Varazze(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Varazze is the historic old town (Centro Storico), nestled along the rugged coastline with panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. This charming district features cobbled streets, pastel-colored buildings, and hidden piazzas perfect for morning coffee or evening strolls.

Stay at Hotel Villa Margherita, a boutique hotel perched on a cliffside overlooking the sea, offering infinity pools, private terraces, and exceptional seafood dining. Its rooftop restaurant serves signature dishes like grilled local squid with lemon and herbs.

For a more authentic experience, try B&B La Rocca, a restored 18th-century farmhouse with exposed stone walls and wooden beams. Each room features a view of the Mediterranean, and guests enjoy easy access to the Chiesa di Santa Maria and the nearby fishing harbor, where daily catch is sold fresh. The area is ideal for those seeking tranquility, culture, and breathtaking seaside vistas.

Yes, Varazze offers several family-friendly hotels with direct or convenient beach access. Hotel Villa Margherita provides complimentary beach wheelchairs, baby cots, and a supervised children’s play area near its private cove. Families can enjoy free rental of strollers and pushchairs for exploring the seaside promenade.

Another great option is B&B La Rocca, which offers spacious family rooms with connecting doors and a welcome kit for kids including crayons, maps, and local treats. The property is just a 5-minute walk from Spiaggia del Porto, a calm, pebble beach ideal for children.

Nearby, the Cycling Pathway along the Coast allows safe, flat rides for all ages, while the Museo del Mare (Marine Museum) hosts interactive exhibits for kids, including touch tanks with live sea creatures. Summer festivals often feature storytelling and craft workshops tailored for young visitors.

A must-experience in Varazze is visiting the Chiesa di Santa Maria, a 16th-century church adorned with frescoes and carved wooden altars. On Sundays, the historic choir performs traditional Ligurian sacred music, creating a deeply moving atmosphere.

During summer, don’t miss the Festa del Pesce di Varazze, a vibrant celebration where locals gather at the harbor to savor seafood dishes prepared with lemon, olive oil, and native herbs. The event includes live folk music and cooking demonstrations by master fishermen.

Also highly recommended is the Fishermen’s Workshop, where visitors learn to weave traditional nets, identify local species, and even join a short fishing trip. Afterward, enjoy a meal made from your own catch at a waterfront trattoria. These immersive activities offer genuine insight into Ligurian maritime heritage and sustainable coastal living.

Near hotels in Varazze, head to Hotel Villa Margherita’s rooftop restaurant for authentic Ligurian cuisine. Must-try dishes include lemon-herb baked cod and pesto pasta made with freshly harvested basil and local extra virgin olive oil. The bread is baked in a traditional stone oven using heirloom flour.

Just a 5-minute walk away, Trattoria da Gianni offers legendary noodles with squid ink and grilled octopus salad, all made with fish caught that morning by local fishermen. The owner uses only seasonal ingredients from nearby farms.

For a quick, delicious bite, visit the Old Market early in the day. Try Pasticcini di Varazze—a local caramelized layered pastry—and a handmade cheese sandwich with aged pecorino. Enjoy them with a cup of espresso on a seaside bench, soaking in the rhythm of this coastal village.

The best time to visit Varazze is between May and September, when temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C, ideal for seaside activities. June to August is peak season—crowded but lively with events and beach parties—but prices are higher.

For a quieter, more affordable stay, visit in mid-May or early September, when crowds thin, skies remain clear, and sea temperatures are still pleasant for swimming.

Spring (May) is perfect for hiking and cultural visits—church restoration exhibitions and pre-festival events begin. Autumn (September) brings harvest season: local farms open for fruit picking, offering fresh lemons, olives, and grapes. The weather remains stable, with cool evenings, making it ideal for couples or families seeking a peaceful retreat amid coastal beauty.

Varazze has no airport, but it’s easily accessible by train and car. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport, from which you can take a high-speed train to Savona Station (~1 hour 30 minutes), then transfer to the regional bus Line 407, which takes about 30 minutes to reach Varazze’s city center.

If driving, take the A10 motorway from Milan—approximately 2 hours. The route offers scenic views, with optional stops in Cinque Terre or La Spezia. Parking in the town center is limited; park at the train station’s public lot and walk 10 minutes to the historic district.

Due to narrow streets, cars are discouraged in the core area. Opt for a rental electric bike or use the free shuttle bus service that connects major attractions, ensuring hassle-free exploration of this picturesque coastal village.