We recommend six enchanting pearls of the Western Ligurian coast reachable by boat from Marina Porto Antico.
In the previous article, we cast off from our docks and guided you in search of the most sheltered and less frequented anchorages of the eastern Riviera; today we head west to discover some of the most picturesque beaches of the Western Ligurian coast accessible by boat.
Punta Crena, a secret corner in Varigotti
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Liguria, nestled between sheer cliffs, it is accessible only by sea (the land route is strongly discouraged), located between the promontory that divides Varigotti from the Baia dei Saraceni.
Here you will find crystal-clear water and incredible tranquility; the cave behind it offers a very unique acoustics.
Attention! This stretch is off-limits for motorboats, but it can be reached by SUP, canoe, or inflatable. It’s truly worth it!
44° 10′ 52” N, 8° 24′ 25” E
Isolotto di Bergeggi, a heart-shaped island
Protected by the marine protected area, the waters surrounding this true pearl of the Western Ligurian coast amaze with their transparency, the richness of the seabed, and the marine life that inhabits them, making it a must-visit for lovers of snorkeling and sea watching. In addition to plants, in the deeper areas you can find moray eels, lobsters, damselfish, and monkfish specimens.
Also called the island of Sant’Eugenio, it was once connected to Bergeggi by a now-disappeared strip of land, contains important historical and archaeological evidence (including Roman remains and monastic buildings). The island of Bergeggi is one of the few nesting sites for the magnificent yellow-legged gull.
44° 14′ 02.8″ N, 8° 26′ 41.3″ E
Baia delle Sirene and Spiaggia degli Inglesi
In front of the Isolotto di Bergeggi are these two beautiful coves, hidden like pearls among the rocks, whose names are already a call.
The first with a highly evocative title, the second owes its name to the thrilling story of the English ocean liner (Transylvania), sunk during World War I off the coast by a German submarine. The wreck was discovered on October 6, 2011, at a depth of 630 meters.
In recent years, these bays have not been fortunate, having suffered damage from storms, the land route is now impassable, their beauty is also due to the fact that they are not easily accessible and still very wild.
44° 14′ 20” N, 8° 26′ 38” E
44° 14′ 29.4” N, 8° 26′ 41.6” E
Saracen Bay
In the locality of Malpasso, at the foot of the promontory west of the Castle of Varigotti, we find the Baia dei Saraceni, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and white sandy seabed, it rivals a Caribbean bay. The vertical rock walls that embrace it and the very few constructions in the surroundings contribute to a suggestive and unspoiled scenario. Here you can anchor to enjoy magnificent dives in the anchorage (no less than 200 meters from the coast). The nearby coves and inlets offer beautiful views and are almost exclusively accessible by sea.
44° 11′ 2″ N, 8° 24′ 31″ E
Noli and Capo Noli
Moving further west, we encounter the final stop: Noli. An ancient maritime village, with its typical carüggi, it is one of the most characteristic villages of Western Liguria, with a still intact medieval center, Noli definitely deserves a visit on foot with its small restaurants and its history waiting to be discovered, but the coasts facing the sea are a true paradise: the majesty of the cliffs of Capo Noli, the crystal-clear sea are a breathtaking snapshot of suggestive beauty.
44° 12′ 25.38” N, 8° 25′ 3.864” E
44° 11′ 48″ N, 8° 25′ 33″ E
Isola di Gallinara between wrecks and yellow-legged gulls
Sailing west to Albenga, we finally find the Isola Gallinara, whose seabed is considered a Regional Reserve. A true paradise between nature and history.
The island is named after the wild hens that once populated it, today it is home to one of the largest colonies of yellow-legged gulls in the Ligurian Sea.
Separated from the coast by a channel averaging 12 meters deep, it is turtle-shaped; the island is largely covered by typical Mediterranean vegetation, surrounded by jagged coasts bathed by crystal-clear water.
Punta Falconara and Punta Sciusciau are the most appreciated diving spots: in the former, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is submerged, while Punta Sciusciau is the perfect area for those who want to admire an endless variety of aquatic animals: octopuses, groupers, moray eels, and sponges.
In the surrounding seabed of the island, various wrecks and artifacts have been found, including some dating back to the 5th century BC.
44° 1′ 25″ N, 8° 13′ 36″ E
Marina Porto Antico is strategically located; exactly halfway between the Eastern and Western Ligurian Riviera.
Those who have a berth in Genoa or are just passing through, cannot overlook that with short navigations, you are already there, in those rare and precious places that we invite you to discover!
