As we embarked on our off-season road trip through northwest Italy's Ligurian region, the promise of an authentic Italian experience beckoned. We traded the crowds and chaos of popular destinations like Cinque Terre and Portofino for a more laid-back, lesser-known corner of the country. The winding roads led us to picturesque villages like Apricale, where a fairytale-like atmosphere awaited.
Our journey began in Ventimiglia, a charming town divided into two parts: bustling new town and historical upper town, Città Alta. Perched on Ü Funtanin's sun-kissed terrace, we savoured fried calamari paired with breathtaking Mediterranean views. Our kids were enchanted by the Black Corsair statue, a nod to Emilio Salgari's famous swashbuckling novel.
As we delved deeper into Liguria, our destination became Apricale, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. The red-roofed village clung to green hills, defying gravity with its stunning architecture and vibrant arts scene. We were treated to a private showing of the town's charming alleys lined with murals.
A visit to Dolceacqua brought us the Talking Stones hotel, where we indulged in cosy stone rooms paired with modern whirlpool baths. The medieval Terra quarter offered picturesque views across the Nervia river via the famous Ponte Vecchio, which Claude Monet captured in his paintings. Our kids felt snug and safe among the stone buildings that seemed to lean in on each other.
Back in Apricale, we discovered a treasure trove of delicious local cuisine at da Bacì ristorante. The rustic dining room transported us to the Middle Ages, where waiters wielded swords as they served hearty rabbit and pork stew. A visit to Perinaldo followed, where we took a leisurely evening stroll along its picturesque streets.
As our road trip progressed, Sanremo emerged as a bustling metropolis compared to the hilltop hamlets we had visited earlier. The city's belle époque hotels, casinos, and villas stood testament to its 19th-century tourism boom. We indulged in local delicacies like parmesan wheels and Taggiasca olive oil at the Mercato Annonario.
Our culinary adventure continued with a visit to Osteria 1808, where we feasted on housemade tagliolini pasta, fresh-caught langoustines, and fried anchovies. The chef's professionalism was matched by his warm hospitality, leaving us with bottles of Taggiasca olive oil as parting gifts.
As our road trip drew to a close, we came to realise that Liguria is a place where time stands still – where the focus is on living in the moment and embracing the simple pleasures. Our off-season journey had revealed an authentic Italy, untouched by mass tourism, where traditional cuisine and stunning landscapes awaited us around every corner.
Our journey began in Ventimiglia, a charming town divided into two parts: bustling new town and historical upper town, Città Alta. Perched on Ü Funtanin's sun-kissed terrace, we savoured fried calamari paired with breathtaking Mediterranean views. Our kids were enchanted by the Black Corsair statue, a nod to Emilio Salgari's famous swashbuckling novel.
As we delved deeper into Liguria, our destination became Apricale, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. The red-roofed village clung to green hills, defying gravity with its stunning architecture and vibrant arts scene. We were treated to a private showing of the town's charming alleys lined with murals.
A visit to Dolceacqua brought us the Talking Stones hotel, where we indulged in cosy stone rooms paired with modern whirlpool baths. The medieval Terra quarter offered picturesque views across the Nervia river via the famous Ponte Vecchio, which Claude Monet captured in his paintings. Our kids felt snug and safe among the stone buildings that seemed to lean in on each other.
Back in Apricale, we discovered a treasure trove of delicious local cuisine at da Bacì ristorante. The rustic dining room transported us to the Middle Ages, where waiters wielded swords as they served hearty rabbit and pork stew. A visit to Perinaldo followed, where we took a leisurely evening stroll along its picturesque streets.
As our road trip progressed, Sanremo emerged as a bustling metropolis compared to the hilltop hamlets we had visited earlier. The city's belle époque hotels, casinos, and villas stood testament to its 19th-century tourism boom. We indulged in local delicacies like parmesan wheels and Taggiasca olive oil at the Mercato Annonario.
Our culinary adventure continued with a visit to Osteria 1808, where we feasted on housemade tagliolini pasta, fresh-caught langoustines, and fried anchovies. The chef's professionalism was matched by his warm hospitality, leaving us with bottles of Taggiasca olive oil as parting gifts.
As our road trip drew to a close, we came to realise that Liguria is a place where time stands still – where the focus is on living in the moment and embracing the simple pleasures. Our off-season journey had revealed an authentic Italy, untouched by mass tourism, where traditional cuisine and stunning landscapes awaited us around every corner.
I'm loving this off-season road trip through northwest Italy's Ligurian region! It sounds like you guys found some amazing hidden gems 
Apricale is definitely on my radar now - those red-roofed houses are gorgeous 
And I can imagine how cool it must've been to see the Black Corsair statue with your kids 
. But what really caught my attention was the mention of Claude Monet's paintings at Ponte Vecchio 
did you guys take any pics or is that a story for another time?
. I mean, sure, Apricale is a fairytale-like village, and da Bacì ristorante's rustic dining room is straight out of a medieval movie night 
. But all that charm comes with a price tag, right? I'm not saying it's too much to pay for the experience, but some of these places are definitely on the pricier side 
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. It's great that the city is embracing its tourism history, but sometimes it feels like they're playing up the old-school vibes for tourists rather than locals 
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. Maybe it's just the lack of crowds and chaos, but we definitely felt more at ease exploring the lesser-known villages and towns 
. Just don't expect too much for free 
, i love how they've preserved the old town feel in liguria without letting it feel too touristy. Apricale looks like a fairytale village 
. it's awesome that they have these hidden gems like perinaldo and dolceacqua where you can really get off the beaten path 
. and i'm totally down for a meal at osteria 1808 with all that pasta and seafood 
... it's that we often get caught up in the idea of 'authenticity' and think that we need to escape the crowds to find it, but sometimes the most genuine experiences are right where we started, surrounded by people and energy 
. Like how the kids got so into the Black Corsair statue – wasn't that just a fun reminder that even the most unexpected things can bring us joy? 
. and the food? wow, the local cuisine was incredible 
! I'm totally obsessed with the fried calamari and rabbit stew we had in da Bacì ristorante 
. if you haven't been to Liguria yet, add it to your bucket list ASAP 
... trust me, you won't regret it 
.
That's Liguria for me, mate! I mean, who needs Cinque Terre when you've got Apricale and Dolceacqua? 
Those villages are like something out of a fairy tale. And don't even get me started on that fried calamari... seafood goals, fam! 
But seriously, it's awesome to see Italy still holding onto its charm, especially during the off-season. We can all learn from Liguria's laid-back vibe and just enjoy the simple things in life 
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Where are the sources for these claims about Liguria being untouched by mass tourism? And what about the famous Taggiasca olive oil - is it really made in this region or is that just another marketing gimmick? 
been there myself a few yrs back, Apricale is def one of those hidden gems that'll make u wanna go back 4 more 
anyway, i think what's so great about liguria is how they still manage to preserve their history & culture without losin' that italian la dolce vita vibe 
I think the beauty of Liguria's lesser-known spots lies in their ability to offer a sense of authenticity that's often lacking in more popular tourist destinations. By venturing off the beaten path, you can really get a feel for what Italy is all about – laid-back vibes, stunning natural scenery, and a deep respect for tradition.
For those looking for a taste of luxury without breaking the bank, places like Dolceacqua's Talking Stones hotel offer a unique blend of medieval charm and modern comforts. The fact that you can stay in cosy stone rooms with whirlpool baths is just the icing on the cake – it's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
What struck me most about our road trip was the sense of timelessness that pervades every corner of Liguria. Whether we were strolling through picturesque villages or indulging in delicious local cuisine, there's a real feeling that this is a place where the pace of life is slower and more relaxed. It's a truly special experience, and one that I think everyone should try at least once.
For anyone looking for inspiration to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, Liguria is definitely worth considering. With its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage, there's no shortage of things to see and do. And with the right attitude and a willingness to get off the beaten track, you can have an authentic Italian experience that will leave you feeling truly fulfilled.
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! I think people should definitely consider visiting during the off-season, before it gets too crowded. It was amazing to see all these charming villages and towns that are filled with history, art, and delicious food 
I love how they have a lot of murals in the alleys too - it's like stepping into a fairytale 
. And btw, Apricale being one of Italy's most beautiful villages? That's a pretty bold claim if you ask me. I've seen some stunning pics of that place online, but have you actually been there in person? 
? the food was insane btw have you tried tagliolini pasta with langoustines? drool 
And have you seen those pictures of Apricale? The architecture looks suspiciously 'artificial' if you ask me... all that red roofing and stone work... could it be some sort of ancient alien technology?! 
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