Once an ancient fishing village, Varazze is today a bustling coastal resort with fabulous beaches, a lively marina and a historic centre. With a lush mountain backdrop and an extensive coastline, there is also beautiful scenery at every turn. Stroll along the sandy beaches, learn about the town's history and embark on nature treks through the surrounding countryside.
Start your visit by sampling some of the historical and cultural attractions. See the remains of the medieval walls and visit the Romanesque San Nazario e Celso Church, which has a history that dates back to the 10th century. Study the exquisite frescoes of the 15th-century Church of San Domenico.
The heart of the town is the Marina di Varazze, a delightful place to stroll, shop and dine. Browse the marina's boutiques for clothing, gifts and jewellery. Then stop for refreshments in one of the waterside cafés or restaurants. You can also charter a boat from the marina for a fun-filled day at sea.
Beaches come in plentiful supply in Varazze. Work on your tan then go for a swim in the cool blue water. One of the area’s highlights is Celle Ligure Beach, a 5-minute drive west.
Nature lovers have many good reasons to visit Varazze and they can all be found in the Natural Park Beigua. This is a vast area of mountains, wetlands and forests. Put on your walking boots for trek along some of the 310 miles (500 kilometres) of trails. There is also a handful of thematic trails, such as the 1-hour Ornithological Trail. Other activities in the park include rock climbing and horse riding.
For nightlife, head back to the marina for its bars, lounges and disco.
Reach Varazze by flying into Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and rent a car for the 20-mile (30-kilometre) drive west along the coast. You can also take a train from the airport to arrive at this Italian Riviera destination that offers sea, tranquility, nature, culture and history.
