Noli
Review and Itinerary by Baldassarri Giuseppe from 17026 Noli, Province of Savona, Italy.
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Noli is a charming seaside town located in the Liguria region of Italy. With its medieval old town, beautiful beaches, and delicious local cuisine, Noli offers a delightful tourist experience. To fully explore the town, enjoy the beach, and savor the local food and wine, I would recommend planning an itinerary of 2-3 days for Noli.
Here's a suggested itinerary for your tourist tour of Noli:
Day 1:
- Morning: Start your day by exploring the historic center of Noli. Take a walk through the narrow streets lined with medieval buildings. Visit the Noli Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, and enjoy panoramic views of the town and the sea from its tower. Explore the Romanesque-style Church of San Paragorio, known for its beautiful frescoes.
- Afternoon: Head to the beach and spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the sun. Noli has a lovely sandy beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas or simply lay your towel on the sand. Take a refreshing dip in the sea and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
- Evening: Indulge in the local cuisine at one of the traditional restaurants in Noli. Ligurian cuisine is known for its fresh seafood dishes and pesto sauce. Try specialties like pansoti (stuffed pasta), trofie al pesto, stuffed anchovies, and fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). Pair your meal with a glass of Ligurian wine, such as Pigato or Rossese.
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a day trip to nearby Varigotti, a picturesque village known for its beautiful beaches and historic charm. Spend the morning exploring Varigotti's narrow streets, colorful houses, and the Saracen Tower. Visit the Church of San Lorenzo, a medieval church with a unique circular shape. Enjoy the stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding hills.
- Afternoon: Taste the local food and wine specialties in Varigotti. Sample the regional focaccia, a savory flatbread topped with olive oil and sometimes other ingredients like olives or rosemary. Pair it with a glass of local Vermentino or Pigato wine. You can also try the local specialty, torta di verdure, a savory vegetable pie made with local produce.
- Evening: Return to Noli and spend a relaxing evening in the town. Take a leisurely walk along the seafront promenade, enjoying the views of the sunset. Stop by an artisan gelateria and treat yourself to some delicious gelato, a classic Italian dessert.
Day 3:
- Morning: Explore the natural beauty of the area by taking a hike in the nearby Noli-Natura Reserve. This protected area offers scenic trails, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and stunning views of the coastline. Choose a trail suited to your fitness level and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the reserve.
- Afternoon: Visit a local winery in the Ligurian countryside and discover the region's wine production. Learn about the winemaking process and taste the local wines, such as Rossese or Lumassina. Enjoy the vineyard views and perhaps even purchase some bottles to take home as souvenirs.
- Evening: Wrap up your visit to Noli with a farewell dinner at a seaside restaurant. Enjoy the last flavors of Ligurian cuisine and raise a glass to toast your time in this beautiful coastal town.
In terms of accommodations, Noli offers a variety of options including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. There are accommodations available in the historic center as well as along the beachfront, allowing you to choose according to your preferences.
To get to Noli, the closest international airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From Genoa, you can take a train to Noli, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Milan Malpensa, you can take a train to Genoa or Savona, and then transfer to a local train or bus to reach Noli.
Considering the attractions, nearby destinations, and the suggested itinerary, a 2-3 day visit would allow you to explore Noli, enjoy the beach, and experience the local food and wine.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your visit to Noli and allows you to have a memorable experience exploring the attractions, savoring the local cuisine, and enjoying the beautiful Ligurian coast. Enjoy your trip!
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