a scenic position. Overlooking the Golfo Dianese (Gulf of Diano), in ancient times it was the center of the Communitas diani, a semi-autonomous community within the Republic of Genoa. Its monuments are testimony to its medieval past and defense against the Saracens, a fascinating example being the lone, ancient underground storage tanks. Diano Castello hosts cultural activities and events, including traditional fairs, art and food.
Cervo
With its spectacular square overlooking the sea, Cervo is a gem layered with history. On the hilltop dominating the village, is Castello Clavesana (Clavesana Castle) which houses the Museo Etnografico (Ethnographic Museum), following steep narrow backstreets and passing artisan’s workshops you enter Piazza dei Corallini, with its unmistakable baroque church of San Giovanni Battista. An unique setting that plays to host to a variety of events including the International Chamber Music Festival and Cervo ti Strega, both which welcome famous artists every year.
Andora
Those who choose to spend the holidays in Andora chose the relaxation of comfortable equipped beaches, a sandy coast set between the panoramas of Capo Mele and Capo Mimosa and several facilities and places designed for the tourism, such as the small but fully equipped marina. From its ancient pas of maritime town, Andora preserves the typical defense tower, while in Borgata Castello there is the Paraxo, the beautiful medieval Castle and the church of St. James and St. Philip.
Laigueglia
A little gem close to Capo Mele, this is Laigueglia, which today preserves the fascinating aspect of maritime holiday destination. Sandy beaches, boats and fishermen’s nets, suggestive squares on the sea and a little alley for shopping. The defense tower speaks about a past rich in history, recalled every summer with the very awaited and spectacular event of the “Saracens landing”. But Laigueglia is also a city in faith, with its big and precious Church of St. Matthew, financed by the coral fishermen’s profits and with the double bell tower with the crosses directed to the Mistral and Libeccio. In the first hinterland, in Colla Micheri, Thor Heyerdal, the famous Norwegian explorer and anthropologist who travelled around the world on board of the Kon-Tiki, chose to retire and his grave is visible now. Laigueglia is also surprising for its events, numerous in summer and often dedicated to music, such as the PercFest, that celebrates percussions and the great jazz or Queste Piazze Davanti al Mare, a showcase of the Italian song writing.
