Overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Pietra Ligure is a charming seaside commune in Italy’s alluring Savona Province, home to inviting beaches, ancient cave systems and storied churches and towers. The centre of Pietra Ligure is filled with seafood restaurants, local boutiques and wine bars, while just outside you’ll find numerous outdoor adventures.

Things to do

You shouldn’t miss visiting the various caves around Pietra Ligure, especially the five-kilometre-long Grotte di Borgio Verezzi, which is known for its colourful mineral deposits. You can get up close with prehistoric human footprints and cave paintings on a guided tour through the karst Toirano Caves or see prehistoric bones in the Borgio Verezzi Caves.

Admire the grand architecture, artwork and religious relics at the Basilica di San Nicolò, where the ceiling is entirely covered in religious frescoes. Afterwards, check out the historic ruins of the Castel Gavone, then take a pleasant hike through the picturesque countryside.

Looking for a challenging trek? Active travellers can take on the 1,389-metre-tall Monte Carmo di Loano, which has a summit cross and offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, you can drive or cycle through the Giogo di Toirano mountain pass for views of undulating mountain ranges.

If you need a swim, head down to Spiaggia Libera Di Pietra Ligure, the main beach in town. It offers calm, blue water and plenty of sand for sunbathing. You can also visit the dog-friendly Beach Bagni Gianni, which umbrellaed sun loungers for hire. Afterwards, wander back into the centre of town for sweet treats at a gelato shop or sip cocktails and Italian wine at Airone Wine Bar.

Getting around

Pietra Ligure is just over 1.5 hours’ drive from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, but you can also catch trains to Pietra Ligure Stazione. The town and beaches are easily explored on foot, while taxis and hire cars are best for venturing further afield.