Imperia and the coast to the west (San Lorenzo al Mare, Riva Ligure, Santo Stefano al Mare)
Imperia is two towns joined together: Porto Maurizio on its hill and Oneglia, long the centre of the olive oil trade. West of it, San Lorenzo al Mare, Santo Stefano al Mare and Riva Ligure are small seaside towns linked by a 24 km cycle and walking path on the old coastal railway line, which runs on to Sanremo and Ospedaletti. Nice airport is a little over an hour away.
Best for: Cyclists and families who want small seaside towns
Not for you if: You want sandy beaches: most along here are shingle or pebble.
The hills behind Imperia (Dolcedo, Civezza, Pietrabruna, Molini di Prelà)
Many of our houses are in the olive-terraced valleys behind Imperia. Dolcedo has medieval stone bridges over the Prino stream, while Civezza, Pietrabruna and Terzorio are small hill villages looking down to the sea. The coast is usually 15 to 30 minutes away by winding road. This is Taggiasca olive country, and local mills sell oil direct.
Best for: Space, sea views and quiet, with the coast a short drive down
Not for you if: You dislike narrow hairpin roads or want shops within walking distance.
Sanremo, Bordighera and Ventimiglia (towards France)
Sanremo is the largest town on this coast, with a casino, a busy harbour, the steep old quarter of La Pigna and a flower market. Bordighera is quieter, with a long promenade and villas built by British visitors in the 1800s. Ventimiglia holds a big Friday market, and Menton is just over the border. Nice airport is 45 minutes to an hour away.
Best for: Riviera town life and easy trips to Monaco and the Côte d'Azur
Not for you if: You want a wide sandy beach: here they are mostly narrow and stony.
Diano Marina, Cervo and San Bartolomeo al Mare
Diano Marina has a long beach of sand and fine shingle, a pedestrian centre and plenty going on on summer evenings. Cervo, a few minutes east, is a hilltop village with a baroque church facing the sea, and it hosts chamber music concerts in summer. San Bartolomeo al Mare lies in between, with Diano Castello just inland. Nice and Genoa airports are each around an hour and a quarter away.
Best for: Families who want a lively resort with a sandier beach
Not for you if: You want peace in August, when Diano Marina is packed with Italian families.
Alassio, Marina di Andora and Albenga
Alassio has one of the longest sandy beaches in Liguria and a narrow shopping street, the budello, running behind it. Marina di Andora is quieter, with a marina and a long beach. Albenga, facing the island of Gallinara, has a medieval centre full of brick towers. Genoa airport is around an hour and a quarter away, Nice closer to an hour and a half.
Best for: Families who want proper sand
Not for you if: You want plenty of free beach in July and August: much of Alassio's sand is given over to paid lidos.
Finale Ligure, Pietra Ligure and Borghetto Santo Spirito
Finale Ligure is one of Italy's best-known bases for sport climbing and mountain biking, and the walled village of Finalborgo is a short walk inland. Pietra Ligure and Borghetto Santo Spirito are traditional family resorts with long beaches and flat promenades. Varigotti, just east of Finale, has old fishermen's houses on the sand. Genoa airport is about an hour away.
Best for: Climbing, mountain biking and coastal walks with a beach to finish
Not for you if: You want an exclusive feel: these are busy Italian family resorts in summer.
Savona, Albisola and Genoa
Savona is a working port with ferries and cruise ships. Albisola, next door, has a long tradition of ceramics and a seafront promenade set with artists' tiles. Genoa has the Old Port, a large aquarium and one of the biggest medieval old towns in Europe, a maze of narrow lanes called caruggi. Genoa airport is around 40 minutes from Albisola.
Best for: City sightseeing combined with beach days
Not for you if: You want a quiet seaside village: homes here are often flats in built-up areas.
