Hotel Ariston & Apartments
Varazze - Via Villagrande 16
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The first town in Savona province you’ll encounter coming from Genoa and the last for those arriving from Ventimiglia is Varazze, one of the most famous seaside resorts along the Riviera delle Palme and arguably across all of Liguria.
With Roman origins, this lively town is nestled in a landscape of rocks and maritime pines and enjoys the mild climate of the Ligurian coast. During your stay, you can choose to wander through the caruggi of the town centre, venture along the hillside trails or enjoy leisurely seafront walks that lead to nearby Cogoleto and Celle Ligure.
Varazze boasts numerous beaches, including a long sandy stretch, and an upmarket marina. For years it was the typical seaside destination perfect for comfortable, perhaps family-oriented holidays, but more recently it has established itself as a renowned surfing hotspot: there are no fewer than seven quality breaks (Secret, Nautilus, Backdoor, Secca, Coop, Pinuccia and Porto), much to the delight of both seasoned and novice surfers. Another hugely popular activity here is sailing.
From Varazze you can also join thrilling boat trips to San Fruttuoso bay, Portofino, Cinque Terre and Portovenere or embark on whale-watching excursions.
You come to Varazze for the lovely weather, beautiful sea and delightful holiday atmosphere, not so much for famous attractions. But is there anything worth seeing in Varazze when you fancy a break from the beach? Yes, here are a few ideas!
Although Varazze’s reputation rests on its beaches and marina rather than museums or famous monuments, it’s worth taking time to stroll through the historic centre.
Among the caruggi and squares you’ll discover elegant palaces and noteworthy churches such as the Church of Sant’Ambrogio, the Palazzo del Beato Jacopo, the Church of Santi Nazario and Celso, the Church of San Domenico, the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina and Villa Cilea.
Take a look too at the city walls, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, punctuated by gates that once controlled access to the town: Porta di Ponte Vecchio, Porta dei Busci, Porta del Torrione, Porta della Loggia, Porta del Borghetto.
The Lungomare Europa is Varazze’s most celebrated promenade and connects the town to nearby Cogoleto, a coastal village in Genoa province.
It’s a cycle and pedestrian path of around 4.5 km that follows a stretch of the former Genoa-Ventimiglia railway line, squeezed between the sea on one side and green hills on the other. To complete it, you’ll need to pass through the old railway tunnels, which still bear the marks of the equipment that once regulated train passage.
As you walk or cycle, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, inhale the scents of Mediterranean scrub and discover some lovely beaches to return to for a swim. At the end of the walk you can visit Cogoleto, a small but charming town famous for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
Another delightful coastal walk starting from Varazze leads to Celle Ligure. The starting point is beyond the Marina; the route doesn’t follow the old railway line but runs parallel to it. It’s about 3 km long, though you can continue on to Albisola along the pedestrian path beside the provincial road.
If you prefer nature trails to urban walks, explore the trekking routes through the Beigua Park, Liguria’s most extensive protected natural area, recognised as a UNESCO Geopark for the geological importance of the territory.
There are over 500 km of trails crisscrossing the park, ranging from easy walks suitable for everyone to more demanding hikes recommended for experienced trekkers. Some routes are specially designed to showcase the area’s scenic beauty, while others focus on cultural or geological themes.
The park includes a section of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri and the Sentiero Liguria, two of Liguria’s most celebrated and appreciated hiking routes, plus two cycle paths connected to other routes on the Ligurian Cycling Network. If you love active holidays, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
A splendid vantage point for admiring Varazze’s coastline is the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Guardia: a modest church perched atop Monte Grosso, a 402-metre hill not far from the town centre.
It’s not accessible by car; you’ll need to park near a barrier and continue on foot (roughly an hour’s walk). Your effort will be rewarded with plenty of peace and quiet and a lovely panoramic view.
A few metres from the church stands a small chapel built in 1925.
Along Varazze’s coastline you’ll find equipped free beaches and around twenty beach clubs. Some beaches are perfect for relaxation, while others offer ideal conditions for surfing and attract visitors keen on active holidays. The best beach for surfing enthusiasts is near Molo dei Marinari.
What all Varazze beaches have in common is crystal-clear, clean water and excellent facilities, several times awarded the Blue Flag designation.
From Varazze you can easily reach other seaside destinations on the Riviera di Ponente such as Bergeggi, Finalmarina and Celle Ligure.
Varazze is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide choice of hotels and bed & breakfasts for all budgets.
Many establishments are concentrated along the seafront or within easy reach of the beach: these are the most sought-after, so if you’re keen on this area, book as early as possible. There’s less choice in the historic centre, which we recommend for those who enjoy staying in old town quarters. A few bed & breakfasts and guesthouses are also scattered in the hills behind the centre.
For those seeking a more exclusive stay, there’s a spa hotel and some luxury apartments and villas with pools.
Arriving by car is straightforward as the town sits on the A10 Autostrada dei Fiori motorway linking Genoa to Ventimiglia; simply exit at the Varazze junction and follow signs to the centre.
The railway station is connected to Genoa with trains departing approximately every two hours. You can also arrive by local coach services departing from Genoa and Savona.
What's the weather at Varazze? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Varazze for the next few days.
Varazze is a municipality in the province of Savona, just 13 km from the provincial capital and 35 km from Genoa.
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