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Varazze
A tourist port packed with pristine white sailing boats, set against a backdrop of rocky peaks and cluster pines: approaching Varazze from the coast road (the "Aurelia") it is easy to see why the Romans called it "ad navalia": woodland thick with excellent timber for boats building, and beaches ideal for launching craft.
In other words, the links between Varazze and the sea are among the oldest and most stable to be found anywhere in Liguria. Not forgetting its shipyards, first and foremost Baglietto, which have brought honour to this charming town through the 20th century and beyond.
The history of Varazze could be read also in the Medieval ramparts which once encircled it. With the northern part still standing today, the ramparts incorporate the ruins of the primitive Romanesque church of Sant'Ambrogio, witness to the presence of the church of Milan in Varazze in the early Middle Ages.
Instead, the new church of Sant'Ambrogio belongs to the sixteenth century but its beautiful belltower ("campanin") survives from an earlier Romanesque-gothic church built by the Lombards.
Other interesting monuments of Varazze are the churches of "Santi Nazario e Celso" church characterized by its "a risseu" courtyard (decorated with colourful riverbered pebbles in beautiful geometrical and sea-themed patterns) and San Domenico, which conserves like a medal a cannon ball, embedded in the façade of the latter, which was fired at the church from a French ship back in 1746.

I Piani d'Invrea
There is a long level promenade, first tarmacked then unpaved, which winds eastwards along the coast from the centre of Varazze to the mouth of the river Arrestra, easternmost boundary of the Province of Savona.
The promenade tempts the visitor to take a dip in the cool, invigorating waters or soak up to the sun on the tiny, deserted beaches where there is no room for umbrellas, and the fantastical shapes of the cliffs mean inhibitions can be left behind
While the Aurelia road winds it way along tortuously and secretly, almost disappearing way up high where this rocky stretch of the Varazze coastline is at its wildest and stillest.

Riding the waves...
If you want to practice surfing there is no need to travel to California's pacific coast: you can go to Varazze which has all the waves and depths you need to ride the surf, whatever season.
The rocky seabed alongside the river Teiro creates rollers, breakers, and short, sharp waves: Varazze boasts some of the best waves anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Thank heavens for women...
Weel said, especially on 8th March every year. In spring, Varazze puts on a host of entertainments, exhibitions, fashion shows, cultural meetings and sporting events, all dedicated to women. And since all ladies, old and young, love to be serenaded, what better than the International Mandolin Festival, which attracts maestros and music lovers from all over the world.

Source: APT Riviera delle Palme - Alassio