Holiday apartment in Varazze: Caruggi, coast and trails

Varazze between caruggi and coast

A holiday apartment in Varazze takes you to a Ligurian coastal town whose historic centre is characterised by caruggi, colourful façades and a typically Ligurian atmosphere. At the same time, maritime experiences combine with landscapes, trails and cultural discoveries throughout the municipal area. This allows you to shape your stay around different interests without having to commit to just one type of holiday.

Arrival and initial orientation

Varazze can be reached via the Varazze exit on the A10 Genoa–Ventimiglia motorway and via the SS1 Aurelia state road. The SS1 Aurelia connects Varazze with Celle Ligure and Cogoleto. Varazze railway station is another practical option: it is located on the Genoa–Ventimiglia railway line and is served by regional and fast regional trains. There are frequent connections to Genoa, Savona and Milan.

History to discover

Jacopo da Varagine, who wrote the Legenda Aurea, was born in Varazze. The Collegiata di Sant’Ambrogio has a Romanesque-Gothic tower dating from the 14th century. In Alpicella, a hamlet of the municipality of Varazze, the paved La strada Megalitica runs past beech trees, stone walls and trilithic structures.

The Esposizione Archeologica Permanente “Mario Fenoglio” offers archaeological insights. It displays unique finds from excavations carried out between 1979 and 1987 in Fenestrelle (Rocca Due Teste) and Alpicella. Schools and families can take part in educational workshops where prehistoric artefacts such as statuettes and jewellery are recreated. The exhibition lists its opening hours as Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 to 16:00. Every year on 30 April, Varazze celebrates its patron saint Santa Caterina with a religious festival.

Nature, trails and special rocks

Parco del Beigua is a UNESCO Geopark. Its territory includes a dense hiking trail network spanning around 500 kilometres. A botanical circular trail of almost 2.5 kilometres also runs near the Eremo del Deserto di Varazze. It leads through Mediterranean species, typical trees of montane forests, and numerous ornamental plants from Europe and beyond.

A special theme awaits you at the “I metagabbri di Varazze” site. There are light-coloured metagabbros that appear yellowish when superficially weathered. In addition, iron- and manganese-rich peridotites are associated with a partial transformation into serpentinites during the formation of the Alps. The geology therefore complements the visible diversity of trails, plants and landscapes.

Water, sailing and cycling

The surf wave in Varazze is considered powerful and tubular. For sailing, the Varazze Club Nautico, founded in 1919, and the Lega Navale Italiana offer sailing courses, regattas and inclusive activities for all age groups. Every year, excursions with marine biologists depart from the coast of Varazze for the protected Santuario Pelagos marine sanctuary.

Cyclists also have different options for planning their activities. The Varazze Trail Area offers more than 70 mountain bike and e-bike routes. The Ciclovia del Beigua, by contrast, is a 78-kilometre paved cycle route between Cogoleto, Varazze, Stella and Sassello. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether you would like to focus on historical discoveries, hiking trails, water activities or cycling tours.

More destination ideas

For further options, you can also find Bergeggi, Castelbianco, Garlenda, Stellanello, Erli, Cosseria, Giusvalla and Campochiesa here.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Savona.