This coastal town on the Italian Riviera has a 3-kilometer sandy beach lined with colorful beach umbrellas and traditional bathing establishments dating back to the 1900s.
Alassio sits along Italy's Ligurian coast, 80 kilometers from the French border. You can walk on three kilometers of golden sand beach, browse small shops in the medieval street called Budello, or climb up to the 13th-century Madonna della Guardia church. The town's unique Muretto wall contains over 1000 ceramic tiles signed by artists and writers who visited since 1953.
Walking the Sandy Beach
The beach in Alassio extends for three kilometers, with fine sand that slopes gently into the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the beach space belongs to private establishments that rent out umbrellas and loungers, but Italian law requires some sections to remain public. The first ten meters of shoreline stay open for walking. The central area near the pier fills with swimmers and sunbathers during summer months, while in spring and autumn you might find yourself almost alone on the beach.
Exploring the Budello
The Budello, a narrow cobbled street, runs parallel to the coastline through Alassio's old town. This medieval street contains small shops where you can buy local chocolates and regional cheeses. The street winds between 19th-century mansions and traditional stone houses that once belonged to fishermen.
Discovering the Muretto Wall
Café owner Mario Berrino created the Muretto wall in 1953, choosing to preserve visitor signatures on ceramic tiles instead of a traditional guest book. Located near the city hall, the wall has grown to include more than 1000 colorful tiles with autographs from artists, writers, and celebrities who visited Alassio.
Hiking the Coastal Trails
Several walking paths lead up the hills above Alassio. The trail to Madonna della Guardia church takes you to the highest peak in the area, where a 13th-century building sits 586 meters above the bay. Another path leads to Torre della Vegliasco, a 16th-century defensive tower overlooking the coastline. The Villa della Pergola trail brings you to an English-style garden where you can see wisteria, agapanthus, and other Mediterranean plants.
Getting Around
Trains run regularly between Genoa and the French border, stopping at Alassio's station. You can walk across the town center in about 20 minutes. Local buses connect Alassio to nearby towns like Laigueglia and Albenga.
Seasonal Activities
In summer, beach clubs set up loungers and umbrellas, and restaurants stay open late. Spring and autumn see fewer visitors, making these seasons good for walking and cycling. The town hosts sailing competitions like the Giraglia Rolex Cup throughout the year. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F), allowing for comfortable outdoor walks - a climate that first attracted English visitors in the 19th century.
