Alassio Holidays

Alassio was a big name in Victorian tourism, but today, the town is often overlooked in favour of more popular spots, making it a real hidden gem of the Ligurian coastline.

Firstly, the setting is superb, with a long sandy beachfront backed by pastel-coloured houses and dramatic hills. The atmospheric centre street, locally known as the budello di Alassio (gut of Alassio) is where the history of the town can most be appreciated, with numerous shops, churches and piazzas dotted along its length. Pay a visit to the West Gallery – an interesting building holding an exhibition of Irish artist Richard Whateley West’s works, as well as an atmospheric library known for being one of the oldest English language libraries in Italy. There are also more than 100 dining establishments in and around Alassio. Some of the most trendy can be found directly overlooking the beach, but the most authentic are generally hidden away in the back streets, often serving the town’s signature product, baci di Alassio – a delicious chocolate-flavoured macaroon.