Arenzano: Coast, Culture and Beigua Landscape

Coast, mountain landscape and historic details

Arenzano combines maritime experiences with Ligurian culture and an impressive mountain landscape. The marina is located in a natural bay, has 185 berths and offers important nautical and technical support services. Arenzano is part of the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark. It encompasses a spectacular mountain landscape above the sea with 26 kilometres of ridgeline and is one of Liguria’s areas with particularly high geo- and biodiversity.

The townscape also contains numerous details that make a stroll varied and interesting. Historic palazzi in the centre of Arenzano preserve typical Ligurian architectural details, including old sundials, terracotta mascarons, coats of arms of noble families and niches containing wayside shrines. In the Parco di Villa Negrotto Cambiaso stands a greenhouse built in 1931 from glass and iron in the Liberty style. It is home to plant species that are unusual or even rare in Liguria, including bald cypress, Erythrina cristagalli, loquat yew, the Elegans variety of Japanese umbrella pine and giant arborvitae. Villa Figoli des Geneys has an extensive garden with avenues, palms, evergreen plants and magnolias.

Culture between basilica and hill

The Santuario di Gesù Bambino di Praga is a basilica with a Latin-cross floor plan and a single nave. The Santuario offers free guided tours. These may include a Mass, explanations about the basilica, an artistic nativity scene, a missionary exhibition, terraces with succulents and views over the gulf; the tour lasts two hours. On the hill in Arenzano, there is also an opportunity to take a walk and, in particular, visit the Torre dei Saraceni. The Torre is considered Arenzano’s only surviving ancient monument.

Hiking, diving and kayaking

For experienced hikers, the Arenzano–Curlo–Passo della Gava–Passo del Faiallo route offers a clearly defined day itinerary: it takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, is 9 km long and is classified EE for experienced hikers.

The coast also opens up opportunities for special activities. Diving off Arenzano allows you to explore the Haven, considered the largest wreck in the Mediterranean that can be visited. In addition, the coast of Arenzano offers attractive kayaking routes for exploring the coastline.

Choose a holiday apartment in Arenzano based on your travel interests

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Arenzano, you can make your preferred mix of holiday activities the starting point for your planning. For an active day, the 9 km route and its classification for experienced hikers are the main focus. Maritime interests lead to the Haven and the kayaking routes, while the palazzi, basilica, Torre dei Saraceni and the gardens of Villa Negrotto Cambiaso and Villa Figoli offer other focal points.

For further travel planning, you can also consider Torrazza, La Costa, Velva, Casanova, Borzonasca, Ne, Castiglione Chiavarese and Nascio.

For the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.