A family trip to the Italian Riviera
Exploring Laigueglia with Kids
During our three-month stay in the Pistoia with Boundless Life, we tried to explore as much of the surrounding area as possible. We had some epic weekend trips, but one of our favorites was a road trip to the picturesque coastal town of Laigueglia on the northern coast of Italy, known as the Italian Riviera. From delectable breakfast treats to stunning beaches and the charming off-season tranquility, Laigueglia proved to be the perfect coastal getaway!
Just north of Cinque Terre along the Ligurian coast, you will find TONS of beach towns that all have similar characteristics: long beaches, umbrellas, charming restaurants featuring seafood, focaccia and pesto, and beach-front playgrounds. In my opinion, there isn’t a BAD choice you can make when choosing a beach town to explore, however, Laigueglia’s peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend getaway with your family. It’s a delightful seaside town nestled on the northern coast, just about 2 hours east of the French / Italian border. The town's picturesque streets are lined with colorful buildings adorned with flower-filled balconies, exuding a charm that instantly captivates visitors. If you are looking for the perfect holiday along the Ligurian coast and choose Laigueglia, you won’t be disappointed.
One of the many brightly-painted buildings in charming Laigueglia
Getting there
The easiest way to reach Laigueglia is by car, but if driving is not an option, you can fly or train into a nearby town and rent a taxi to get there. It’s imporant to note that Laigueglia (and Italy) are part of Europe’s Schengen zone, so US passport-holders are subject to 90-day limitations. To learn more about the Schengen, check our our reel here.
By Plane: The nearest major airport to Laigueglia is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), which is approximately 91 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Laigueglia. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from Genoa to Laigueglia.
By Train: Laigueglia is well-connected by train. You can take a train to Alassio, which is the closest train station to Laigueglia. Alassio is served by regional trains, and from there, it's a short taxi or bus ride to Laigueglia. The train journey to Alassio can be made from major cities in Italy, such as Genoa, Milan, and Turin.
We chose to drive and it was about 4 hours from our home in Pistoia to Laigueglia. The road trip was easy and scenic along the coastal toll road, and we were sure to bring lots of snacks for the kids to keep the hangries at bay! Here are some of our favorites:
When to visit
Visiting Laigueglia in the off-season, particularly in early May or October, grants you a unique opportunity to experience the town's tranquility. Enjoy a sense of peace as you explore the streets without the crowds, enjoy cooler temperatures, savor meals at charming restaurants at your own pace, and take in the beauty of the untouched seaside setting. Below are some of our favorite notes to ensure you have the best holiday with your family in this charming little seaside town:
What to do
Get breakfast treats at Pasticceria Albatross
We started each day with a visit to Pasticceria Albatross. While we usually opt for a savory breakfast, this spot, complete with an in-house bakery, was just too good to pass up. The fondente nero (dark chocolate) pastries were out of this world! It was the perfect way to start our explorations each morning.
Fill up on Pesto Genovese
Laigueglia and the entire Ligurian coast is known for seafood and pesto. While we are not necessarily seafood lovers, we happily gobbled up as much pesto as we could! One of the best ways to enjoy the world-famous pesto Genovese (which is creamier and more delicious than traditional pesto) is in the traditional Ligurian dish: Trofie al Pesto. If you want to step it up a notch, try getting your Trofie al Pesto topped with (wait for it…) creamy burrata cheese!! We were able to enjoy this special dish at Bar Le Barrique in Laigueglia and went back a second time because it was just.that.good.
The other way that you can indulge in some basily goodness is to get focaccia al pesto. Liguria is known for its focaccia, often stuffed with perfectly ripe tomatoes, cheese, prosciutto, or some combination of all three. However, the focaccia that captured our hearts was brushed with pesto on top. We haven’t found anything similar in the rest of our explorations of Northern Italy, and I can wholeheartedly say that we would go back to Liguria (and still might!) just for this treat.
Explore the town’s charming streets
Laigueglia is a walker's paradise, with compact, pedestrian-friendly streets along the shore. Stroll along the charming lanes, explore hidden corners and tunnels, and soak in the town's captivating atmosphere. Take your time to admire the beautiful architecture, vibrant colors, and the captivating Ligurian charm paired with stunning coastal vistas. Stop for a Gelato at Iano gelateria or stop at Monkey Bar to enjoy a relaxing cocktail in a piazza (or both!). In addition to charming streets, there is a coastal walking street perfect for taking in the sunset or simply enjoying the view.
One of Laigueglia’s many beach-front piazzas
Stopping for gelato is a daily must-do when in Laigueglia!
To make walking more fun for the kids, we brought along their scooters and helmets so they could coast through the streets like pros.
Relax on the Beach
Laigueglia is blessed with a beautiful sandy beach that stretches along the sparkling Ligurian Sea. It was rainy when we visited, but we still enjoyed a morning playing in the sand and along the shoreline. In the summer and early fall, you can enjoy leisurely hours basking in the sun, swimming in the refreshing waters, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment by the seaside. The beach offers a serene retreat where you can unwind and recharge amidst breathtaking coastal views. Umbrellas are available to rent and there are plenty of restaurants on the beach for snacks in case you get hungry. There’s even a small playground on the beach in case you need a change of pace after building sandcastles all day! We usually bring our own beach towels and sand toys. These turkish beach towels are great because they pack down so small, and we love collapsible sand toys that are easy to take with you in suitcases as well pack down into your beach bag!
The coastal town of Portofino is a lovely day trip from Laigueglia
Plan a day-trip to a nearby country or town
Laigueglia is only about 2 hours (driving) from the French border, so your family can easily make the day trip to Menton, France or Monaco! Check our our blog post on a rainy day in Monaco with kids here. Heading southeast along the coast, you can easily visit Portofino, Genoa, or Cinque Terre (check out our blog post on a family trip to Cinque Terre here)!
Wrapping it up
Laigueglia, with its captivating charm and relaxed coastal ambiance, proved to be our favorite weekend getaway from Pistoia. From stuffing ourselves silly with pesto to enjoying the beach even on a chilly day, there was plenty to do to keep us busy as a family. The off-season tranquility added a touch of serenity to our stay, allowing us to truly appreciate the beauty of this hidden gem. Plan your escape to Laigueglia and immerse yourself in the laid-back charm of this coastal paradise. To see more of our adventure along the Ligurian Coast, be sure to check out our Instagram Story Highlights!
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