This medieval coastal town in Liguria has 12th-century walls and a palm-lined beach promenade. Rock climbers come for its limestone cliffs, while swimmers enjoy the clear Mediterranean waters.
Finale Ligure sits along Italy's Ligurian coast, where grey sand beaches stretch beneath limestone cliffs. Walk through the 12th-century gates of Finalborgo to find artisan workshops in medieval stone buildings, or climb to Castel Gavone for views across the Mediterranean. Along the waterfront in Finalmarina, locals gather at cafes under palm trees, while cyclists and climbers head into the surrounding hills to tackle routes like the winding Rollercoaster trail.
The Three Boroughs of Finale Ligure
In Finalmarina, you'll walk along a waterfront promenade where palm trees line the grey sand beach. Stop at Piazza Vittorio Veneto to see buildings painted with trompe-l'oeil artwork. In Finalpia, the bells of the Benedictine abbey ring across the beaches of San Donato and Castelletto. Walk inland to Finalborgo, where 12th-century walls encircle narrow streets filled with craft shops, wine bars, and stone buildings with decorated doorways.
Mountain Biking and Climbing
You can climb more than 2,000 routes on the limestone cliffs around town, many just a 10-minute walk from the center. Local mountain bikers have carved over 250 miles of trails through the hills. Try the Rollercoaster trail for flowing descents, or test yourself on technical routes from the former NATO base. Take a shuttle service ("uplift") to trailheads - routes range from beginner-friendly paths to expert-only tracks. The dry Mediterranean weather keeps most trails open year-round.
Beaches and Coast
Eight kilometers of coastline stretch between rocky headlands, with grey sand beaches throughout. In Finalmarina, choose between beach clubs with umbrellas and loungers or free public beaches. Head to the quieter Baia dei Saraceni near Varigotti to escape the summer crowds. San Donato beach sits between two headlands, with a 16th-century watchtower above the water.
Medieval Architecture
Climb to Castel Gavone, built in 1181 and expanded in 1451, where the Del Carretto Marquesses ruled until 1715. Inside the Basilica of St. John the Baptist (1619), look up at the twin bell towers added in 1762. Enter Finalborgo through its original gates to find the Church of San Biagio, where the Gothic bell tower remains from the original medieval building.
Getting Around
Catch trains from Finale Ligure Marina station to Genoa (1 hour) or Ventimiglia (1 hour 10 minutes). To reach Finale Ligure, fly into Genoa Airport (GOA), or use Milan or Nice airports for more flight options. Take the A10 highway exit directly into town. Local buses connect all three boroughs and nearby beach areas every 30 minutes during daytime hours.
