The Liguria of sand, between Savona and Imperia: Varigotti, Noli, Spotorno, the wide stretches of Alassio and Laigueglia and the bays sheltered by headlands, each with today's sea conditions.
The Riviera di Ponente, between Savona and Imperia, is the Liguria of wide beaches and sand: pale, fine stretches like Alassio and Laigueglia, bays closed off by headlands like Varigotti, medieval villages facing the water like Noli. Unlike the Levante, here sand is the rule, and several bays are naturally sheltered from the winds.
Below are the most beautiful public beaches, each with today's sea conditions: tap a row to open the full card with waves, wind and water temperature.
The Finale area: Varigotti and the Baia dei Saraceni
Between Capo Noli and the cliffs, the Varigotti stretch gathers some of the clearest waters on the riviera, in naturally sheltered bays.
Sand and pebbles, turquoise waters and the Saracen village with its colourful houses behind. The bay is naturally sheltered between Capo Noli and the cliffs, and historically protected from the libeccio: it often stays calm even with a southwesterly wind.
The Baia dei Saraceni, at Varigotti, is a crescent of fine sand mixed with rock, with an almost flat seabed and good snorkelling. It is reached on foot by a narrow path and is free: small and sheltered, it fills up early.
Noli, Spotorno and Bergeggi
Just east of the Finale area, three different and nearby spots: the medieval village of Noli, the sand of Spotorno and the reserve of the Bergeggi Island.
A beach of sand, gravel and pebbles about a hundred metres long in front of the medieval village, with a gentle seabed in the middle. It is a Blue Flag beach and alternates beach clubs and free stretches: convenient and full of character.
Sand, with some coarser-grained stretches, and crystal-clear water facing the Bergeggi Island. A wide beach with free stretches and beach clubs, handy for those looking for services and space.
Alassio and Laigueglia: the realm of sand
The gulf between Alassio and Laigueglia is one of the widest and gentlest stretches of sand in Liguria, with shallow seabeds and water that is often calm.
A long stretch of fine, pale sand, rich in quartz, running for kilometres with a gentle seabed. Over a hundred beach clubs alternate with free stretches: it is the sandy beach par excellence of the ponente.
Soft, pale sand of silica origin, a long beach in a wide, sheltered bay: the sea here is almost always calm. Beach clubs and free stretches, with the atmosphere of a fishing village.
Towards the border: Bordighera
Bordighera, in the province of Imperia, has mixed beaches of pebbles, small stones and sand, with clear water and a seafront about two kilometres long. Beach clubs and wide free stretches, and it is a Blue Flag resort: a good base in the far western Liguria.
When the sea is calm on the Riviera di Ponente
The most feared wind for rough seas is the libeccio, from the southwest, followed by the mistral, from the northwest, and the tramontana. The fortune of this coast is the bays closed off by headlands: Varigotti, tucked between Capo Noli and the Malpasso, and Laigueglia, in its wide bay, offer shelter and stay calm longer. On windless days the sea is flat almost everywhere. The practical rule: with a libeccio head for the sheltered bays; when the wind shifts, check the beach's exposure before you set off. MareCalmo takes into account each beach's exposure to wind and waves, so you can see at a glance where the sea is calmest today.
Practical tips
- Go early. In the morning the sea is usually calmer, before the breeze picks up, and parking is easier to find.
- The small bays fill up. Spots like the Baia dei Saraceni have narrow access and little space: it is best to arrive early and bring water and shade.
- Respect the Bergeggi reserve. Around the island seasonal bans and protection zones apply: find out before approaching by kayak or boat.
- Check flags and ordinances. The Harbour Master's notices always come before the forecast.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the sandy beaches of the Riviera di Ponente?
The widest stretches of fine, pale sand are at Alassio and Laigueglia, in their sheltered gulf. Sand, mixed with pebbles or rock, is also found at Varigotti, at the Baia dei Saraceni, at Noli and at Spotorno. Towards the border, Bordighera alternates pebbles, small stones and sand.
Can you land on the Bergeggi Island?
No, landing on the islet is not free: it is a protected area. Swimming is forbidden in Zone A on the island's southern coast, and a seasonal transit ban applies around the island from 1 May to 30 September; between the coast and the island, kayaks and canoes are allowed. Always check the up-to-date Marine Protected Area rules.
When is the sea calmest?
Usually early in the morning and, in a libeccio, in the sheltered bays such as Varigotti and Laigueglia. The calm sea today page shows you in real time where to find it now.
