General Information/Map
Map of Alassio
Alassio is a charming city and a famous seaside resort located on the west coast of Liguria – that is a northern region of Italy -, between Cape Mele and Cape Santa Croce. The legend says that the name “Alassio” derives from Adelasia who was the daughter of Emperor Otto I who fled with the squire Aleramo and established their home near Mount Tirasso. Later this place was called Alaxia in memory of the princess, and then became Alassio.
It’s always been the favorite holiday for the inhabitants of Lombardia and Piemonte – two northern regions of Italy – in fact it is only 245 km from Milan (the main city of Lombardia) and 195 km from Turin (the main city of Piemonte).
Towards the end of ‘800 and the beginning of last century many foreign tourists – mostly British – have bought and built several villas and have chosen Alassio as a seaside resort. This explains the presence of Nouveau buildings and the names of some streets (eg Hanbury Avenue, that was the name of a family that has resided for years in this city and contributed to its economic development).
Alassio is inhabited by about 11,000 people and attracts every year many tourists also coming from northern Europe.
Getting there
Alassio is easily reached by car taking the highway A10 Genoa – Ventimiglia. We recommend going out to Albenga and from there follow the signs that lead you to the destination in ten minutes.
Other very comfortable means of transport is train; the train station is located in the center of Alassio and there is an efficient bus and taxi service, which connects it with all the areas of the city.
For who comes from further away it’s possible to take the plane and arrive at the nearby airports of Genoa and Nice (both at about 100 km from Alassio) and from there take another public transport or rent a car.
There are also bus services that link the main cities of Lombardy and Piemonte to Alassio.
It’s very important to know that as in all countries resort on the Ligurian coast, it is quite difficult to find a free parking for your car: therefore we recommend you to arrive early in the morning.
When to go there
Alassio is located in a privileged location overlooking the sea and surrounded by rolling hills that protect it from cold winds from the north.
This explains its Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and windy summers and not very cold winters.
The best time to stay here is usually from March to October and the bathing season begins in May and ends in late September.
Must see
Beach and Sea
Strength of Alassio is undoubtedly its beautiful long white sandy beach that stretches for about 4 km between Cape Mele and Cape Santa Croce. Here the sea bottom is sandy, degrades very slowly and the water is free of currents: this explains why Alassio is often chosen by families with children as a holiday resort. Along the beach there are numerous beach resorts and a few free beaches.
The sea of Alassio also offers beautiful divings. After moving to the tourist port of Alassio towards Albenga – precisely at Murena Cape - you can dive and observe a rich flora and fauna.
Near the island of Gallinara – that is located off the coast of Albenga – there is an ancient relic – the Umberto I – while in front of Albenga a merchant ship full of Roman amphorae was found. But it is not possible to dive near these wrecks because it is a protected area and so they can be observed only from the surface.
The wall of Alassio
The wall of Alassio – located in Dante street – is a wall that defines the public gardens that in the 50s the citizens began to decorate with colored tiles with the signature of celebrities.
Precisely in 1951 Hemingway stayed in Alassio and the painter of this seaside city – Mario Berrino – had the idea to place a tile on the wall with the signature of the famous American writer.
After Hemingway left their autograph many other famous personalities like the italians Quartetto Cetra, Cosimo di Ceglie, Pippo Baudo, Loredana Bertè, Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali and Fabrizio De Andrè (just to name a few).
The wall is also known to be a venue for lovers on Valentine’s Day: there is a statue of Eros Pellini representing two lovers and a mailbox where the most beautiful love letters where delivered.
The wall of Alassio has become known thanks to the beauty contest “Miss Muretto” which takes place every year and has seen winners also women who became famous as Simona Ventura – a known Italian TV presenter.
“Budello”
The “Budello” of Alassio is a long pedestrian narrow street that reaches the walk Ciccione.
It is the main meeting point of Alassio and along this alley there are many shops and places to rendezvous and spend evenings.
Monuments
Among the Alassio monuments we recommend to visit:
- Vegliasco Tower: it is situated in a dominant position on the Gulf of Alassio. It has a very ancient origins and it is one of the most beautiful towers in the area.
- Torrione (The Tower): it is a watch tower which is located in Borgo Coscia (a fraction of Alassio) in front of the sea. It was built in the sixteenth century by the Genoese.
- Alassio British Library: it was built in the early ‘900 in Liberty style.
- Alassio Train Station: it is an Art Nouveau style building and it was built in the early of ‘900 on a project of the engineer Manfredini.
- Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia: it is located on Mount Tirasso, was built in 1200 over the remnants of a medieval castle.
- Church of Santa Croce: it is in Romanesque style and was built by Benedictine monks of the island Gallinara in the eleventh century. From the nearby lookout you can enjoy unbeatable views of the Gulf of Alassio and its hills.
- Chapel in memory of the dead of the sea: it is located near the port Luca Ferrari. It was built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea and it was inaugurated in 1929.
- Collegiate Parish of St. Ambrose: it is located in Alassio in St. Ambrose square and it was built in the second half of 1400.
- Church of St. Anna to the mountains: is located in Julia Augusta street, was built in 940 at the behest of the Benedictine monks of the Gallinara and it was the first parish of Alassio.
Where to stay
Alassio offers to tourists many accommodations: hotels, residences, bed and breakfast, holiday rentals and campings.
Restaurants/Typical cuisine
The culinary tradition of Alassio is typically Mediterranean and combines the tastes of the sea and the land. The dishes are rich in fish, vegetables, spices and the main ingredient of each preparation is olive oil, which is also found in the famous Ligurian pesto.
You can taste the excellent focaccia, “farinata” (made with chickpea flour) and Pasqualina cake. In addition you can also find the “Kiss of Alassio”, chocolate candies, and ” Biscette of Solva”, pancakes with fennel seeds typical of the village of Solva.
Shopping
The “Budello” of Alassio is the place where to go shopping. Here there are jewelers, shops designer labels, clothing, souvenirs and even several shops that sell local gastronomic specialties.
Links
For more information visit the web site of the town of Alassio.