Diano Marina is a relaxed seaside resort on Liguria's Riviera di Ponente, set between Imperia and Alassio. It has a long, wide beach (one of the longest sandy stretches on this part of the coast), a palm-lined seafront promenade, and a town centre with enough restaurants and shops to keep you occupied without being overwhelming. It's the kind of place that doesn't try too hard, and we appreciate that. For a straightforward Italian beach holiday with good weather and easy living, it's a reliable choice.
Why Stay in Diano Marina
- Wide sandy beach — unusual for Liguria, where pebbly coves are more common. The beach stretches for nearly 4 km and faces south, catching the sun all day.
- Mild climate — the Riviera di Ponente is sheltered by mountains, giving it some of the warmest temperatures in northern Italy. Swimming is comfortable from June to October.
- Walkable town, restaurants, shops, a daily market, and the beach are all within easy walking distance from most accommodations.
- Honest caveat. Diano Marina was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1887 and rebuilt in a practical rather than beautiful style. It lacks the pastel-coloured charm of nearby villages like Cervo or Diano Castello.
Things to Do in Diano Marina
Beach days are the core activity. The stabilimenti are well-run, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and often a restaurant attached. Free beach sections exist but are smaller. The water is clean and calm, with good swimming conditions for families.
Walk or drive up to Diano Castello, a medieval hill village 2 km inland. Its stone lanes and Romanesque churches are everything Diano Marina's modern centre is not. It takes about 20 minutes on foot and makes a pleasant late-afternoon wander.
Cervo, 5 km east, is one of Liguria's most attractive villages: a tight cluster of pastel buildings climbing a headland above the sea. Its summer music festival (held on the church terrace) is worth checking if your dates align.
For a longer excursion, drive along the coast to the medieval port of Imperia (10 minutes) or inland to the hilltop villages of the entroterra, where olive oil is the local obsession. The olive oil around here is some of the best in Italy.
