Laigueglia, the ideal 360° Italian Riviera destination

A view of Laigueglia

Set in the heart of the Rivera delle Palme -a stone’s throw from Alassio – Laigueglia is an enchanting coastal village, the former dwelling of fishermen and great men. 

 

Its seaside promenade is dedicated to G.B. Libero Badarò, early 19^th century philanthropist (as well as botanist, physician, journalist) who died in Brazil. The hills of Colla Micheri were Thor Heyerdal’s buen retiro – the famous Norwegian anthropologist used to plan his explorations and adventures in the ancient sightseeing tower that dominates the area. In the past, to make ends meet (and earn a little money in the meantime), locals started processing bughe (i.e., bogues): fried, preserved in vinegar and canned they were dispatched (until the 1960s) throughout Northern Italy. Food tales took a gourmet bias with the rise of quality restaurants from the 1970s.

 

Capo Mele, located halfway between Laigueglia and Andora hosts a Sanctuary built by a Catalan community, adorned with the votive offerings of fishermen and sailors and the beach of Laigueglia is dominated by the remains of one of the three towers that protected the village during the age of Saracen raids. The 1546 sack by pirat Dragut is still narrated by the "Landing of the Saracens", re-enacted every year. A rich calendar of events features concerts and festivals (jazz rules) as well as food fairs. 

 

The Baroque parish church dates back to the early 18th century, an age of prosperity for this coastal centre. Laigueglia also boasts a knack for mondanity (la Suerte disco club - a must since the '70s - hosted famous artists such as Gloria Gaynor) and animation. Lastly, this is the ideal destination for active sports, mainly cyclism. 

 

Opportunities for water sports include kayaking and water fitness.

 

 

My English abstract of the article as published on LiguriaFood

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