A few kilometres inland, Villanova d’Albenga is a 13th century village of incomparable appeal set in the quiet of a sweet plain. Its urban structure testifies the remoteness of the settlement, its mighty embattled city walls (interrupted by ten doors) still protect the peace of the place.
The centre is exceptionally intact: stroll around its narrow streets and piazzette between flowerboxes and botteghe and discover a tidy corner of heaven rich in architectonic grace, history and traditions. Look for the symbol of Villanova, the ancient well representing the hub of social life. Artistic masterpieces abound: stop by the church of Santa Maria della Rotonda, and enjoy the gems of Santo Stefano, too.
The immediate outskirts of the centre offer a multitude of excursions, on foot and by bike: a welcome opportunity to stay in shape and enjoy the rhythm of nature at a slower pace, discovering the splendour of cypresses, olive trees, brooms and violets, grown in glasshouses. Green is (obviously) the colour of the golf club of Garlenda, a 18-hole course designed by architects Morrison and Harris in a setting of pine forests and olive groves.
A short distance away, between Capo Santa Croce and Capo Mele, a sunny bay boasts some of the most renowned destinations of international Summer tourism: Alassio, Laigueglia and Andora, which marks the limit of the province of Savona.
The buen retiro of 19th century English high society, Alassio maintains its repute as one of the most attractive (and equipped) seaside resorts in Italy. The lively “budello”, with its numberless shops and cafés, is the heart of the centre, always full of people and animation. Stroll amidst this merry tourist bustle, have a cup of gelato and get to Corso Dante. Here, right in front of the legendary Bar Roma, the famous “muretto” bears the innumerable autographs of all the artists and VIPs who passed by through the last six decades – since the Fifties, the muretto has epitomized the mundane, chic standing of Alassio.
Beaches of the finest white sand, caressed by the breeze, provide the perfect motive for a day in the sun, a plunge, some water activities and intense daydreaming. They are the natural link between Alassio and Laigueglia, a borgo of genuine Mediterranean atmospheres. Explore a labyrinth of carruggi, narrow and winding. Pamper your senses with a sunset glass of wine in the enchantment of coloured piazette sided by coloured fishermen houses. Visit the Baroque parish church of San Matteo, its beautiful 18th century façade displays two twin towers (set in a diagonal, they are the ideal camera shot), while the interior houses paintings by Bernardo Strozzi and the Piola school).
Continue westwards along the Aurelia to Andora, at the mouth of the Merula, following the track of the ancient via Julia Augusta between flowers and orchards. Andora shows its charm in the succession of beautiful beaches, in the vivacity of the marina, in acclaimed restaurants as well as in the landscapes of its entroterra – the visit to the Clavesana castle is a jump back in time. In the immediate surroundings, the Gothic cathedral of the SS. Giacomo and Filippo is well worth a diversion. Last but not least, sports & nature fans will enjoy whale watching, horse riding and cycling...