Alassio Travel guide

The city was built in the middle Ages, when a group of fishermen settled here, but only in 1541 did it reach full independence from the Genovese Republic.
Situated in the so-called 'Bay of the Sun', Alassio is one of the most famous and well-equipped seaside resorts in Liguria. Already in the Nineteenth Century the English used to come here to enjoy its mild climate and the beauty of the surrounding hills. "Il Budello", the narrow and long alley parallel to the promenade, with its trendy boutiques, and the "muretto", with the autographs of showbiz and sport celebrities, have made Alassio famous all over the world. Among the most interesting events there are sailing regatta and the Italian tennis tournament for veterans.

Beaches: pure quartz sand, fine and perfectly clean (3 km long).

Il Muretto, the little wall near the Town Hall. It's covered with tiles signed by famous and well-known people who visited Alassio in the past (writers such as Hemingway, singers, actors, sport stars…). The statue of the "two lovers" by Peynet is on it.

Benedictine church of Santa Croce: built during the 11th-12th century by the Benedictine monks of the Gallinara Island, acted as a hostel for travellers. It has a 16th century front porch and offers an enchanting view of the Gulf.

Church of "Madonna della Guardia": the sanctuary, dedicated to seamen, was built in the XIII century over the ruins of a 11th century castle and dominates Mount Tirasso. It is surrounded by a huge park.

Sant' Ambrogio Parish Church: built by the Benedictines and reconstructed in 1507, preserves Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance details. In the baroque interior are preserved paintings from the Genoese School.

The Yacht Harbour and the Chapel.

Defence Tower of the 16th century, built by the fishermen to defend the coast from pirates and Saracen invasions.

The Roman Road Julia Augusta: from the name of Emperor Augusto it stretches from Santa Croce to Albenga (4 km) half way up the hills. Along it funeral buildings (dating back to the 1st century A.C.) and remains of suburban villas came to light through excavations.

The town offers a lot for sport lovers: water sports like water ski, windsurf and sailing but not just that! Nature lovers can enjoy trekking on the hills (5 riding schools in the surroundings), free climbing or riding a mountain bike following the various routes among pine trees and typical Mediterranean vegetation.

You may also choose the Golf ground of Garlenda, with its 18 holes, the Tennis courts at "Hanbury Tennis Club" with its bar, restaurant and nice terrace, jogging on the beach, parasailing or diving (the Gallinara Island is surrounded by unforgettable underwater world made of multicoloured fish and corals. Expert divers can also admire the statue of Jesus Christ of the Abyss). Alassio has also a football ground, a swimming pool and a new sports centre.