Varigotti

Celebrated as Liguria’s “Saracen village”, Varigotti is a destination cherished and praised by poets, writers and celebrities alike.

Television presenter Michelle Hunziker has declared it her “favourite place” on social media, whilst Disney comic artist Mario Rota drew inspiration from this charming locality in a 1996 story titled “Donald Duck and the Night of the Saracen”, which tells of an unprecedented treasure hunt across Ligurian territory featuring the world’s most famous cartoon ducks.

Strategically positioned and sheltered from the winds, Varigotti has played host throughout its history to Saracens and, long before them, Romans, Byzantines and Lombards. Steeped in distinctive character, it retains a strong identity even today, despite being incorporated into the municipality of Finale Ligure.

This is precisely what makes it so appealing, combined with waters that enchant with their crystalline clarity and countless shades of azure and turquoise.

With a charming pedestrianised historic centre, a long sandy beach and the magnificent Saracen Bay just a short distance away, Varigotti is sure to gain devoted admirers with each passing summer.

Varigotti’s Beaches

The beaches are Varigotti’s main draw. The Varigotti Beach1 is a long strip of shingle mixed with sand, sandwiched between the historic centre and crystal-clear waters where sections of free beach alternate with equipped bathing establishments (including some dog-friendly facilities). Running almost the entire length of the beach is a delightful seafront promenade lined with palm trees.

Easy to reach and well-equipped, Varigotti beach is suitable for families with small children too. It’s generally busy, but just a few hundred metres from the centre you’ll find quieter spots.

To the east of the headland that borders the historic centre, less than a kilometre away, lies what many consider Varigotti’s most beautiful beach: the Saracen Bay2.

It’s a narrow stretch of free sandy and pebbly beach, with rocky sections right up to the shoreline. The scenery is spectacular, dominated by the lush vegetation clinging to the headland and waters that shift from turquoise to emerald green.

If sunbathing is your priority, arrive early in the day – by early afternoon the sun dips behind the headland, leaving the beach completely in shade.

Continuing east, you’ll come across the Malpasso Beach3: another sandy and pebbly beach, though this one isn’t free. You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee, with the option to rent parasols and loungers for an additional cost.

A truly enchanting beach, suited only to those who love wild, untamed settings, is Punta Crena Beach4. This small cove nestles at the foot of the namesake headland: it’s reachable by land but that route is arduous and potentially risky; the easiest way is by sea in a dinghy.

It’s an isolated, rock-sheltered beach, recommended for snorkelling enthusiasts keen to explore the rich seabed, and for naturists seeking privacy.

What to See in Varigotti

What makes Varigotti special is its distinctive Saracen village atmosphere: forget museums and celebrated monuments – instead, finding picturesque corners is effortless.

The houses on Varigotti beach are hugely photogenic: their vibrant colours create a striking contrast against the brilliant azure Ligurian sky, and their distinctive architecture captivates all visitors. Often described as “Saracen”, their origin – cubic structures with an attic concealing a domed terrace – likely stems not from Arab influence but from ancient Mediterranean tradition.

For more stunning photographs, climb to the top of Punta Crena headland, which separates the historic centre from the Malpasso area.

A roughly 15-minute uphill walk along a footpath brings you to a tower built in the second half of the 16th century to protect the settlement from Turkish invasions, plus the remains of a medieval castle destroyed by the Genoese in 1341. From here you’ll enjoy splendid sea views.

The headland falls within the Punta Crena Nature Reserve and is covered in dense Mediterranean vegetation.

Among Varigotti’s religious buildings, the Church of San Lorenzo deserves a mention – a baroque structure with a late-gothic bell tower.

Where to Stay in Varigotti

Varigotti is a well-known seaside resort, yet the availability of hotels and bed and breakfasts isn’t as extensive as you might expect. If you’re travelling in July or August, book well in advance as accommodation in Varigotti frequently sells out during these months.

If you can’t find a room or apartment, consider nearby alternatives; Finalmarina, Pietra Ligure and Loano are all close by and easily accessible.

Recommended hotels in Varigotti

We offer a selection of hotels at Varigotti 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 Varigotti, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Varigotti

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

Getting to Varigotti

To drive to Varigotti, take the A10 Genova-Ventimiglia motorway; if coming from the west, exit at Finale Ligure; from the east, exit at Spotorno.

Whilst driving here is fairly straightforward, finding a parking space is another matter. Car parks in Varigotti are nearly all pay-and-display and not particularly cheap: for this reason, some visitors prefer to leave their car in Finale Ligure and reach Varigotti by local bus.

Arriving by train isn’t possible: the nearest station is Finale Ligure, located in the coastal district of Finalmarina roughly 5 km away; it’s served by buses.

The closest airport is Genova, which offers a range of domestic and international budget flights.