Are you looking for the perfect destination for a slow weekend, combining crystal-clear seas, culture and fine dining? Alassio, in the heart of Riviera delle Palme, is the ideal destination for a spring break of relaxation and sustainability.
Thanks to the short distances, you can explore it comfortably on foot, reducing your environmental impact and taking your time to enjoy every corner of this place.
Here is what to see in Alassio over a weekend.
What to see on foot in Alassio: the historic centre
To explore Alassio, you should start with its historic centre. This is where all the town’s main attractions are located, and you’re just a few steps from the beach. The perfect combination, don’t you think?
Corso Dante Alighieri is the main street, full of shops and bars, and leads to Piazza Airaldi e Durante, which offers a splendid view of the sea.
1. The Budello of Alassio
The Budello is surely one of the most famous spots in Alassio. It is a long narrow street running parallel to the sea, lined with 16th- and 17th-century houses and a variety of small bars and shops.
It is the commercial heart of this Ligurian town, a must-see when you stroll along the city centre. Try the famous “Baci di Alassio“, delicious hazelnut and cocoa-based sweets!
Useful Information
- The Budello is located along Via XX Settembre.
- It is a ten-minute walk from the Alassio Pier and from the Muretto.
- You’ll need at least an hour to visit it.
2. The Muretto
The Muretto of Alassio is located in the east part of the town and is a real must-see in this Ligurian city.
What is it? The muretto is a colorful wall and an installation dating back to 1953, created by Mario Berrini. More specifically, it is made up of 1000 ceramic tiles.
What makes the Muretto special? The presence of various works, such as the ceramic reproductions of Peynet’s “Les Amoureux” or the steel storks of Pino Mastroianni.
Alassio is the city of lovers par excellence, and in fact, there is even a postbox here where you can leave your love letter.
Useful Information
- The Muretto is located in Corso Alighieri.
- You can reach it on foot from the Budello or from the pier, from which it takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
- You need about half an hour to visit it.
3. The Torrione of Borgo Coscia
The Borgo Coscia Tower is located in the northern district of Alassio, where there are fantastic beaches.
The Torrione dates back to the XVI century and was built by the Genoese both to defend the village and to spot any approaching pirate ships in good time.
You can still see the stone and brick structure today, though the interior is not open to visitors. However, it is well worth a visit, to admire the view of the seafront. It will take your breath away!
Useful Information
- The Torrione is located in the Passeggiata Cadorna.
- It is easily reachable on foot from the Muretto in just 10 minutes.
- You should need about 15 minutes to visit it.
3. The seafront
Personally, I find the seafront one of the most iconic places in Alassio. Here, the town’s beach stretches for 3 kilometers, lined with numerous beach establishments.
We advise you to head to the seafront in the evening when the sun is about to set and when it takes on that unmistakable red hue. This is for sure the best time!
Useful Information
- To get to the seafront from the Budello, you simply take one of the perpendicular alleys; you’ll be there in under 5 minutes.
- Visit duration: 15 minutes
5. The pier
The pier is another really symbolic place in Alassio and is located halfway along the beach. It is easily accessible from anywhere in the town centre.
Furthermore, it is the ideal spot for taking photos and enjoying the sea from a different perspective.
Useful Information
- The Pier is easily accessible from the Budello
- You just need 15 minutes to visit it.
6. Giardini della Pergola
Alassio is not just sun and sea. The Gardens in Villa della Pergola are a green oasis above the town: more than 20.000 mq of botanical garden with a splendid view of the sea.
You can reach the gardens from the city centre on foot with a great and relaxing walk. It is the perfect place for those who love nature and less crowded spaces.
Useful Information
- The Park is open only during the summer months (from March until October)-
- Guided tours are available (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; you can choose between these times: 09:30, 11:30, 15:00, and 17:00).
- Ticket: 18€
- The villa, on the other hand, is a 5-star hotel.
7. The Church of Sant’Ambrogio
Dedicated to the patron saint of the town, this is the main religious building in Alassio.
The façade is in Renaissance style, whilst the interior features Baroque elements and splendid frescoes depicting the life of the saint. Near the church stands the Romanesque-Gothic bell tower.
Additionally, the church was built on the foundations of a small 10th-century Romanesque church. However, over the centuries, it has been altered and extended so much that its appearance has changed.
Useful Information
- The church is located not far away from the Muretto and the Budello, so it is easily reachable on foot.
- Admission is free, and it is usually open from 08:30 until 17:00, except during services.
- Estimated visit duration: 20 minutes.
8. Carlo Levi Art Gallery
As you wander through the narrow streets of Alassio, you will find yourself in front of the 17th-century Palazzo Morteo, home to the small but fascinating Carlo Levi Art Gallery.
It is dedicated to Carlo Levi, because he chose this town in Liguria as his summer residence from 1929 to 1975. In addition, he devoted himself here to painting, which was his greatest passion.
Carlo Levi (1902 – 1975) was a writer, doctor, senator, but above all a painter. On display here are 22 of his works, as well as personal documents, letters, and notes. Among the most famous works is one by Italo Calvino.
Useful Information
- The Art Gallery is easily reachable on foot from the Borgo Coscia Tower in a couple of minutes.
- Opening hours vary according to the season: From 15 September to 31 May: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00. From 1 June until 14 September: Thursday afternoon and evening admission on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 21:00 to 23:00.
- The ticket is free, and the visit is approximately 45 minutes long.
9. The Church of Santa Croce
Small but evocative, the Church of Santa Croce is located in a panoramic position above the town.
It was built in the XI century by the Benedictines and restored in the 1970s after a long period of neglect.
The view from here is simply unique. I recommend visiting around sunset to enjoy a fantastic spectacle.
Useful Information
- The church is located on Via Santa Croce.
- If you enjoy walking, I recommend walking there from the Torrione of Borgo Coscia. It takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Visit duration: 20 minutes.
10. Mount Bignone
If you love walking in the countryside, Mount Bignone is a must-see. From the summit, you can admire Alassio, its beaches, and the sea stretching all the way to the horizon!
Here, there are several routes to the summit, but I will tell you about the one I took myself. It starts from the car park at the Church of Santa Croce. You just need to follow the sign that says “1 hour and 40 minutes to the summit”, although it might take slightly less time, depending on your pace.
Useful Information
- If you’re visiting in the warmer months, I strongly recommend going in the morning, not midday.
- The directions to get here are the same as those for the Church of Santa Croce.
- The visit takes about two and a half hours, including the walk there and back, whereas by car it takes less than two hours.
Beaches in Alassio
If you love the sun and the sea as much as I do, then you should try to find a couple of free hours to go for a swim.
The beach in Alassio is a long stretch of sand about 3 kilometers long, featuring a mix of fully equipped beach establishments and stretches of public beach.
If you’re taking your pet along, I’d recommend “Baba Beach”, which has a dedicated dog area.
Last thoughts
Exploring the Alassio on foot is the best option. All the attractions are close by and easily accessible, making your stay not only convenient but also sustainable.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your weekend in Alassio!
Cover Photo: Photo via CanvaPRO
AGRITURISMO FIOREDIZUCCA – Green Farm house in Albenga, Province of Savona, Liguria, IT 
DianoGreen – Green Bed & Breakfast in Diano San Pietro, Imperia, Liguria, IT 
