Finale Ligure and Finalborgo

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure has a rich and varied territory that makes it one of the most interesting destinations in the region. Its seaside qualities are certain, with Finalmarina, Finalpia and Varigotti, but one also discovers charming hinterland villages like Finalborgo.
It has also become, thanks to its natural riches, a base for sports enthusiasts such as mountain bikers, horse riders or climbers.
The coastline of Finale Ligure is one of the most beautiful in Liguria, almost 10 km long, with its sandy beaches separated by cliffs up to Capo Noli. The beach of Finalmarina is the most popular, accessible and well-equipped. The beach of Finalpia is close to the town and has facilities. As for the beach of Varigotti, it is one of the most charming in Liguria, intimate and chic. Very close by, the Bay of the Saracens also has a very beautiful beach. The rather wild Malpasso beach and the Punta Crena beach are also very beautiful, but accessible by a difficult path. The San Donato beach is also charming, quiet and well-equipped.

Finalborgo

Former capital of the former imperial fief of the marquisate of Finale, Finalborgo is one of the most beautiful villages of the Riviera delle Palme, listed among the most beautiful villages of Italy and close to the long beach of Finale Ligure.
Its walls are well preserved, protecting a historic centre reached through one of the old gates. There one discovers medieval alleys, very lively with their craft shops and cafés, historic buildings such as palaces, the baroque basilica of San Biagio of medieval origin or the convent of Santa Caterina which houses the Civic Museums.
The collegiate church of San Biagio dates back to the 12th century and behind its austere Ligurian Romanesque façade with a pretty rose window hides a majestic interior of the 14th and 15th centuries. The frescoes are remarkable, as are the tombs, or the crenellated bell tower embellished with Gothic elements.
The monumental complex of Santa Caterina dates from the 14th century, with several pretty Renaissance cloisters, housing the rich Archaeological Museum of Finale. The church, decorated with 15th-century frescoes, was converted into an auditorium.
The 12th-century walls are well preserved with their towers, bastions and gates, including the Royal Gate through which one enters the village. It can be walked entirely, and this walk is highly recommended.
The Palace of the Tribunal built in the 15th century has a beautiful colourful façade topped by a tower that dominates the village, of Renaissance architecture, with Gothic elements, or a sundial.
The Castel San Giovanni occupies the heights with a beautiful view of the surroundings. It dates back to the 12th century as a bastion of the Marquis Del Carretto.
The pretty Aycardi Theatre dates from the 19th century, in neoclassical style and has a beautiful interior.

Varigotti

Varigotti is also called the “Saracen Village of Liguria”, with no proof that a link with the Saracens existed, but because of the appearance of the small colourful houses lined up along the beach.
It is a somewhat separate and very quiet place, with its alleys, its small squares, restaurants, and of course the beach.

Coast

Towards Capo Noli, there is the charming church of San Lorenzo, preserving medieval and Byzantine elements.
The superb “Pilgrim’s path” heads towards Noli crossing the maquis and passing through superb viewpoints over the coast and by the Saracen tower. One can make a detour to the beautiful “Grotta dei Falsari” (Cave of the Forgers), with its grandiose opening overlooking the sea.
The surrounding coast is one of the most beautiful in Liguria, with beautiful beaches including of course the beach of Varigotti at the foot of the village.
The Bay of the Saracens is also one of the most beautiful, including the beach of Malpasso between Punta Crena and Capo Noli, or the small beach of Punta Crena which is reached by a steep path.

Map

Information

• Finale Ligure : en.wikipedia.org, turismo.comunefinaleligure.it, visitfinaleligure.it
• Finalborgo : fr.wikipedia.org, turismo.comunefinaleligure.it, srake.it
• Varigotti : turismo.comunefinaleligure.it