Vacation idea in Liguria7 Reasons to Spend Summer in Alassio, Italy
Alassio… It would seem like a perfectly ordinary, charming town in Liguria. The beach? Excellent. The food? Superb. The weather? Couldn't be better. But that could describe many places in Italy. Meanwhile, not every town is called the "Gulf of the Sun" by the Italians themselves.
Reason 1: The city's ideal location
Alassio The location is perfect for a fun getaway. It's a small resort on the Bay of Genoa. From here, if you drive one way, you're in the South of France in an hour and a half. Drive the other way and you're in magnificent Genoa, and a little longer (two hours by car) and you're in Milan for shopping. It's the perfect option for someone like me: I still find it hard to decide which I love more: the South of France or Italy. And here, the Italian part is perfect for every day, with Monte Carlo or Cannes just around the corner. It's no wonder that some of Italy's most famous families have built villas here—for example, the Ferreros, creators of the world-famous chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella.
Did you know? During the Monaco Grand Prix, many European families stop in Alassio for a relaxing and scenic yacht ride to Monte Carlo, avoiding the unbearable traffic jams and crowds of tourists. Dates: May 22-24, 2015
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Reason 2: Only private beaches
Alassio has a huge advantage: it's one of the few towns on the Ligurian coast with numerous sandy beaches. And not just any sand, but incredibly clean and well-maintained, with the finest white sand. Moreover, these beaches belong to hotels along the coast, which automatically rules out the possibility of accessing them without paying. Hence the comfort and the lack of sun loungers nose to nose with yours. The Grand Hotel Alassio is considered the best hotel in town, of course. The beauty of its location is that right from your room, from your terrace, you can calmly watch the children playing on the beach or simply admire the waves. I've seen many hotels "on the beach," but not a single luxury palace on the French Riviera is so (!) close to the sea. They say that the view from the window is the main thing worth paying for on vacation. In this place, you get the absolute maximum pleasure for your euros. So much so that you can hear the sound of the waves even while lying in bed. For me personally, it's the best "alarm clock"...
Did you know? When you stay at the Grand Hotel Alassio, you will be assigned a sun lounger on the beach for the duration of your stay.
Reason 3: The Right Type of Tourist
Alassio became popular as early as the 19th century, thanks to a German doctor who claimed it was a genuine health resort. Why? It's all about the mild coastal climate, the pristine waters of the Gulf of Genoa, and the sea breeze, all of which have a beneficial effect on health. At first, wealthy and distinguished Englishmen flocked to Alassio for Italian-style health, followed by other travelers. Celebrities and business leaders were the ones who appreciated Alassio most – those tired of the spotlight and who didn't want to see intrusive paparazzi hanging around every tree.
Did you know? In many boutiques, the salespeople reacted with surprise to my request for tax-free status. Of course, they had all the necessary paperwork, but they obviously didn't issue them every day.
Reason 4: Take a photo at the famous Muretto Wall
This is Alassio's main landmark, located next to the famous café known as "Roma." The country's leading celebrities once drank coffee there, and Hollywood's luminaries were no strangers to it. Everyone, without exception, happily left their signatures on the Muretto wall: from Louis Armstrong and Sophia Loren to Adriano Celentano and Winston Churchill.
Did you know? Every year, Alassio hosts the Miss Muretto pageant. Beauties from around the world parade here to win the grand prize. It's prestigious and, they say, opens many doors for those who want to become famous.
Reason 5: Thalassio Wellness Spa and Aquatic Complex
Directly across from the Grand Hotel Alassio, a futuristic spa has been built, housing one of the largest thalassotherapy pools in Europe. A customized program is created for you, and you spend 90 minutes rotating through each area of the pool, finishing with a shower that thoroughly works the back and neck muscles. The next day, you can book an appointment with the incredible masseuse Maria, who is also an excellent osteopath. We all know that some of the best massage therapists are not Italian or French, but Russian. This is if you want a true sports massage, not just some spa-like "no-nonsense" strokes. Well, Maria won't be using any strokes—except maybe on your head afterward. During the treatment, you'll experience intense muscle work, eliminating the tension and pinched muscles that plague people who spend a lot of time at the computer. Many problems in the body are known to be associated with stress—another constant companion of business people. At Thalassio, you'll feel more flexible, slimmer, younger, and, most importantly, well-rested in just a week. A sauna, steam room, Kneipp treatment area, ice fountain, hydromassage chairs, and beds—each person receives a customized program powered by 100%.
Did you know? By the way, the diet here is, of course, Mediterranean, which means it’s good for the cardiovascular system and skin condition.
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Reason 6: Sports holidays
A great advantage of staying near the hotel is the numerous sports clubs available. This will ensure your vacation is not only fun and enjoyable, but also productive. You can sign up for a membership at the luxurious Hanbury Alassio Tennis Club, built in 1923 and considered one of the best tennis clubs in Italy. It boasts seven courts set in a charming park. You can also enjoy golf—courses are also nearby. You can also go diving, as Alassio is home to superb marine parks. Take a trip to the protected and pristine islands of Bergeggi and Gallinare, for example. Here you can enjoy all kinds of underwater sports, from fishing to exploring the rich underwater ecosystem with its diverse fish and cetaceans at the Sesto Continente Club. You can also train on the cycling trails. For mountain bike enthusiasts, the hills of Liguria offer a variety of routes, from easy trails along the beach and pine forests to steep climbs for those physically prepared for this kind of adventure.
Did you know? If you love horses or, on the contrary, have never been to a race, go to the nearest racetrack. I guarantee you'll have a great time.
Reason 7: Cuisine of the Ligurian Coast
It's nice that the main characteristic of most local dishes is "lean." Be sure to try the pasta with the famous Ligurian pesto. The only problem is that after Alassio and its local restaurants, you're unlikely to enjoy your once-favorite pizza and pasta back home. Even the simplest dishes are incredibly delicious here. What's so complicated about, say, bruschetta with tomatoes? Here, it's prepared with a little garlic, but the secret, of course, isn't in the preparation, but in the ingredients themselves: delicious tomatoes, olive oil, and, of course, local bread, slightly warmed. Another appetizer worth ordering is Parma ham with melon. At the restaurant on the waterfront next to the Grand Hotel Alassio, they'll serve you a portion big enough to share with friends. And the taste is beyond words. Fish is a whole other story. Fresh, lightly fried or steamed, with a little salt and olive oil. If you avoid the delicious, but not particularly weight-conscious desserts, you can leave your holiday in Alassio without the usual 1-2 kilogram weight gain. By the way, don't forget to stroll the town's streets, popping into the food stalls and, of course, the wine. Just 10 minutes from the hotel, there's a shop where the owner will personally display the finest red and white wines, and you'll be truly amazed by two things: its exquisite taste and the price he asks for his treasures.
Did you know? Almost 75% wines in Liguria itself are white. They pair perfectly with the local cuisine's main dishes, fish, and seafood. So, don't pack unnecessary items in your suitcase—leave room for a bottle or two. Trust us, it's worth it.
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