In the heart of the Riviera delle Palme, in the province of Savona, the Bay of the Sun is one of the best-loved seaside destinations in Liguria, with its clear sea, mild climate and long sandy beaches. Its centre is Alassio, an elegant town with a great tourist tradition, perfect for families; next to it, the compact village of Laigueglia is its most authentic and peaceful face. Here you’ll find where to stay best, with the small addresses we choose one by one, never by hearsay.
Alassio is famous above all for its beach: over three kilometres of fine sand with a gentle, shelving seabed, among the most suitable for children in the whole region. But the town is also life and strolling, with the Budello — the narrow pedestrian shopping street — and the celebrated Muretto, the wall of tiles bearing the autographs of celebrities, born in the 1950s at the Caffè Roma from an idea of the painter Mario Berrino, with the first signature that of Ernest Hemingway. Offshore, finally, rises the green silhouette of Gallinara Island, a nature reserve said to resemble a turtle.
Where to stay depends on the pace you’re after: the buzz and services of Alassio, with its great range of hotels and beach clubs, or the quiet and charm of Laigueglia, more intimate and authentic. Both face the same clear sea and are a few minutes apart, so you can enjoy the whole bay wherever you choose to stay. Let’s look at the two destinations, one by one, with the addresses we recommend in each.
Alassio
The heart of the bay, Alassio is a lively, elegant town with a great tradition of hospitality: hotels of every category, well-equipped beach clubs, shops, restaurants and bars. Its sandy beach and gentle seabed make it the ideal choice for families with children, while the Budello and the seafront offer life and strolling at every hour. The addresses we choose:
Grand Hotel Alassio Beach & Spa
A five-star on the seafront in the heart of Alassio, with a free private beach and a full wellness centre. The luxury of a grand hotel with the beach on your doorstep and the services of a resort. Ideal for a special stay, or for families who want the best with everything within reach.
Hotel dei Fiori
A three-star a few steps from the sea, with a wellness centre, an in-house restaurant and free bike rental. The convenience of a well-equipped, good-value hotel, perfect for a carefree seaside holiday. Ideal for families and couples who want relaxation and services.
Baba Residences
A dog-friendly aparthotel a few steps from the sea, with sea-view apartments, dedicated dog areas and a seasonal beach club. The space and independence of an apartment with a kitchen, plus the freedom to bring your dog. Ideal for families, longer stays and those travelling with pets.
Hotel Bristol
A family-run hotel in the pedestrian heart of Alassio, a few steps from the sea, with a fitness area and bike rental. The pleasure of a welcoming base in a very central position, between the Budello and the beach. Ideal for those who want to experience the town on foot, right in the centre.
All the small hotels in Alassio →
Laigueglia
A little further west, Laigueglia is a delightful former fishing village, one of “the loveliest villages in Italy”: a compact old town of colourful houses and narrow alleys, with the church of San Matteo and a lovely beach. Quieter and more authentic than Alassio, it’s the choice for those seeking atmosphere, calm and a slow pace, without giving up the convenience of the sea. The addresses we choose:
Hotel Windsor
A four-star right on the seafront, with a private beach, a fitness centre and an Italian restaurant. The pleasure of having the sea in front of you and the old village a couple of steps away, with the comforts of a well-kept hotel. Ideal for those who want elegance and relaxation in the heart of Laigueglia.
Il Nido Rifatto
A bed and breakfast with sea view, a balcony in every room and free private parking, a few steps from the beach. Impeccable, warm hospitality and a dream location right by the sea make it a little gem of the village. Ideal for a romantic escape or a well-appointed stay in Laigueglia.
All the small hotels in Laigueglia →
What to see and when to go
Beyond the beach, in Alassio you shouldn’t miss the Budello and the Muretto, the seafront promenade and the climb to the little church of Santa Croce, with a view over the bay and Gallinara Island. In Laigueglia you wander the pretty old town and sunbathe in peace. The bathing season runs from spring to autumn, with summer at the peak of life and events — in Alassio the summer calendar is packed, between traditions, music and culture. Spring and September are ideal for those seeking sea and pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
How to get there
Alassio is on the Genoa–Ventimiglia railway line, with its own station; Laigueglia is served by the nearby Andora station, a few minutes away. By car you arrive from the A10 motorway at the Albenga and Andora exits. On the spot you get around very well on foot along the Budello and the seafront. For the full picture on trains and connections, see how to get to Liguria. A little to the east lies Finale Ligure, while up the coast you’ll find Savona.
This guide is part of our grand journey through the region: discover all the destinations and areas in Where to Stay in Liguria.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in Alassio and the Bay of the Sun.
Why is Alassio suitable for families?
For its beach: over three kilometres of fine sand with a gentle, shelving seabed, among the safest and most comfortable for children in the whole of Liguria. On top of that the town has well-equipped beach clubs, services, shops and a lively pedestrian area. It has always been one of the region’s favourite seaside destinations for families.
Alassio or Laigueglia?
It depends on what you’re after. Alassio is larger, livelier and better equipped, with the long beach, the shops and the evening life: ideal for families and for those who want services. Laigueglia is smaller, more intimate and authentic, a village among the loveliest in Italy, perfect for those seeking quiet and atmosphere. They’re very close and connected.
What is the Muretto of Alassio?
It’s the famous little wall covered with ceramic tiles bearing the autographs of celebrities, a symbol of the town. It was born in the 1950s at the Caffè Roma, from an idea of the painter Mario Berrino: the first signature was Ernest Hemingway’s, then a regular at the café. Today it counts hundreds of tiles and is an attraction not to be missed.
What is the beach of Alassio like?
It’s one of the finest in Liguria: over three kilometres of fine golden sand, with a clear sea and a gently shelving seabed, perfect for children. It’s largely occupied by well-equipped beach clubs, with some stretches of free beach. The setting of the Bay of the Sun, with Gallinara Island opposite, is splendid.
