Riva Ligure is a picturesque coastal town in the Italian region of Liguria, known for its fine sandy beaches, charming waterfront houses, and maritime tradition. The town with a small marina offers a peaceful atmosphere and, with the gentle hills in the hinterland, relaxed hiking opportunities.
Table of contents
In the old town of Riva Ligure, you fill your holiday photo album. It is a true treasure chest. The labyrinth of narrow alleys leads you to the lively Piazza San Matteo, to the town hall in the Palazzo Carrega, and to the baroque church of San Giovanni Battista. Enjoy a gelato and shop on the popular shopping street Via XX Settembre before taking a walk along the picturesque coastal promenade. The medieval, historical watchtower reminds of the pirate era.
The Piccolo Jolly Beach in Taggia stretches over several hundred meters and is considered very family-friendly. If you want action on your vacation, you can book a joint kite trip. You will also find some sports fields, such as for volleyball. The artificial breakwaters ensure safe swimming. Look forward to an idyllic atmosphere at Piccolo Jolly Beach and enjoy the maritime flair with a high-quality Italian wine. The local restaurants also serve modern Ligurian cuisine.
The predecessor of the church Nostra Signora del Buon Consiglio was dedicated to San Maurizio, the Roman patron saint of the army. The sacred building was first mentioned in documents in the year 1205. The church in its current appearance was designed by Girolamo Arlotti. Since the renovation of the church progressed slowly due to a lack of financial resources, the residents of Rivisi supported the new construction. Among the artistic works in the interior is the depiction of the Immaculate Conception on a painting.
Near the beach, small shops, cafes, and restaurants line up. The beach promenade serves as a strolling area for locals and visitors and leads from Riva Ligure to the picturesque marina Marina degli Aregai in the neighboring town of Santo Stefano al Mare. The beach promenade of Riva Ligure is also part of the bike path "Pista ciclabile del Parco Costiero del Ponente Ligure." This runs between Sanremo in the west and San Lorenzo in the east over a total length of 24 km.
Architecturally, the Dominican Monastery from the 15th century impresses with its Gothic style. The monastery church, in particular, is worth a visit with its numerous paintings from the Renaissance to the Late Baroque. Many are by the Ligurian Renaissance painter Ludovico Brea. Other Ligurian painters like John Canavesio and Emanuel Macario are represented with paintings with Christian references in the San Domenico Monastery. In the attached monastery museum, you can delve into the monastery's history and admire, among other things, manuscripts from medieval times.
You will find the small church of San Maurizio at the main square of Riva Ligure and can look forward to a historical building from the 17th century. However, some relics are significantly older. Here you will recognize a crucifix from the year 1400. Impressive in the church of San Maurizio are the magnificent wall paintings. They depict various religious representations. Also worth seeing are especially the works by Aicardi as well as the sculptures created by the sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano.
Original columns and capitals from the 13th century still belong to the Parrocchia di Santo Stefano al Mare today. The historic parish church above the Abitazione del Parroco on the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente was built by Benedictine monks in the Romanesque style. Particularly fascinating is the baptismal font from the 15th century.
After a severe earthquake in the 19th century, the medieval village of Bussana Vecchia west of Riva Ligure on the Riviera di Ponente was left abandoned. With its illegal settlement by dropouts and artisans in the 1960s, the former village ruin became a unique artist village with charming studios as well as quaint bars and restaurants.
On the Ligurian slopes of Northern Italy, the medieval village of Pompeiana stretches up to 200 meters on Monte San Bernardo. With a breathtaking view of the historic fishing village of Riva Ligure on the Riviera di Ponente, you stroll between quaint bars, cozy restaurants, and small shops through the idyllic community.
The Saracen Tower of Riva Ligure on the Ligurian coast of Italy, an ancient Saracen tower from the Middle Ages for protection against pirates, fascinates as a hidden gem. Located near the lively Riva Ligure, it offers insights into regional history and maritime heritage. Today, the tower is a silent homage to times past, surrounded by the beauty of the Riviera. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean, breathe fresh sea air, and reflect on seafaring stories, away from the crowds in quiet solitude.
On foot, explore the coastal town of Riva Ligure on the Italian Riviera. Stroll through the narrow streets with old buildings, typical Ligurian houses, and stone walls, and discover small hidden squares where you can soak in the Italian atmosphere. Visit Piazza San Maurizio, the main square of the old town, which is a meeting point for young and old and offers a charming setting for markets and events. On the nearby Piazza della Chiesa, the medieval parish church of San Maurizio towers. Inside, you will discover paintings by Carlo Giuseppe Aicardi from Oneglia and sculptures by Anton Maria Maragliano. After the visit, walk towards the harbor. At Porticciolo Riva Ligure, enjoy freshly caught fish and watch the incoming boats with a gentle sea breeze. Then, stroll along the promenade to the beach, where you can enjoy a few hours of sunshine or even take a plunge into the magnificent Ligurian Sea.
After about 1 kilometer of walking, you reach the Area Archeologica di Costa Balenae. This archaeological site on the ancient route Via Julia Augusta primarily served as a station for changing horses and for transporting goods to Gaul. According to coin and medal finds, the route was active throughout the entire period. Marvel at the basilica and a necropolis with sarcophagi from the old and early Middle Ages. About 9 kilometers inland, the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Lampedusa in Castellaro is worth a visit. According to legend, it is a votive offering from Andrea Anfosso, who was able to save himself with a boat after being kidnapped by Barbary pirates on Lampedusa. Later, head to Arma di Taggia, located 2 kilometers east of Riva Ligure, where you embark on the approximately 9-kilometer round trip to Santo Stefano al Mare. There, you visit the fortress of the same name from the 16th century, which served as protection against pirates.
Just an hour's drive from Riva Ligure lies the village of Dolceacqua. In the village center, you can feel the medieval charm in the narrow alleys called "Carugi," with stone houses supporting each other through arches. You pass bustling workshops, rustic wine cellars, and inviting art galleries. Above the town at the bend of the Nervia, the Doria castle ruins welcome you, built in the 12th century by the Count of Ventimiglia. There, you can learn interesting facts about the castle, old traditions, its artworks, and the Doria family history. A panoramic route between vineyards and olive groves also leads you to the 13th-century arched bridge that spans the Nervia River. During your city tour, you should not miss the Oratory of San Sebastiano, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, and the Palazzo Luigina Garoscio. To conclude, taste Taggiasca olives and a Michetta. For the main course, enjoy a glass of Rossese di Dolceacqua, which thrives in the surrounding wine terraces under the Ligurian sun.