The stretch of coast extending from Caprazoppa to Borghetto Santo Spirito includes the best of Mediterranean Liguria: beaches of the finest golden sand, borghi resounding with the echo of history, hills covered with silver olive groves, and more cicadas than you imagined could exist in the whole region (not to forget the most verdant of entroterras).
To fully appreciate the beauty and the magic of the area you would better start your exploration from the promontory of Caprazoppa, a precipitous rocky spur west of Finale Ligure. A two-minute drive will take you to Borgio Verezzi, guarding the whole coastal arch from its strategic position - a quality appreciated by all those (from Roman garrisons to the Marchesi del Carretto) who through the centuries fought for the control of this section of the Riviera di Ponente. A religious stronghold as well, it developed under the influence of the Benedictine monks of the powerful abbey of San Pietro in Varatella, hidden in the mountains of the hinterland.
Borgio Verezzi is an enchanting open-air book whose pages narrate the most ancient of histories - the Valdemino caves bear traces of prehistoric settlements – , a palimpsest of conquests, assaults (the sea bringing the Saracen threat, the locals looked for shelter in the hills), trades and exchanges. Each of the two centres that make up the comune treasures an intact core: Borgio is a pleasant seaside resort, a living postcard of cobalt waters and welcoming beaches whose old district spirals up towards the 18th century church of San Pietro (do not miss the steep descent of its piazza, the reign of indolent cats and cosy restaurants); and Verezzi, a panoramic balcony dominating the coastline from the hills (200 mts. a.s.l.). Drive your car along winding hairpin bends sided by gardens, orchards and white villas lavishly decorated by bougainvillea and reach a scenic balcony over the most Mediterranean of setting. The cobbled alleys of this stone village will unveil the enchantment of vaults and piazzette, the stage of the Festival Teatrale di Borgio Verezzi (actors, authors and enthusiasts gather here every Summer). The stone “arena” of Piazza Sant’Agostino is a delight for all seasons: sunset is the time to enjoy its grace, a glass of Pigato in your hand. From Borgio, follow the Aurelia to Pietra Ligure, once a bulwark against Barbaric incursions, nowadays a coastal resort peacefully crowded by Italian and foreign visitors attracted by the simple amenity of the place. In fact, Pietra is the ideal destination for a green&blue holiday combining sea fun and water sports with the trails of the immediate entroterra – trekkers and bikers swarm over the area as well as climbers, ready to challenge the beautiful Ferrata degli Artisti. Live your stay at your own tempo, from the andante con brio of your favourite sport to the adagio of a day of lazy relaxation on the beach. Any rhythm you choose, you will surely fall in love with the nice promenade, the lively marina (Pietra boasts a long shipbuilding tradition) and the centro storico, so Ligurian in its atmospheres. A geometrical network of carruggi and ancient palazzi you are warmly recommended to visit following the fil rouge of the brocante taking place each month (last Sunday) along shady alleys and piazzette...