What to see in Varigotti, the evocative Saracen Village in Liguria

Summer, sunshine, long hot days to fully enjoy your free time discovering fantastic places, perhaps overlooking the romantic Italian coasts. Places like Varigotti, a small maritime village in Liguria, an icon of the seaside holiday with that old-school flavor made up of slow paces, family fun, and that natural sense of relaxation and peace.

Varigotti is a simple but absolutely authentic location, perfect for those looking for a fun and relaxing holiday, marked solely by the rhythm of the sea, where beach resorts alternate with enchanting free access beaches and wild coves.

A magical place that will enchant you, rediscovering all the beauty that only small villages can preserve and convey. Can't wait to set off? Get ready with us for your trip to Liguria with this complete guide on what to see in Varigotti and its surroundings for a fantastic seaside holiday!

Varigotti, also known as the Saracen Village of Liguria, is a hamlet of the municipality of Finale Ligure in the province of Savona which has experienced many domination throughout its history. The traces of the passage of the Romans and Lombards in ancient times are evident; however, the suggestive nickname of Varigotti, of course Saracen Village, clearly underlines the strong influence of Saracens on these coastal lands where it’s possible to discover the remains of Arab settlements.

The strong presence of Saracens in the Mediterranean occurred above all between 1500s and 1600s, centuries in which the phenomenon of piracy spread widely, a frightening threat to the main coastal cities and villages such as Varigotti and the whole Liguria. It’s assumed that, subsequently, the Saracens who settled in the area partially mixed with the local population: it is no coincidence that one of the most beautiful and important beaches in Varigotti is called Saracens Bay!

Speaking of beaches and places of tourist interest to discover in Varigotti, how about a nice trip to Liguria for a relaxing seaside holiday this summer? If you want to set out to discover the Saracen Village, your ideal starting point is Genoa, the capital of the region and the main logistics hub for transport by road, train or plane.

Before Varigotti, speaking of the sea and the ships, the ports and the Mediterranean, don't forget to visit the iconic Lantern, the ancient lighthouse of La Superba!

Once finally arrived in the heart of the western coast of Liguria, let’s discover right away what to see in Varigotti strolling around its picturesque alleys embraced by the scent and symphony of the sea.

At first glance, among the most iconic and loved attractions of the Saracen Village, the wonderful little houses on the beach undoubtedly stand out, which with their bright colors truly create a unique and special landscape and atmosphere.

The most interesting and evocative place of interest in Varigotti is certainly the ancient Church of San Lorenzo, the most important in the whole village until 1586, located on a hill overlooking the Saracens Bay which can be reached following the famous Strada degli Ulivi (Olive Groves Path), a path which, as the name suggests, allows to walk through rich Mediterranean vegetation.

By the way, if you love the touch of nature and your soul is green, in Varigotti there is the possibility of arranging fabulous hikes by exploring the hiking route known as Sentiero del Pellegrino (Pilgrim Path), accessible even to the less experienced, which will take you up to the nearby Noli, crossing a lush hinterland on high ground from which admire the sea and discover some very particular places, such as the suggestive Torre delle Streghe (Witches Tower) - hey, did you know that a real village of witches exists in Liguria? - just before Capo Noli.

The typical tourist of this small hamlet of Finale Ligure is certainly a person who loves tranquility, who loves to enjoy the quiet and the pure joys that a beach day can give. And speaking of sea, waves and summer, when you wonder what to see in Varigotti, its fantastic beaches stand out as the true pride of the charming Ligurian town.

In addition to the Saracens Bay, surrounded by particular rocks and bathed by crystal clear waters, there are many other places from which taking a dive and enjoying a bit of sun and freshness. To begin with, there is the Varigotti Beach which extends right at the gates of the village, near the colorful houses, towards Finale Ligure. Here it is possible to find both free access beaches and real beach resorts with full comforts.

For those who don't fear the crowds, there is the beautiful Malpasso Beach, larger than the Bay but with an entrance fee to access.

In the end, how’s possible to forget about the magical Cove of Punta Crena, a place that’s rather difficult to reach given its position among the rocks but which is certainly worth it. The recommended access to Punta Crena is by sea, guaranteeing the more adventurous ones a magnificent swimming experience in its splendid waters, also perfect for snorkelling or why not, for taking wonderful photographs of the promontory on the seaside with a breathtaking view right from the water surface!

The village of Varigotti is located east of Finale Ligure, a municipality in the province of Savona of which it is actually a fraction from an administrative point of view, more precisely on the western side of the Ligurian Coast. In this part of the region you can also visit other splendid locations such as Alassio and above all the famous Sanremo, a city that every year hosts the namesake Festival, one of the most iconic and absolutely local events for all Italians.

You can easily get to Varigotti by car following the SS1 along the coast starting from Savona or Genoa. If you prefer to travel by public transport, from both cities a few trains leave regularly stopping in Spotorno Noli or Finale Ligure; in both cases you can then get to Varigotti with specific buses. If you need to travel by plane to reach Liguria from your city, the main airport of reference is located in Genoa.

Speaking of La Superba, don't miss the opportunity to explore the evocative capital city of Liguria, with a tasty dish of pasta with pesto or a fabulous fugassa (white focaccia). And for a truly special experience, especially with children, we recommend visiting an extraordinary crown jewel attraction of the city...check it right below!