Chiavari and Lavagna

Chiavari

Small town of nearly 28,000 inhabitants, Chiavari is also the main one of the Gulf of Tigullio along with Rapallo. It is an active and popular town, commercial, residential and touristic. Having nothing exceptional, it still has its charms, with the beautiful seafront promenade, the vast marina, beaches and the interesting historic centre.
Its centre, the Borgolungo, is characterised by medieval-style arcades and palaces, including a long and beautiful pedestrian street, called “Caruggio diritto”, with its cafés and shops.
The marina of Chiavari is one of the most important on the coast with its 650 boats.

Of the ancient castle of Chiavari, only the ruins remain with the Torrione, two water cisterns, the parade ground and part of the wall.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Orto dates back to the 12th century, enlarged in the 14th century, then more recently with its neoclassical baroque style. The vault is decorated with beautiful frescoes, the high altar is a remarkable work of art, and a crucifix dates from the 14th century.
The pretty park of the Villa Rocca is a botanical oasis with a diversity of flora and sculptures.

Beaches

Chiavari has several easily accessible and equipped beaches, west of the port. In Lavagna there is a sandy beach.
The small beach of Zoagli is pebbly and quiet, with a pretty view between the hills.
At the mouth of the Entella river, water sports are practised (surfing, kitesurfing, sailing).
The Baia del Silenzio of Sestri Levante is not very far either.

Lavagna

Lavagna, a town of about 13,000 inhabitants, stands out for its sandy beach, not very numerous on the Riviera di Levanto.

The centre has interesting sites, including the pedestrian street of the Via Roma with its shops, the marina with more than 1400 berths which is also very lively with bars and restaurants.
Among the monuments, the Torre del Borgo is an old medieval tower in the heart of the village. The
Casa Carbone is a beautiful house typical of the 18th century transformed into a museum that immerses the visitor in the elegant past of the bourgeoisie of the time, with frescoes and stuccoes, period furniture, the library, the salon, an art collection, its flowered garden, fountains, etc.
The basilica of Saint Stephen dates back to the 5th century AD, on the edge of the historic centre, restored in the 12th and especially the 17th century.
Behind the sober baroque exterior, the interior is decorated as with a vault with frescoes.
The Palazzo Franzoni is another historic noble palace, with its art exhibition gallery and frescoes.
The banks of the Entella river are protected by an oasis for fauna and flora, where one can walk. Poplars, willows and reeds are frequented by herons and other creatures.
The beach of Lavagna is a large expanse of sand of nearly 4 km, pretty and accessible. To the south, the beach of Cavi di Lavagna is smaller and quieter, with curious rocks, not far from Sestri Levante and the magical Bay of Silence.
North of Lavagna, the beach of Chiavari is appreciated for its qualities and facilities.

Map

Information

• Chiavari: en.wikipedia.org, www.chiavariturismo.it
• Lavagna: en.wikipedia.org, www.lavagnaturismo.it