Loano

Tour the beaches and ancient sites of this coastal gem on the Mediterranean and venture into caves to see unusual rock formations.

An ancient castle, historical churches, shipwrecks and a gorgeous beach make Loano an alluring resort on the Italian Riviera. The town is situated halfway between Genoa and France and occupies a scenic spot below a ring of hills.

Put on your swimwear and head to the city’s long beach, a sandy stretch of more than 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The area’s mild climate makes it a popular destination for most of the year.

Go for a walk through the harbor and check out the moored yachts. Rent scuba equipment from the Marina Diving Center and explore the underwater environment. Numerous dive sites offer the chance to see octopuses, eels and many other marine creatures. There are also technical dives to archeological sites, including the wreck of a Roman ship. The center provides courses for all abilities, including beginners.

Then take the time to discover more of the city. Make your way over to the historic center, dominated by the Doria Castle, construction of which started before the 12th century.

See the 16th-century Ducal Palace, once the home of Giovanni Andrea Doria, a Genoese admiral. Look for remnants of the old city walls and go to the Passorino Gate, previously one of the four entrances into Loana. It features a tower decorated with the coat of arms of Savoy.

Stop by the old churches, including the 14th-century Church of St. Augustine and the Church of St. John the Baptist, which dates back to the first half of the 17th century. Study the religious paintings, statues and gilded altarpiece of the Oratory of the Cappe Turchine.

As you walk through the streets and along the waterfront, you will come across numerous fountains created by artists.

Loano’s sandy shores and ancient architecture are close to the French border, between the cities of Albenga and SavonaOpens in a new window. Arrive at Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and rent a car for the 1-hour journey west. You can also fly into Nice Cote d’Azur Airport in France.