Laigueglia: the seaside village among the most beautiful in Italy

Located on the Gulf of Alassio, the village of Laigueglia is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, thanks also to its seaside character.

In fact, while most of Italy’s most beautiful villages are found inland or perched among the mountains, Laigueglia’s charm is rooted in the sea.

What to see in Laigueglia

The village develops along a charming central caruggio (narrow Ligurian street), full of shops, small restaurants, and sudden glimpses that open directly onto the beach.

The first attraction to visit is the Church of San Matteo, whose twin bell towers make it one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Liguria.

Next to the church stands the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception, while along the seafront you can still see the remains of the Spanish fortifications from the 17th century.

Unmissable is a walk up to Colla Micheri, a medieval hamlet of Laigueglia once frequented by the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who chose it as his personal retreat.

Events, culture and traditions

On September 21st, the Feast of San Matteo, the village’s patron saint, is celebrated. The event highlights the strong bond with the sea, enriched by the evocative sea procession.

One of the most distinctive events is “Percfest,” the international festival of jazz and percussion, held in summer.

In addition, the Sagra della Panissa (a typical Ligurian dish) and the Pumpkin Carnival are two much-loved events that attract numerous visitors from all over Liguria.

What to see around Laigueglia

From Laigueglia it is easy to reach Alassio, famous for the many VIPs who visit, and Andora, with its naturalistic itineraries.

For trekking enthusiasts, the trails leading to Monte Bignone or the ancient Roman road Via Julia Augusta offer spectacular views of the sea and the coast.

Laigueglia perfectly embodies the values of a seaside town, enriched by the distinctive traits of Ligurian culture, which have allowed it to stand out among Italian villages and earn recognition as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

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