Laigueglia: Fishing Lanes, San Matteo and the Coast

• Historic seaside town in the Baia del Sole.
• Landmarks: the late Baroque church of San Matteo and the 16th-century Bastione di Levante.
• Fishing and coral fishing shaped the town’s history.
• The town has a railway station; check current arrival times for your travel date.

In the historic centre, former fishermen’s houses stand close together along the waterfront. Narrow lanes open onto small squares with views over the bay. On the beach, the Bastione di Levante recalls the coastal fortifications of the 16th century; it is one of the town’s most striking surviving towers. From here, you can best appreciate the close connection between the Borgo and the sea.

Above the houses, the parish church of San Matteo dominates the townscape. Its late Baroque façade is flanked by two slightly twisted bell towers. The chapel of Madonna delle Penne is also part of the seaside town’s cultural heritage. For a walk around town, it’s worth linking the church, the Bastione and the small squares rather than simply following the seafront promenade. Bear in mind the difference between viewing a church from outside and going inside: access and opening times may depend on services and local rules.

San Matteo is a cultural landmark beyond its façade, too: it preserves “cartelami”, a distinctive form of religious imagery and festival culture. Together with the chapel of Madonna delle Penne, these show that art and religious practice extend beyond the town’s largest building. For visits inside, check actual access on the day; the exterior views, by contrast, can be included in a walk through the Borgo.

For centuries, Laigueglia was shaped by fishing, seafaring and trade; coral fishing is among the traditional livelihoods associated with the town. The Bastione and the fortifications recall the defence of a place whose economic life was closely tied to the sea. This tangible connection is more useful to visitors than an embellished pirate tale: the visible buildings and lanes tell of coastal work, trade and protection.

According to the regional tourism description, Vico Corto is lined with restaurants and small shops. A break in the Borgo can therefore be part of your walk without committing to any one business. Menus, opening hours and seasonal offerings vary from place to place; check directly on your travel date. In the evening, the narrow lanes and squares by the water make a charming contrast with the open stretch of coastline.

The regional description identifies three historic defensive towers dating from the 16th century. The Bastione di Levante, also known as the “Baluardo”, stands on the waterfront and is the most prominent landmark for a walk by the sea. Moving from the beach into the lanes, you can understand the position of the towers as part of the defences of a former seafaring and fishing town. These remains offer a tangible starting point for exploring local history, without requiring an embellished account of specific attacks.

Green hills rise behind the coast. The landscape also offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, though gradients and trail conditions vary by route. Choose a trip that suits your fitness and check conditions for the specific day; being close to the sea does not mean a hill path will be short or flat.

The sandy beach defines this stretch of coast, while hills rise behind the town. This gives visitors two distinct ways to spend their time: by the sea or exploring the historic centre. Beach conditions and access to individual paths can change, so don’t plan based on a general description alone. For a half-day visit, you can combine the old town, the Bastione and the church; swimming or a trip into the hills will take extra time.

Laigueglia has a station on the coastal railway. The 2026 arrival timetable published by the railway infrastructure company Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) is valid until 12 December; for travel after that date, you’ll need a newer timetable. Check arrivals at Laigueglia station with RFI for your travel date. The town is in the Province of Savona, between Alassio and Andora; Albenga adds a historic town walk to a coastal visit. You can compare accommodation in Laigueglia by location and planned journey.