Discover Italy: Great Travel Tips - Scenic Drives - Motorcycle Tours - Art Cities - Food & Wine

Riviera dei Fiori is the western part of the Ligurian coast washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea and bordered by the French Riviera. The name of this coast (literally, Riviera of the Flowers) has probably been given thanks to its spectacular location and the beautiful flowers growing in the area of San Remo.

Since Riviera dei Fiori is protected from the northern winds by the Alps, it benefits from a temperate, sunny climate. Riviera of the Flowers is the perfect place for those who love the sun and beach life, but also want to explore the charming towns and villages of this beautiful region.

Riviera dei Fiori was discovered in the late nineteenth century by the British people, who contributed to the development of tourism and to the establishment of many seaside resorts.

Moving away from the sea, the surrounding hills are home to beautiful Medieval villages that were built to protect the coast against the Saracen invasions. In fact, many people from the coast have fled towards the mountains, where they have built strongholds consisting of houses clustered around the castle and the church. These Medieval villages are still well preserved so you can stroll along their narrow and steep picturesque streets.

Now, let's discover the main towns and villages along the Riviera dei Fiori. The coastline here is rather jagged since at many points the steep mountains' slopes fall directly into the blue sea offering spectacular panoramic views and a great scenic drive.

Let's start with Savona. It has an old historic center with narrow streets and a tourist harbor called La Vecchia Darsena. The civil and military monuments to be visited are the twelfth-century Torre del Brandale, the fourteenth-century Torre Leon Pancaldo, the Fortress of Priamar, and Palazzo della Rovere (built in the late fifteenth century). Do not miss some remarkable churches, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption and Oratorio di Nostra Signora di Castello.

The village of Spotorno (pic n°2) is located about twenty miles south of Savona. Here, the tourism industry began to develop in the early twentieth century. You can enjoy beautiful views of Spotorno Bay and the Island of Bergeggi.

Finale Ligure (pic n°1) has been created recently as a result of the unification of three small villages (Finalborgo, Final, and Final Pia Marina). This town is located along Via Aurelia, an ancient Roman road.

Alassio (pic n°3), a beautiful lively town with Medieval origins, is a seaside resort that attracts tourists since the late nineteenth century. The main street of Alassio is Via XX Settembre, (usually known as "Budelllo"), a long street that runs parallel to the beach and it is home to many luxury shops. Also, there are some beautiful sandy beaches here !