Why Liguria? - News & lifestyle in Riviera

Valle Argentina: Liguria’s Authentic Outdoor Lifestyle Between Mountains and Sea

From 5th to 7th June 2026, Festivalle Argentina will bring outdoor sports, nature and local culture to Molini di Triora, in the heart of one of Western Liguria’s most authentic valleys.

For many international visitors, it will be an opportunity to discover a side of Liguria that still feels genuine, quiet and deeply connected to its landscape. Valle Argentina is a valley of mountain trails, medieval villages, olive groves, rivers and stone houses, just a short drive from the beaches of the Riviera.

Festivalle Argentina is the perfect editorial starting point to look at this area not only as a destination for outdoor activities, but also as an emerging lifestyle location for those who want to experience Liguria in a more active and authentic way.

Discovering Valle Argentina, One of Western Liguria’s Most Authentic Valleys

Valle Argentina follows the course of the Argentina River from the Ligurian Alps down towards the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, it passes through a landscape of forests, terraced hillsides, historic villages and panoramic mountain roads.

Places such as Molini di Triora, Badalucco, Montalto Carpasio and Taggia reveal a different rhythm of life. Here, the connection between people, nature and local traditions remains strong. The villages are made of narrow stone streets, ancient houses, small squares and family run restaurants where Ligurian cuisine is still linked to the territory.

The valley is also part of the wider identity of the Italian Riviera. This is what makes it so interesting for international buyers and travellers. In less than an hour, it is possible to move from mountain trails and quiet inland villages to the sea, the cycle path, marinas, beaches and the lively coastal towns of Western Liguria.

It is this contrast, and this proximity, that gives Valle Argentina its growing appeal.

An Outdoor Lifestyle Destination in Liguria

Valle Argentina is becoming increasingly attractive for people who love outdoor living. Its natural setting offers ideal conditions for mountain biking, e biking, trail running, trekking, climbing and canyoning, with routes that pass-through forests, rivers, ridges and historic mule tracks.

For mountain bikers and e bike enthusiasts, the valley offers a varied terrain, from scenic routes through olive groves and villages to more technical trails in the higher part of the valley. Trail runners and hikers find an extensive network of paths, often with remarkable views over both the mountains and the sea.

The area also has a strong appeal for those who enjoy slower forms of exploration. Walking from one village to another, discovering old chapels, stone bridges, panoramic viewpoints and small local restaurants is part of the experience.

Compared with more established outdoor destinations, Valle Argentina still has a more intimate and understated character. It feels less exposed, less commercial and more closely tied to the daily life of the territory. For many people, this is exactly its strength.

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Garlenda Golf Club Properties for Sale: Exclusive Living on the Italian Riviera

For many international buyers, owning a property within a golf community is about much more than access to the course. It is a lifestyle choice that combines privacy, security, natural surroundings and a relaxed pace of life, all within a well maintained residential environment.

In Liguria, few locations offer this combination as successfully as the area surrounding the prestigious Garlenda Golf Club. Nestled among the rolling hills of Western Liguria and just a short drive from the Mediterranean coast, Garlenda has become one of the region’s most sought after destinations for golf enthusiasts and property buyers looking for an authentic Italian lifestyle.

Why Buy a Property in a Golf Community?

Golf communities continue to attract buyers from across Europe thanks to the unique lifestyle they offer. Beyond the sporting aspect, these environments are appreciated for their tranquillity, open spaces and strong sense of community. Unlike many busy coastal resorts, living within a golf club allows residents to enjoy privacy and greenery while remaining close to restaurants, beaches, marinas and everyday services. This balance between convenience and tranquillity is one of the main reasons why golf properties remain highly desirable among second home buyers and retirees alike.
In Liguria, these advantages are complemented by a mild climate, beautiful landscapes and easy access from major European cities, making the region particularly attractive for year round living as well as holiday use.

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Liguria, Italy’s Blue Flag Leader Once Again

Once again, Liguria confirms its position as one of Italy’s finest coastal destinations. In the 2026 edition of the Blue Flag awards, Italy reached a record 257 awarded municipalities, with 84 more beaches recognised compared to the previous year.

Liguria remains firmly in first place with 35 Blue Flag municipalities, ahead of Puglia and Calabria (27 each), Campania (20), Marche (20) and Tuscany (19). This achievement reflects a long term commitment to environmental quality, sustainable tourism and coastal management, factors that continue to strengthen the region’s appeal among residents, visitors and international property buyers.

Credit: La mia Liguria

The result is particularly significant for the Italian Riviera, where the sea is not simply a summer attraction, but an essential part of local identity, daily life and long term appeal. For those looking for a second home by the sea, the Blue Flag recognition offers a clear sign of environmental quality, services and responsible coastal management.

What Does the Blue Flag Award Mean?

The Blue Flag (Bandiera Blu) is an internationally recognised environmental certification awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programme evaluates coastal destinations based on a wide range of criteria, including water quality, environmental management, public services, sustainability initiatives, safety and accessibility.

The award is not based solely on clean water. Municipalities must demonstrate long term commitment to environmental protection, efficient waste management, sustainable mobility and the overall quality of the visitor experience. More than 30 criteria are assessed and regularly updated to reflect evolving environmental standards.

For homeowners and property investors, the Blue Flag often serves as an indicator of a well managed destination that is likely to maintain its appeal and value over time.

The Awarded Beaches of West Liguria

In 2026, West Liguria once again plays a leading role. In the province of Imperia, eight municipalities received the Blue Flag: Bordighera, San Remo, Riva Ligure, Santo Stefano al Mare, San Lorenzo al Mare, Imperia, Diano Marina and Taggia. The return of Taggia is one of the new entries of the year, further strengthening the Riviera dei Fiori among Italy’s most appreciated coastal areas.

San Remo confirms several awarded beaches, including Tre Ponti, Imperatrice, Bussana, Baia Capo Pino and Tiro a Volo, together with the prestigious Portosole marina. Bordighera, Santo Stefano al Mare, San Lorenzo al Mare, Imperia and Diano Marina also continue to represent the high standards of the western Italian Riviera.

Further along the Ponente coastline, the province of Savona also confirms its strength, with destinations such as Andora, Laigueglia, Loano, Finale Ligure, Noli, Spotorno, Celle Ligure and Varazze. Andora is another 2026 new entry, adding further value to an already highly regarded stretch of the Ligurian coast.

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Milano Sanremo 2026: la Classicissima du cyclisme sur la Riviera italienne

Credit: In punta di sellino

Chaque printemps, la Milano Sanremo marque le début de la saison des grandes classiques du cyclisme. Surnommée La Classicissima, cette course mythique relie le nord de l’Italie à la mer Méditerranée et constitue l’un des événements sportifs les plus emblématiques du calendrier international.

L’édition 2026 de la course cycliste Milan San Remo se déroulera le 21 mars, réunissant les meilleurs coureurs du monde pour près de 300 kilomètres de course, entre les plaines lombardes et les paysages spectaculaires de la Riviera italienne.

Histoire de la Milano Sanremo

La première édition de la Milano Sanremo remonte à 1907. Dès le début, cette course s’impose comme un défi exceptionnel en raison de sa longueur, qui en fait aujourd’hui encore la plus longue épreuve d’un jour du cyclisme professionnel.

Au fil des années, elle est devenue l’un des cinq « Monuments » du cyclisme mondial. Des champions légendaires comme Eddy Merckx, Gino Bartali ou Costante Girardengo ont contribué à écrire l’histoire de cette course unique.

Son surnom, La Classicissima di Primavera, reflète parfaitement son esprit, la course marque symboliquement l’arrivée du printemps sur la côte ligure.

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San Remo Music Festival 2026 Celebrates 76 Years of Italian Song

The 76th edition of the San Remo Music Festival is set to take place from 24 to 28 February 2026 at the iconic Teatro Ariston in Sanremo on the Italian Riviera. This annual event remains a cornerstone of Italian music culture, blending tradition, contemporary creativity and national pride.

Credit: SanremoDaily

A Festival Defined by Heritage and Innovation

First held in 1951, the Festival della Canzone Italiana di San Remo has become Italy’s most prestigious music competition, shaping the country’s popular music scene and inspiring international song festivals. The 2026 edition continues this legacy, bringing together established names and new voices in a week of performances, storytelling and spectacle.

Dates, Hosts and Format

San Remo 2026 will unfold over five nights from Tuesday 24 February to Saturday 28 February 2026 at the historic Ariston Theatre. Carlo Conti returns as both artistic director and lead host, flanked every night by the world-star Laura Pausini, marking her first year as a permanent co-host for the festival.

The programme maintains the classic San Remo structure:

30 big artists compete with new original songs.

4 artists in the “Nuove Proposte” (New Voices) category showcase emerging talent.

Voting combines public tele-voting, press and radio juries to determine rankings each night and the overall winner.

Alongside the main shows, the PrimaFestival preview series and DopoFestival talk-show segments offer deeper engagement with artists and audiences throughout the week.

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Changes to Italy’s Flat Tax for UHNWIs, what to expect from 2026

Italy’s Flat Tax regime has been one of the most attractive incentives in Europe for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals considering a relocation. With the 2026 Budget Law, the italian government has introduced a new adjustment that raises the annual substitute tax from Euro 200.000 to Euro 300.000 for the main taxpayer and from Euro 25.000 to Euro 50.000 for each eligible family member.
Yet, despite the headline increase, the core appeal of the regime and Italy’s broader advantages for UHNWIs remain solid and unchanged.

Who is protected from the Flat Tax increase

The new thresholds apply only to individuals who will establish their civil residence in Italy from 1 January 2026 onwards.
Those who take up residence by 31 December 2025 will continue to benefit from the current rates of Euro 200.000 for the main taxpayer and Euro 25.000 for each family member.

How the Flat Tax regime works

Introduced in 2017, the regime under Article 24-bis of the Italian Income Tax Code allows new residents to replace ordinary taxation on foreign-source income with a fixed annual payment, irrespective of the amount of worldwide income generated.

Key conditions and features include:

• The taxpayer must not have been fiscally resident in Italy for at least nine of the previous ten tax years.
• Foreign-source income is covered by the flat tax, while Italian-source income remains subject to ordinary taxation.
• The regime lasts 15 tax years and can be voluntarily revoked at any time.
• The option can be extended to qualifying family members, currently for Euro 25.000 each, rising to Euro 50.000 from 2026.

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Discovering Valle Argentina, One of Western Liguria’s Most Authentic Valleys

An Outdoor Lifestyle Destination in Liguria

Why Buy a Property in a Golf Community?

What Does the Blue Flag Award Mean?

The Awarded Beaches of West Liguria

Who is protected from the Flat Tax increase

How the Flat Tax regime works

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