TERRA ITALIA Newsletter No 1 | 2024
Dear Readers and Fans of Liguria,
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter. The first 6 months of this turbulent year are almost behind us and summer has finally arrived. Many of you will look forward to spending the summer holidays on Italy’s Mediterranean shores. Liguria with its 83 beaches declared as “Bandiera Blu” is a particularly attractive summer destination. Plenty of reasons to share with you a few insider tips and tell you about the most attractive beaches. The summer months in Liguria are also known for the many festivities taking place all over this region – be it a village fair, a beach party or a music festival featuring artists of the highest calibre. In this newsletter we will do our best to inspire you and present you with the most interesting events.
For those interested in properties in this region we of course have a large selection of new and attractive offers in our portfolio and invite you to take a look.
This newsletter is also addressed to all of you who already live in this beautiful region and never cease to discover new things in Liguria.
We wish you a wonderful summer.
Kind regards,
In this edition of our newsletter we would like to introduce you to the magical beaches of the Ponenta on the stretch from Genova to Ventimiglia. This region is known for its breath-taking coastline and beautiful beaches.
The variety of Ligurian beaches offers something for everyone. There are sandy beaches as well as pebble stone and rocky beaches. Some are free of charge, others are managed commercially. You will find some well looked after sections where you can enjoy delicious lunches or bars offering snacks and refreshing drinks and of course a good espresso. For the more sports orientated there are fitness beaches offering a selection of water sports such as diving, water skiing, sailing, surfboard or pedal boat hire. If you are looking for a beach to chill on there are stretches with oriental sunbeds and plenty of bays where to simply go for a swim. There are luxury beaches and dog friendly beaches.
Liguria can pride itself with the title “most beautiful sea” in Italy as 83 of its beaches carry the prestigious “Bandlere Blu” or blue flags. This is a badge awarded to beaches and marinas for the highest environmental standard, water quality, maintenance efforts, cleanliness, safety and service.
Italy’s west coast was awarded 67 “Bandiere Blu” for the nicest and cleanest beaches with crystal clear water and 16 blue flags for marinas and services, making Liguria the Queen of blue flags and taking the first place in 15 consecutive years.
Enjoy your time on the Riviera of Flowers with walks along the stunning coastline or explore the charming towns and villages on the sea and the Ligurian Mediterranean cuisine. Days filled with sunshine, relaxation and the joys of the sea await you.
In the following we would like to share some ideas with you on how to have the best of times at the beaches of the Ponente.
OUR INSIDER TIP
Le Calandre beach
This beautiful and narrow Ventimiglia beach lies hidden below the road to France. Thanks to its heavenly mix of fine sand, turquoise water and relaxed atmosphere it is the perfect place for a beach holiday. It is only accessible on foot after a 15 minute walk rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the sea. There is plenty of space for sunbathing or relaxing under a sun umbrella. The crystal clear water invites to go snorkeling, swimming or stand up paddling. Adjacent to the free beach section there is also a bar offering sunbeds to hire. We recommend visiting Calandre beach on a weekday when it is less busy.
https://lamialiguria.it/2023/01/le-spiagge-segrete-della-liguria/
OUT WITH THE KIDS
Beaches for all the Family
Spiaggia Ventimiglia
The pebble stone beach along the promenade Lungomare Varado stretches for kilometres and is perfectly suited for families with children.
The view over the Mediterranean Sea is breath taking and the many activities tailored towards children of all ages invite to play and relax. The shallow water is ideal for children to splash about or collect the little wonders of the sea. The more active family members can be kept busy with volleyball, beach soccer or table tennis. And the many cafés and restaurants dotted along the promenade invite to savour the typically Ligurian cuisine.
All along the promenade there are playgrounds, bikes and scooters to hire, shops and a covered market where to find local produce such as olive oil or coffee. To explore further, why not take a walk through Ventimiglia or visit the towns of Monte Carlo or Nice.
Family Holidays in Arma die Taggia
In Arma di Taggia there is a free beach section with a number of bays located next to the beach volleyball field and the Nuoval Playa Manola. Restaurant. The brown sand contrasts the blue sea and the shallow water is safe for children to swim in or build sand castles to their hearts content. A nearby playground offers plenty of fun activities and elder children will be happy to hear that there is free wifi available along the entire coastline.
Arma di Taggia has plenty to offer for the entire family. If you feel like indulging in a little more luxury, you can book yourself into one of the many local beach clubs and enjoy the shelter of a sun umbrella with a cocktail by your side.
Santo Stefano al Mare beach
This beautifully sandy beach looking out over the deep blue sea lies only 100 m away from the center of St. Stefano. It is easily accessible on foot, by car or public transport. A sequence of small bays invites to sit and relax, play on the beach or go for a swim. During high season a coast guard controls the entrance to make sure the beach does not get overcrowded.
In St Stefano al Mare you can choose between the charge free section or the amenities of the local resorts such as sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach restaurant, showers and toilets. To explore more sporty activities there is the option to hire jet skis or venture out on a catamaran.
For more information on beach holidays with children please follow this link:
https://www.viaggiareconibambini.com/in-italia/2022/spiagge-sabbia-liguria-bambini/
https://beach-searcher.de/de/search?object=subregion&object_id=103&pagesize=18
Beach Holidays with Wheelchair Access
Liguria has many beaches accessible for people with limited mobility. These beaches can be easily reached by car or public transport. It is however recommended to check availability and amenities before visiting to ensure the beach is suitable for your personal needs.
Baia dei Saraceni in Varigotti
Located near Varigotti this is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches along the Ponente with wheelchair access. It is located right next to a public parking space. Baia dei Saraceni has been left to its natural state, with small white pebble stones contrasting the turquoise blue sea. The shallow descent and a wooden pier leading into the clear water make this beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The popular Baia dei Saraceni is free of charge which can lead to overcrowding during high season.
Lido Imperatrice in Sanremo
The Lido Imperatrice lies less than one kilometre away from Sanremo’s town center. The adjacent parking space is right on the beach with white sand and the glittering sea as a backdrop. A number of beach clubs invite you to take advantage of their sunbeds, sun umbrellas, beach restaurants and barrier-free toilets and showers. Specially built ramps and wooden piers make it easy for wheelchair users to get to the beach and enjoy a day of swimming and sunbathing. During high season a coast guard supervises the beach.
GUIDA MARE ACCESSIBILE
The guide on Barrier free Beaches
In order to further tourism for all in Italy, a beach and travel guide for people with limited mobility was compiled in 2023. Volunteers belonging to the the Aism (Italian association for multiple sclerosis), national union of state police and national advisory board for people with disabilities, examined Italy’s beaches and their suitability for people with disabilities. Their findings were listed in the “Guide mare Accessibile” creating a reliable source when planning a beach holiday for people with disabilities. In the 2024 edition the category “barrier free hotels” was added to the guide.
For more information on this subject:
Regional Association for people with disabilities
Region Ligurien
Via Fieschi N. 15
16121 Genua
consulta@regione.liguria.it
https://www.regione.liguria.it
INAIL REGIONAL DIRECTION LIGURIA
Via G. D’annunzio N. 76
16121 Genua
010 54631
liguria@inail.it
https://www.inail.it
AISM ONLUS
Via Operai N. 40
16149 Genua
010 2713219
aism@aism.it
https://www.aism.it
Download für den Guida Mare Accessibile 2023:
https://www.regione.liguria.it/contenuti_statici/lamialiguria/GUIDA_MARE_ACCESSIBILE_2023.pdf
Beach Holidays with our Four-Legged Friends
Dogs and cats are not only permitted on many beaches in Imperia but heartily welcome. You can spend your day on the free beaches together with your pet or have him or her get pampered in one of the beach clubs.
One of the most popular free of charge beaches is a public pebble stone beach in Imperia Onelio. It runs along the traffic calmed Via Novaro Angelo Silvio. It involves a bit of climbing to get there but it is worth the effort. The view over the sea is spectacular and there is ample space to play around.
The Spiaggia Communale in Porto Maurizio beyond the Bagni Buraxen is an equally favourite destination for dog lovers. After a walk along the coast, you reach the Borgo Foco with colourful fishing boats mooring in the bay. At the bottom of the Via D. Moriani is a small bay where dogs can happily enjoy a swim.
Then there is the Bagni La Scogliera Beach in Ospedaletti. The mix of pebble stones and sand is located some 200 m from the village Center between the Lido Bylos and Lido Baia del Sole. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are allowed and there’s no stopping them from going for a swim.
If you want to pamper your furry friend and are prepared to spend a little extra, you should head for “Zero Beach” near Alassio. When approaching from Imperia, take a sharp right after passing Alassio and take the entrance to “Zero Beach” Strada Statale 1, Via Aurelia. You will find a well looked after dog beach with dog showers, plenty of shade and a ramp leading into the water. This way even dogs fearful of stairs can enjoy a refreshing swim.
You can hire one of the beach pavilions or take to the restaurant or bar.
The Savona region right behind Imperia holds another paradise for dog owners: The Bau Bau village in Corsi Bigliati 11. The fine sandy beach gently descending into the sea will be a joy for even the more water intimidated dog. There are hot showers for dogs and humans, plenty of water bowls and shady spots, sunbeds and umbrellas. The agility park is waiting to be discovered for play time and dog training. Just above the beach is a restaurant with a bar, giving wide views over the sea.
Over many years the Institute DogWelcome has gathered personal travel experiences and recommendations among dog and cat owners, which were published on their web site. Here you find plenty of inspiration where to enjoy a care free holiday together with your pets:
https://www.dogwelcome.it/spiagge-laghi-fiumi-piscine-cani-animali-ammessi-pet-friendly-liguria
A SLICE OF PARADISE
Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi
This small and exquisite beach is beautifully surrounded by rock caves dating back to the stone ages. Situated only 200 m from the small village Grimaldi Inferiore, it lies close to the French border and though popular tourist destination, it hardly gets overcrowded even during high season.
La Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi was voted one of the seven most spectacular beaches in Italy- the egg-shaped rocks and spectacular location will certainly have played a role in this decision.
This is a private beach charging entrance fee but is definitely worth visiting to enjoy being pampered or to simply relax. There are sheltered sunbeds, cool drinks and an excellent service waiting for you. Right on the beach is a small restaurant serving fresh sea food – what else is there to wish for.
BEACH PARTY
Partying, Dining and Celebrating Beach Life
Flavio Briatore opens the new Twiga Club in Ventimiglia
Dubai, Doha, Kenia, Monte Carlo and now Ventimiglia. By the end of June, the beautiful Baia Benjamin close to the French border and Balzi Rossi beach will see the opening of Flavio Briatore’s latest exclusive TWIGA beach club. TWIGA is known for its excellent cuisine, top class service, VIP guests and dazzling parties. The club will stay open all summer and Ventimiglia awaits the opening with great excitement.
The recently opened Marina and the new TWIGA Beach Club will significantly add to Ventimiglia’s upmarket atmosphere.
Koko Beachclub – Imperia
The ‘Koko’ is an elegantly designed Beach Club with attractive sea view. During the day a smooth soundtrack, serviced sunbeds, draped canopies and a terrace jaccuzzie create an atmosphere to relax in. You can enjoy a lunch time bar and restaurant, afternoon snacks such as club sandwiches, salads, fried delicacies and Poké. In the evening a sushi bar awaits and every Saturday a specially selected menu is being served. The club night events on weekdays and the weekend make the “Koko” a popular place to chill and enjoy a good level of service at reasonable prices.
Follow this link for information on upcoming events in the Koko Beach Club:
https://www.koko-beach.com/home-eventi/
Via Angiolo Silvio Novara 47
18100 Imperia
Telefon +39 392 062 5249
The “Sagra” – 33 authentic Festivals in Liguria
The word “Sagra” is derived from Latin and stands for “sacred festivity” relating to local religious celebrations in antique times. The festivities were usually held to give thanks to a certain god or patron, for a good grain and grape harvest or for calm weather conditions. A mess was held, animals were slaughtered and local produce was served.
Spread over the year there are to this date 33 such festivities being held in all four provinces of Liguria. They are being recognised as an “Eventi Autentici Liguri” (Authentic Ligurian events) by the Ligurian Pro Loco because they fulfill the request of being both genuine and based on historic facts. The religious content of the Sagra does still exist but is changed increasingly into a celebration of the local community getting together and the deepening of cultural understanding.
These events always circle around the local produce, be it arts and crafts or local food and many traditional dishes are being prepared by local producers and chefs.
There are always market stalls where one can buy local products such as olive oil, cheese, ham, jams and many other delicacies as well as arts and crafts and souvenirs. There are many food stalls where to savour local dishes washed down with a glass of Vin del Paese.
For more information on Liguria’s Sagre 2024 follow this link:
https://rivieraeventi.it/it/tipo/sagra
During the summer season a variety of musical and medieval festivals looking back on a long tradition take place in Liguria. Here, we would like to introduce you to our selection:
ALTAVAL NERVIA FESTIVAL IN CASTEL VITTORIO
26th July to 28th July 2024
The beautiful village square in Castel Vittorio is the backdrop for classical music and theatre productions featuring internationally acclaimed artists.
It opens with a French-Spanish production for clarinet and piano. On day two scenes of Guiseppe Verdi’s opera “La Traviata” will be performed, ending with arias and songs performed by Danish opera singers.
The entrance to all concerts is free and you will find more information under https://www.altavalnervia.com or on Facebook FESTIVAL NERVIA
61. CERVO FESTIVAL
12th July – 5th September 2024
This festival celebrates 21 days of most diverse music and art performances by highly acclaimed artists who will perform at various stunning locations in Cervo. There is the Piazza dei Corallini with views over the sea, the San Giovanni, the church San Giovanni, the Santa Catarina Oratory in the heart of the village dating back to Roman times and the Ciapa Park, a beautiful spot in the Mediterranean Macchia surrounded by beautiful nature. The cultural spectrum reaches from chamber music, song writing, Jazz, ancient and ethnic music enhanced by individually designed light effects.
For more information on the Cervo Festival and programm please follow this link:
https://cervofestival.com/cervo-festival/cervo-festival-2024/
SANREMO SUMMER SYMPHONY
8th – 23rd August 2024
For the third time in a row Sanremo hosts the highly acclaimed summer symphony festival where 14 artists of national and international reputation perform a lively mix of concerts of all genres. There will be pop, techno, jazz, blues, soul and A-Capella performances.
For more information on the festival and program, please follow this link:
Medieval Village Fairs
The Ligurian summer likes to celebrate Medieval times remembering the adventures and lives of knights in long forgotten times. The medieval village fairs are curious events with time seemingly being turned back to the middle ages. There are duelling knights, Ladies in grand robes of medieval fashion. Liguria is the perfect host for recreating historic events amidst antique markets and celebrations.
To look at the calendar of such village fairs, please follow this link:
https://lamialiguria.it/2024/05/estate-liguria-medioevo/
The trombetta zucchini is a versatile and typically Ligurian vegetable playing a major part in Ligurian cooking and is widely used for antipasti, side dishes or omelettes. The light green trombetta zucchini or courgette have a slightly sweeter and delicate taste making them more aromatic than conventional courgettes. The flesh is more compact and of the highest quality, the kernels are gathered in one little compartment only. Tromoeta zucchini can be harvested from June to September and when kept in cool surroundings they can last all through the winter. When left unpicked on the plant into late autumn they reach an impressive size and can be eaten like a pumpkin.
Zucchini also known as Zucchetti belong to the family of garden pumpkins found in America and were cultivated in Italy as the zucchini we are now familiar with. The zucchini plant looks similar to a pumpkin plant but has smaller leaves and do not tend to turn into climbers. The fruits can be white, yellow, light green, dark green or striped. When reaching a length of up to 10 or 20 cm they are quite a delicate vegetable. In terms of food groups they belong to the category of fruit vegetables.
Torta Salata with Trombetta Zucchini
This recipe is typical for Sanremo. It is hearty and tasty and simple to make. It is perfect to serve as lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for 6 people:
- 500 g Trombetta Zucchni
- 250 g Flour Typ 00
- 100 grated Parmesan
- 90 g fresh full fat milk
- 90 g white onion
- 50 g boiled brown rice
- 50 g tepid water
- 2 eggs
- Native olive oil, salt, black pepper
Method:
Sieve the flour onto a work top and create a mould. Add the water, milk, 3 tablespoons of oil and a teaspoon of salt to the mould and knead into an elastic dough. Wrap the dough into cling film and let it rest in the fridge for one hour.
Heat the oven to 170. Wash and grate the Trompetta Zucchini; cut the onion into cubes and gently fry with 2 tablespoons of olvie oil. Reduce the heat and add the Trompetta Zucchini, fry for one minute. Turn down the heat, add rice, parmesan cheese and eggs and combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Roll tout he dough on a floured surface to a thickness of 3 mm and transfer to a baking tray 20 cm in diameter. Pierce the dough with a fork and spread the filling over the dough.
Form a lid with the remaining dough and use it to completely cover the filling. Use your fingers to close the edges. Brush the top with a mixture of 1 tablespoon oil, one tablespoon water, salt and pepper.
Move the Torta to the pre heated oven and let it bake for 1 hour. Let it cook down before serving or serve cold.
Enjoy.
After a relaxing day on the beach why not venture out into the hinterland of Arma die Taggia. The medieval village Badalucco in the Valle Argentina is where the young chef Matteo D’Elia has opened his restaurant UMAMI.
In summer you can sit in the courtyard under sheltering trees and listen to the neighbouring waterfall which also is a refreshing alternative to swimming in the sea. The restaurant interior design is modern featuring elements of wood and steel as well as interesting light design.
Matteo D’Elia is an experienced chef who has worked for well known restaurants in Paris and England. He was taught by top chefs the importance of best quality ingredients being the foundation of every dish and how to make the taste of every detail come through.
UMAMI translates into “hearty” and represents the 5th taste element in D’Eliia’s cuisine in addition to the basic four: sweet, salty, bitter, sour.
D’ Elia is determined to continuously improve his menu and achieve the highest of standards in his cooking.
The UMAMI only uses produce brought in by local farmers and fishermen and combines local traditions with a modern twist. The passion D’Elia brings to the table is palpable and succeeds in creating interesting menus and flavour combinations which leave a lasting impression.
The high standard of this restaurant is increasingly recognized and we recommend booking a table before visiting.
Opening times: Wednesday – Monday 12.00-2.00 pm and 7.30 – 9.30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Via Ugo Secondo Partigiano, 1,
Badalucco
Imperia
Tel: 0039 331 33 86 005
Mail: info@umamirestaurant.it
https://www.umamirestaurant.it
During the Ligurian summer many village squares become playing fields for Pallapugno (or balun as it is commonly known). Pallugno is a tradition in Liguria and a cross between sport, game, something sacred and prophane in equal measures. The game is set in a “Steristerio” – a so called game temple or stadium. It involves a spherical ball and goes well beyond a mere competition. For the locals it is a ritual, for visitors it is an enigma. So here is an attempt to explain the rules.
Balun is a ball game played with fists where two teams oppose each other on sandy grounds. The aim is to kick the ball using fists or underarms over the finishing line of the opponent. There are two possibilities to win the game: A home run in which the ball crosses the line of the opponent or a chase which occurs when the opponent commits foul play. The players fight passionately for victory and the fans support them in their own dialects whilst feverishly waiting for that Cellu or ceu – the home run.
Discover the wild horses of the Aveto Park who assimilated to the wilderness and kept breeding after their owner disappeared some 20 years ago. All around the Giacoplane Lake the park wardens organise various dates on which to observe these majestic animals. You will discover shepard huts standing along the paths of the Monte Alona or get to know the exotic plants in the botanical garden Frederico Delpino. At the La Ghianda farm you can get to know donkeys or visit the cloister of Borzona, nestling in beautiful nature opening up a spiritual path. The Aveto Park hold plenty of adventures for you and is worth visiting.
The Ligurian summer is not only known for its beautiful beaches and romantic villages but also for putting on the most spectacular fireworks. Between June and September the sky along the entire coastline is regularly lit up by an array of colours and sparkles. Many of the firework displays are part of the traditional celebrations reflecting the rich cultural heritage of this region.
This is our selection of firework displays over the summer:
24th June 2024 Oneglia (M) – Fireworks celebrating San Giovanni
15th August 2024 Varazza (SV) – Firework on Ferragosto
13th August 2024 Loano (SV) Fireworks marking the Festa della Basue at 11.00 pm
12th August 2024 Vallecrosia (IM) – Fireworks at 10.00 pm
17th August 2024 Dolceacqua (IM) – Fireworks at 10.30 pm
