Noli

A seaside resort that forms part of a mountain community: elsewhere it would seem odd, but in Liguria no one bats an eyelid. Such is the case with Noli, a town renowned for seaside holidays whose territory is part of the Comunità Montana Pollupice.

This enchanting medieval village nestled between one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the Western Riviera and mountains blanketed in lush vegetation is the perfect place to experience both sea and mountains—the combination that makes Liguria unique. You can spend a holiday devoted entirely to relaxation, with lazy afternoons on the beach, refreshing woodland walks and leisurely strolls through the town centre in search of architectural treasures in the old quarter.

Famous yet far less crowded than better-known resorts, Noli boasts beautiful beaches of white sand, seabeds over 30 metres deep teeming with fish, sheer cliffsides and captivating historical atmosphere. From here you can set off to discover other dream destinations along the Western Riviera.

Give it some thought: Noli, “the fifth maritime republic”, is an excellent choice for your next holiday in Liguria.

Noli beaches

The beaches of Noli cater to both lovers of spacious, easily accessible sandy stretches and those who prefer secluded coves with a wild charm.

The town beach is a long ribbon of pale sand and shingle washed by clear, azure waters, with stretches of equipped beach clubs and plenty of facilities interspersed with free sections. The finest of these is undoubtedly the distinctive Fishermen's Beach1, where the white of the shingle provides a backdrop to the vivid colours of beached boats.

If you prefer coves and inlets, head from the old town towards the Capo Noli2 headland: here, among the verdant vegetation and multicoloured rock formations, lie numerous small pebbly beaches lapped by waters in countless shades of blue.

Truly enchanting, though reaching them takes some effort: the Capo Noli beaches are accessible only on foot or by boat. Getting there on land is not easy as the unpaved paths leading from the clifftop to the coves are not always well-marked. There are no refreshment facilities or services, so bring plenty of water and food with you.

The cliffs of Capo Noli are perfect not only for idle beach afternoons away from the hustle and bustle of beach clubs but also for thrilling rock climbing on sheer faces overlooking the sea.

For a change of scene from Noli you can easily drive to other splendid beaches along the Western Riviera, such as Bergeggi or Finalmarina.

Things to do in Noli

The attractions of Noli are its scenic beauties, both along the coast and inland. There are no major museums or monuments, but a stroll through the historic centre will nonetheless delight you with pleasant surprises.

Explore the streets and squares of the town in search of elegant mansions and historic churches that bear witness to the village’s noble origins.

Here are some names to note for your “treasure hunt”: the remains of the Castle of the Marquises of Carretto3, built in the 12th century and enlarged in the sixteenth century; the Church of San Paragorio4, one of Liguria’s finest examples of Romanesque religious architecture; the Bishop's Palace5, an elegant building now home to a hotel; the Town Hall6 with its tower and the adjacent Loggia della Repubblica.

The towers still visible today, such as the Tower of Papone7, the Town Hall tower or the Tower of Canto8, are few compared to the number that once dotted the town’s skyline. Yet they remain emblematic of the city, a distinctive trait of its history and identity. And why not? They also make excellent photographic subjects.

Trekking in Noli

Like many places in Liguria, Noli is an excellent base for setting out on splendid walks through the countryside. Among the many trekking routes in the area, the most famous is the Pilgrim’s Path, a magnificent walk linking the two charming villages of Noli and Varigotti.

The route winds at altitude, parallel to the coast, and offers splendid views both of the sea and the inland woods. Along the way or with short detours you can admire scenic and historic sites including some deconsecrated churches, the Brigands’ Cave (also known as the Forgers’ Cave), the Witches’ Tower and the Cerisola Mausoleum.

The latter is a colourful memorial wall erected by Giuseppe Cerisola, a Noli native who emigrated to Australia and returned to his homeland in the Seventies, created as a tribute to those rescued during sea voyages.

Where to stay in Noli

Accommodation in Noli consists mainly of holiday apartments and bed and breakfasts concentrated near the beach. However, if you prefer peace and quiet, a bed and breakfast or agriturismo inland is the best option for you: just a few kilometres from the centre you could find exactly what you’re looking for.

Hotel options are limited, so if you prefer this type of accommodation book well in advance, especially if travelling during peak season.

Recommended hotels in Noli

We offer a selection of hotels at Noli to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Noli, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Noli

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Noli. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Noli are in high demand.

How to reach Noli

If arriving by car, the best option is to take the A10 motorway: exit at Spotorno, follow signs for Ponente and pass through Spotorno village. Just a few more minutes’ drive and you’ll have arrived.

It is not possible to arrive by train as Noli has no railway station, but it is served by a bus service connecting to nearby Spotorno station, from which you can reach Savona and Genoa to the east and Ventimiglia to the west.

The nearest airport is Genoa, approximately 55 km away to the east.

Noli Weather