Alassio is a town rich in history and beauty, known since Roman times for the Via Julia Augusta which winds behind it and connects it to Albenga, still accessible with a trek of about 6 kilometers with incomparable views of the sea and the Gallinara Island breathing in the scent of the Mediterranean scrub.

Alassio lies with its typically Ligurian houses at the foot of two promontories: Capo Mele and Capo Santa Croce, which give shape to the fascinating and famous "Bay of the sun". Pearl of the Western Ligurian Riviera, as defined in 1955 by the writer Cecil Roberts in his Portal to Paradise, as well as being known as the land of the sun, the sea, entertainment, the Muretto and lovers, Alassio is known for the natural beauty that surround it, which contribute to making it one of the most sought-after destinations on the Ligurian Riviera.

The frame of hills that surrounds Alassio welcomes and tells of small villages, among the scents of nature and ancient cooking recipes. From the thriving fishing village it once was, with the birth of elite tourism Alassio has become one of the most elegant towns on the Riviera.

These places have inspired numerous artists over the years, including the Englishman Edward Elgar, to whom a suite in Villa della Pergola is dedicated, who composed the musical work In the South (Alassio) here in the early twentieth century.

From the characteristic seaside villages to the inland towns that have an ancient history, a short distance from Villa della Pergola it will be possible to admire picturesque medieval historic centres, getting lost among the characteristic caruggi - the typically Ligurian narrow alleys - and the ancient stone houses. Albenga, Cervo, Pietra Ligure, Finalborgo, Varigotti, Calizzano, Laigueglia, Borgio Verezzi, Colla Micheri are just some of the wonderful cities and authentic homes, some of the "most beautiful villages in Italy", which are located a few kilometers from Alassio and which contain centuries of history within their walls.

The whole area is also dotted with a lively offer of museums and cultural activities: from churches frescoed by important painters of the Ligurian school to sacred art, archaeological and folklore museums, up to the fascinating historical re-enactments that will take you back in time, catapulting you into distant eras and their little-known traditions. Don't miss the numerous festivals dedicated to music, theater and gastronomy on the Riviera especially during the spring and summer period.

The shopping experience animates the towns on the coast, starting from the lively Alassio, a famous international shopping destination, in whose "gut", the main street, there are refined and exclusive boutiques where you can spend delicious moments between a swim in the sea and a "kiss". of Alassio". To better discover the countless wonders that the area offers, the Villa della Pergola team will be happy to help you with the organization.

Alassio boasts the most beautiful natural beach on the Ligurian Riviera: its very fine sand, which entered the heart of the English nobility in the 19th century and is now a sought-after tourist and seaside destination, is just a few steps from the suites of Villa della Pergola. Add a pinch of adventure to your relaxation by exploring the seabed rich in marine flora and fauna.

Dive into diving, snorkeling and wave-walking, or let yourself be lulled by the waves aboard a private yacht. A visit to Gallinara Island will give you breathtaking views and the chance to admire the extensive Posidonia meadows, a marine ecosystem crucial for biodiversity.

You may also spot marine mammals in their natural environment, such as dolphins, sperm whales and fin whales that frequent the International Cetacean Sanctuary..

Immerse yourself in the local flavors and discover tasty authentic recipes such as the top, the cappon magro, the zimino, the pansoti with walnut sauce, the condigiun or the famous mortar pesto.

These are just some of the typical gastronomic delights of the area to be tasted in villages overlooking the sea or in places yet to be discovered. Simple traditional recipes that will captivate you with the intensity of their flavours.

The area of the Albenga plain is also internationally famous for the production of aromatic herbs and vegetables including the famous "Big Four": the trumpet courgette, the Cuore di Bue tomato and the Slow Food presidia, the spiny artichoke and the Purple asparagus from Albenga. While you are around the Budello di Alassio you can discover gastronomic gems with a great history, such as the famous "baci di Alassio" or the delicious "Biscette di Solva". Furthermore, numerous oil mills and cellars organize tastings of local oil and wines such as Pigato, Vermentino and Rossese. The Villa della Pergola team will be at your disposal to organize cooking classes.

At Villa della Pergola relaxation matches with sport.

A few minutes' walk away is the century-old Hanbury Tennis Club, founded by Daniel Hanbury in 1923 with 7 clay courts, 3 padel courts, pickleball court and elegant colonial-style clubhouse.

For golf lovers, in Garlenda the Garlenda Golf Club offers a playing course that has a length of 6,085 meters with a CR 72.0 and a SR 133 for men, and CR 73.6 SR 130 for women. If your passion is contact with nature, you can enjoy incredible trekking and biking experiences: there are countless paths dedicated to these activities, both on the enchanting coast and in the fascinating hinterland.

Territories full of history and culture, which between cycle paths and paths, mule tracks and creuze will accompany you to discover places that have made Liguria a loved and internationally known destination.