There are so many places in Italy that face the fire of International tourism – regions that boast inspirational natural beauty, charming villages and rich history. With extended coverage in guidebooks and a word of mouth that travels quickly when it comes to planning summer vacations – these places are often over-run with visitors. However there is a charming part of Italy that is not yet over over visited. About 30 minutes into the hills from Casarza lies the little “medieval” village of Varese Ligure in the Liguria region.
This small village is easy to get around…by foot. Little cafes are open on the main square in front of the “castle” – a river runs through town over which is built a very Medieval looking stone bridge – which dates back hundreds of years. As the story goes, it was built after a young lover died trying to cross the swollen river to reach his bride centuries ago. The main hotel in town, Hotel Amici is conveniently owned by the mayor of this town!
Within a short distance drive up into the hills above Varese Ligure are some even smaller towns – each with their own charm – it is well worth the drive to experience these towns and the rural Italian way of life.
This site is in Italian but for more info visit: www.comune.vareseligure.sp.it
I’m just in love with Italy and ready to return there again and again, at least reading your blog about the trip. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks John – I’m hoping to return there soon.