Nestled between the Ligurian Sea and hillside Italian towns, Spotorno is a laid-back coastal commune where pizza and seafood restaurants overlook an umbrella-clad beach with azure water. The town also offers a range of historical attractions and convenient access to a natural reserve and the famed sights of Genoa.

Things to do

If you’re visiting Spotorno during summer, you’ll notice most of local life centres around the town’s beachfront. It’s here that you can meander from welcoming pizza restaurants to a sandy seashore, before wandering back for gelato or a cocktail. The beachfront has umbrellaed loungers for hire and additional sandy space, while the calm, blue water is ideal for swimming.

Soak up the town’s history at the clifftop Castello Di Spotorno, which showcases ancient medieval architecture and impressive views over the township. You can easily combine it with Castello di Monte Ursino, a similarly medieval castle where you can walk across the historic walls and admire panoramic ocean vistas.

Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss visiting the alluring Riserva Naturale Regionale di Bergeggi. This picturesque nature reserve has a secluded beach with a cave and crystal-clear water. You can drive there from Spotorno or opt to walk along the scenic coastal route instead, which reveals sprawling beaches and seafood restaurants, including Ristorante Villaggio del Sole.

Take advantage of Spotorno’s proximity to Genoa and tick off some of Italy’s top attractions, including the famed Aquarium of Genoa, the largest aquarium in Europe. It’s home to vibrant marine life, including penguins, sharks, dolphins, seals and varieties of tropical fish. You can also wander down the historic Via Giuseppe Garibaldi to admire 16th-century residences and Renaissance palaces.

Getting around

Spotorno is best reached by driving or catching trains or buses from Genoa to Spotorno Stazione. You can explore Spotorno’s centre on foot but will need to use a car, train, bus or taxi to venture further afield.