A new idea for our column dedicated to boat excursions from Genoa: after exploring the route towards Bergeggi and its unmistakable islet a few weeks ago, this time we are heading a little further west to discover two other gems of the Riviera di Ponente. The destinations for this boat trip are Capo Noli, where the mountains plunge into the sea, and Varigotti, a small Ligurian village chosen by many celebrities as a summer “buen retiro.” Let us look at the route to follow to sail towards Noli from the tourist port of Genoa, and what to see once you have moored.
By boat from Genoa to Capo Noli and Varigotti
The distance between the berths of our Genoa marina and Capo Noli is approximately 27 nautical miles: just enough for a wonderful day at sea, with friends or family. After leaving the tourist port of Genoa and passing the Lanterna, you can sail along the coast towards the west, enchanted by the view of the towns of Varazze, Celle Ligure, Albissola Marina, and of course Savona, before passing the islet of Bergeggi.
Behind the island, you will see the beach of Spotorno and, a little further on, the tower of the Castello di Monte Ursino standing tall, defending the historic center of Noli.
Capo Noli, overlooking the sea
The Castle of the Marquises del Carretto protects a center bustling with historic shops and artisan workshops, along with small boutiques and venues that invite a stop. Walking through these narrow streets, and even more so after sailing in its blue waters teeming with fish, it is no surprise at all that it has been included among the most beautiful villages in Italy: Noli certainly has its charm, offering visitors numerous interesting attractions. There is, of course, the historic architecture, reflecting the fact that this village was once a Maritime Republic; but there are also scenic views that are part Mediterranean, part Caribbean; and there are the impressive cliffs overlooking the sea, a destination for expert climbers. And speaking of sheer walls, it is impossible to overlook the impressive Capo Noli, with its 276 meters above sea level: from up there, the view is unforgettable, stretching all the way to Portofino.
The old seaside village of Varigotti and the Baia dei Saraceni
The second destination of this boat trip from the tourist port of Genoa is Varigotti, with its Baia dei Saraceni. The locals themselves are sometimes called “Saracens,” and for good reason: the long history of this settlement includes hordes of Turkish and Barbary pirates, who chose this very inlet—once difficult to reach by land—as a refuge on the Ligurian Riviera.
In addition to the famous Baia dei Saraceni beach—renowned above all for sunsets that seem to set the pastel facades of the houses behind it ablaze—the beautiful Punta Crena beach, with its fine white sand, is also worth mentioning. Here, it is certainly worth losing yourself in the narrow streets and small squares of the center, and perhaps planning short excursions into the lush nature surrounding the inlet. Accessible and enchanting at the same time is, for example, the Sentiero del Pellegrino, which connects the two destinations of these boat excursions: from Varigotti, you can walk to Noli, winding through paths overlooking the sea, ancient churches, and above all, fascinating caves. The most famous is certainly the “Grotta dei Falsari” (Forger’s Cave), also known as the “Brigands’ Cave”: legend has it that smugglers kept their goods here. The route is approximately 4 kilometers long, with a 300-meter elevation gain.
Dream beaches, fascinating castles, sea-view trekking, and seaside villages to experience: our tourist port in Genoa is the ideal base for discovering the treasures of the Ligurian Riviera!
(Cover image: Photo by Enrico Bonsignorio)