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Whale Watching in Liguria: A Unique Summer Experience on the Italian Riviera

Photo credit: Visit Bordighera

There are experiences that reveal the Italian Riviera from a different perspective. Whale watching in Liguria is one of them.

From the coast, Western Liguria is often admired for its pastel towns, elegant seafront promenades, historic villas, beaches, cycling paths and hillside villages. But just beyond the harbours of Andora, Imperia and San Remo, the Ligurian Sea opens onto a marine world of surprising depth and beauty.

For families, nature lovers and international visitors discovering this part of Italy, a whale watching excursion is more than a summer activity. It is a reminder of what makes the Liguria lifestyle so special: direct contact with the sea, a mild Mediterranean climate, authentic local experiences and a coastline where everyday life remains closely connected to nature.

Whale Watching in Western Liguria

The charm of whale watching lies in its simplicity. You leave the harbour, the coast slowly moves into the background, and the open sea becomes the centre of attention.

There are no guaranteed sightings, and this is part of the experience. Dolphins and whales are wild animals, moving freely through a vast marine area. The real value of the excursion is the chance to observe the sea with patience and respect, while discovering one of the most important natural habitats in the Mediterranean.

For those looking at property for sale in Liguria, this kind of activity helps explain why the region is so attractive. Western Liguria is not only about beaches and beautiful towns. It offers a way of life where nature, culture and everyday comfort are closely connected.

Departures from Andora, Imperia and San Remo

Whale watching excursions are usually available from several points along the coast, including Andora, Imperia and San Remo.

Andora is ideal for families who want to combine the experience with a relaxed day by the sea. Imperia offers a strong maritime identity, with its ports and seafront atmosphere. San Remo adds the charm of one of the best known towns on the Italian Riviera, with its promenade, marina, cycle path and elegant town centre.

This variety of departure points makes whale watching easy to include in a summer stay along the coast.

The Pelagos Sanctuary and the Cetaceans of the Ligurian Sea

The waters off Liguria are part of the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, an international protected marine area created by Italy, France and the Principality of Monaco.

The Sanctuary includes the Ligurian Sea and is recognised for the regular presence of several cetacean species, including dolphins, sperm whales and fin whales. This makes whale watching in Liguria not just a tourist activity, but a way to discover a marine ecosystem of real importance.

For this reason, excursions should always be approached with respect for the animals and their environment.

The Italian Riviera Lifestyle, Beyond Summer

Whale watching is a seasonal experience, but the lifestyle it represents belongs to Western Liguria all year round.

Living or owning a second home here means having access to the sea, coastal walks, open air activities, historic villages, local food, mild winters and authentic Mediterranean landscapes. Whether it is a sea view apartment in San Remo, a villa near Imperia or a holiday home close to Andora, homes for sale on the Italian Riviera offer much more than a place to stay.

They offer access to a way of life.

Discover Homes for Sale on the Italian Riviera

At LiguriaHomes Casamare & Hamptons, we help Italian and International buyers discover Western Liguria through its properties, towns and lifestyle.

Whether you are looking for a second home by the sea, a villa with panoramic views or a long term investment on the Italian Riviera, our team can guide you with local expertise and an international approach.

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

Valle Argentina – Credit: Hotel Riviera dei Fiori

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.

Credit: Festivalle Argentina

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

Garlenda

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.

Credit: Golf Garlenda
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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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The English Community and Bordighera’s International Library

Credit: Ambiente e Cultura
Credit: Wikipedia

A stone‑built cultural sanctuary on Via Romana

When walking along Via Romana in Bordighera it is impossible not to be captivated by the understated elegance of the International Civic Library. The building was designed in the early twentieth century when the local British community decided that the modest reading room in the Anglican church could no longer contain their growing collection. Funds were raised to erect a more suitable home, and in 1910 a two‑storey library in Victorian stone was completed. Its façade is graced by a semi‑circular portico supported by six columns and softened by a century‑old wisteria. Even today the scent of the flowering vine wafts across the library’s garden each April, an unforgettable introduction to one of the Mediterranean’s finest public libraries.

An outgrowth of Britain’s long love of reading

The establishment of Bordighera’s library says much about the literary culture of its founders. Eighteenth‑century Britain produced the modern novel; authors such as Daniel Defoe and his Robinson Crusoe, Henry Fielding (Tom Jones), and Laurence Sterne (Tristram Shandy) not only defined a new literary form but also encouraged reading among the middle classes. To meet this growing appetite for books, circulating libraries became popular in Britain and, when English families began wintering on the Ligurian coast, they brought the idea with them. The first reading room in Bordighera opened in about 1880 in the Anglican church. As the collection expanded it moved to Clarence Bicknell’s museum and then, thanks to local donations, to the purpose‑built library we see today.

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Olioliva 2025 : la grande fête de l’huile d’olive à Imperia

Chaque automne, Imperia célèbre l’un des symboles les plus précieux de la Ligurie : l’huile d’olive extra vierge. Du vendredi 7 au dimanche 9 novembre 2025, la ville accueillera une nouvelle édition d’Olioliva, l’événement incontournable consacré à l’or vert de la Riviera dei Fiori. Pendant trois jours, le centre historique d’Imperia Oneglia, la Piazza Dante, la Via Bonfante et le vieux port se transforment en un grand marché à ciel ouvert, où se mêlent les parfums d’olives fraîchement pressées, de focaccias dorées et de vins ligures.

Une immersion dans le goût et dans la tradition

Olioliva est une véritable célébration du terroir ligure. Producteurs, artisans et chefs proposent leurs huiles extra vierges, notamment celle de la célèbre olive Taggiasca, ainsi que de nombreux produits locaux : tapenades, fromages, miels et douceurs artisanales. Autour du marché, les visiteurs peuvent participer à des dégustations guidées, des ateliers culinaires ou des démonstrations sur la fabrication de l’huile. L’ambiance est animée par la musique, les spectacles de rue et les groupes folkloriques qui font vibrer la ville tout au long du week-end.

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