Alassio, the best sandy beach in Liguria ;)

Alassio is a town in West Liguria, close to Albenga and Laigueglia. Has a very important history and personally I think that it is one of the best places where to stay with kids in Liguria.

How to reach Alassio

Alassio is one of the biggest towns in Riviera of West Liguria. It means that it is very easy to reach it … both by car or by public transport.

• by car – using A10 motorway and by taking Alassio motorway exit. Or by using SS1 state road (Aurelia) that is very panoramic and offers a fantastic view on the Ligurian coast. More info here.
• by train – the Alassio train station is quite important and the majority of trains stop here. More info here.
• by bus – there is 40 bus line that connects Savona with Alassio, ticket 1,50€

 

History

The town was probably founded between the X and XI century. In the XI century, the town was bought by benedict monks from near Gallinara Island. In the XVI century became a part of the Republic of Genoa. In that period Alassio became a very important centre of the coral trade. Then the town became a part of French Emire and after its fall of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1861 became a part of United Italy. At the end of the XIX century, it became one of the most popular and important resorts of Italian Riviera. In the ’50s and ’60s of the XX century, it became popular as Sanremo and Portofino. In that period was created Alassio’s famous wall called muretto di Alassio. 

Things to see & do

When you arrive in Alassio you won’t have problems with finding its historical centre. It is very spectacular and located very close to the long and large beach. Actually, the historical centre is located on the beach 😉 its streets leading directly to the beach.

Budello

The main passage of the town is about 1 km long street that is composed of differently named streets (via Brennero, via Vittorio Veneto, via XX Settembre and via Antonio Gramsci). However, inhabitants of Alassio call it Budello (that means gut). The name comes from the particular longness of the street. Along the street, you will find shops, restaurants and bars. It is definitely the heart and commercial and touristic centre of the Alassio. 

Beach

As I’ve mentioned before, the historical centre of Alassio is located very close to the beach. SANDY beach 🙂 Personally, I think that it is the best sandy beach in the whole Liguria! The sand here is so thin, pale and soft that it really seems to be in an exotic country. The beach is as long as Alassio town and even longer. It is also very large and divided into public and private parts. Majority of private beaches offer many activities for kids. What is more, from Alassio are organised many excursions of whale watching or for visiting close Gallinara Island. Another very important point is surely the fact that the level of the sea in Alassio is very low even different meters from the water’s edge. I believe that is another advantage for that place to come with children 🙂

Molo di Alassio

In the middle of Alassio’s beach, you will see its pier. It is about 100m long and it is the best place where to admire Alassio and the open sea. It is a very romantic place even if during the evenings it is quite crowded because of the inhabitants and tourists that have a stroll there before or after dinner.

Torrione Saraceno

It is located in the northern part of the town and it is a majestic tower called the Saracen tower. It was built in the XVI century by the Republic of Genoa. It was created for defending the town from the Saracens raids that were very frequent in that period. Nowadays, it is a private building and it is not possible to visit it.

La Cappellatta

It is a small chapel located out of the historical centre of Alassio. It is also called Cappella Stella Maris and it is dedicated to everybody who died in the sea. From this place, you can admire Alassio and the Ligurian Sea. It is also a very romantic place, where many couples meet during evenings. 

Muretto di Alassio

It is an installation consisting of a wall on which numerous ceramic tiles have been affixed over the years, bearing the signatures of famous people. It is located at the via Dante Alighieri, close to the Alassio railway station. Among the worldwide famous tiles, you can find one of Ernest Hemingway, Amanda Lear, Louis Amstrong, Woody Allen and many, many more.

Baci di Alassio

There are typical biscuits of Alassio. When you visit the town you have to absolutely try them! Their name in Italian means “kisses from Alassio” 😉 They are made of chocolate, meringue, nuts and honey and they are damn delicious! Definitely the best souvenir from Alassio 😉

 

Well … I think I don’t have to add anything else to convince you to visit this charming place! 

 

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