Small village in the Savona region, Ligurian cells It is an ideal destination for those who love the sea, tranquility, good food and greenery. From the beautiful beaches to the many paths, from the sea to the hinterland, this center between Savona and Genoa is worth a visit.
The churches, historic buildings and monuments of the ancient center join the towers on the ridges, which once protected this area of the Western Riviera from pirate invasions.
With a sea many times in the shadow of Blue flag, and a hinterland with numerous routes included in the Liguria hiking network, Celle Ligure is a land to discover, between colors, perfumes and flavors, to be tasted in typical trattorias and restaurants.
Where is Celle Ligure?
The village of Ligurian cells since 2023 it has been part of the circuit dei The most beautiful villages in Italy. About ten kilometers from Savona and more than thirty from Genoa, it is located on the Western Ligurian Riviera between the centers of Varazze and Albisola.
SEE ALSO: The most beautiful beaches in Liguria, from East to West
What to see in Celle Ligure
Church of San Michele Arcangelo
Located inside the village, just outside the town centre, the church of Saint Michael the Archangel it was built between 1630 and 1645, the year of its consecration. It is a staircase from 1881 which leads to the cemetery with black and white pebbles from 1894: on the facade there are three doors topped with rosettes, while the central body ends with a frescoed lunette representing Saint Michael the Archangel. The interior has eleven chapels, a wooden choir, frescoed vaults, statues and, in the sacristy, 16th century furniture.
SEE ALSO: The smallest and most beautiful Italian churches to discover
Church of Consolation
The church of Our Lady of Consolation, formerly Santa Maria della Grotta, is located between Via IV Novembre and the Cristoforo Colombo seafront and is one of the architectural jewels of the village of Savona. Also known as “The Convent” because it was governed by the brothers of the Order of Saint-Augustin, it has, on the exterior, a typical decoration of two-tone horizontal white and gray-turquoise stripes, with a facade of the 19th century. Divided into three naves, it houses pictorial works inside, including “the Annunciation” by the painter Domenico Fiasella, also known as “il Sarzana”.
Church of St. George
Located in Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, the church of San Giorgio has a tripartite façade that features, above the portal, a marble panel from 1781 depicting San Giorgio on horseback. The three interior naves house, among other things, the 18th-century crucifix, a canvas of Mary Queen and the saints, the 19th-century wooden statue of Mary Help of Christians, the niche of St. George, the 18th-century wooden choir and the 1776 pipe organ.
Funicular and Bottini pine forest
The beautiful Pineta dei Bottini is accessible by funicular, with a height difference of 45 meters. The Bottini Pine Forest offers a beautiful view of the sea and, on hot summer days, a pleasant refreshment. It is populated with trees typical of the Mediterranean scrub, including holm oaks, maritime pines, Aleppo pines and arbutus trees, which provide a refuge for many migratory birds.
Ferri Palace
Headquarters of the Town Hall, Palazzo Ferri, in the heart of the ancient village, is one of the most valuable historic buildings in Celle Ligure. It houses works by Raffaele Arecco, a local painter and engraver, as well as the work “Léon Gambetta”, a portrait carved in slate by Nanni Servettaz from Savona.
Old City
Among the alleys, small squares, historic buildings and churches, it is pleasant to get lost in the small but particularly picturesque historic center of Celle Ligure. Shops and nightclubs liven up the old part of the village where you can still feel the atmosphere of what was once a charming fishing village.
Celle Ligure: the sea and the free beach
The beautiful coast of Celle Ligure offers 17 bathing establishments, four free access beaches and two free equipped beaches, as well as a small characteristic marina. Among the many entertainment possibilities offered by the Savonnais village, we find pedal boats and “mosconi” and it is possible to practice numerous sports, including sport fishing, canoeing, sailing but also underwater sports, for deepen your knowledge of the seabed and, in the maritime area to the west of the town, the meadow of Oceanic Posidonia.
What to do in Celle Ligure and surroundings
Roman promenade
A short but exciting panoramic route over the sea, the Roman promenade of Celle Ligure is one of the best hiking routes to take in this small village in western Liguria, to appreciate its beauty and charm. A path between villas, gardens and colors which combines with the view of the sea and the horizon.
The path of the seven churches
Also known as the Ring of the Seven Churches, the Way of the Seven Churches stretches for 15 kilometers in the hinterland of Celle Ligure, winding between creuze, trails, small towns, waterways and different natural environments. The route passes places of particular historical interest such as the Bregalla Tower and the birthplace of Pope Sixtus IV. A route suitable for everyone, it can also be divided into several sections. Churches and chapels distinguish the territory of Celle Ligure, made up of different hamlets, all with their own history and traditions still alive.
Trip to Savona
Located a stone's throw from Celle, Savona is the largest city on the Western Ligurian Riviera and the capital of one of the most wooded provinces in Italy. The Priamar Fortress, the Cathedral and the Vecchia Darsena are the most significant points of the Ligurian city, while Corso Italia, full of shops and boutiques, recalls the avenues of central Turin. Built between 1589 and 1605, the Assumption Cathedral offers the unmissable cloister and Sistine chapel.
From Piazza Duomo you can reach the Brandale Tower, from the 12th century, and the Palazzo Della Rovere, among the main Renaissance buildings in Liguria. To see, the Civic Art Gallery, one of the most important art collections in the region, and the tasting of chinotto, one of the emblematic products of Savona.
What to eat in Celle Ligure
The typical traditions of Liguria, maritime and terrestrial, dominate the flavors of this picturesque seaside village.
From pesto to oil, fish cooked in different ways to focaccia, from savoury vegetable tarts to jams, it is a riot of goodness. Many local recipes highlight herbs, basic elements of old-fashioned dishes, simple and tasty but above all natural.
The symbol of tradition in Celle Ligure cuisine is the pre-buggiunprepared with zero kilo ingredients, a mixture of wild herbs cooked at a short boil and used to prepare cakes, soups, omelettes and, in particular, the garnish of pansotis (homemade pasta similar in shape to fresh cappelletti, but larger) which, once ready, are seasoned with walnut sauce.
Where to eat in Celle Ligure
Bistro 27
Located by the sea in Celle Ligure, Bistrot 27 offers tasty aperitifs and menus. Open from breakfast until after dinner, it is one of the rare places in Italy to have a fish maturation cell: it offers, among other things, linguine with clams, the traditional lean cappon , grilled matured fish, matured fish sashimi and Gragnano spaghetti with seafood.
Tasting menu price 45 Euros.
Restaurant Cà Du Mà
With direct access to the beach, Cà du Mà is one of the most beautiful addresses in the village. From Cà du Mà you can enjoy an enchanting view of the seaside landscape of Celle Ligure. From red or white mussels to trofie with pesto, from calamarata with clams, cherry tomatoes and arugula to tuna with citrus notes, from deep fried seafood to sea bass fillet, the experience at Cà du Mà is a unforgettable experience.
Entrance price with glass of wine 30 Euros
Price of fish starter with glass of wine 35 Euros
Where to sleep in Celle Ligure
Hotel San Michele
The rooms at the San Michele Hotel are well-kept, spacious and comfortable. From family furniture to designer furniture and vintage armchairs, in San Michele you can relax and travel back in time. From economy rooms to standard rooms, junior suites to suites, this hotel has one of the best locations in the entire region.
Average price double room, with small balcony, with breakfast (July) 270 euros – (August) 320 euros
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Hotel Riviera
Ideal location for trekking enthusiasts and for those who love mountain biking and of course the sea, the Riviera hotel is ideal for families but also for people from the region on business trips. In addition to the 48 rooms, including double, triple and family rooms, there is a restaurant which offers the best of Ligurian cuisine.
Average price for a superior double room with breakfast (July) 140 euros – (August) 160 euros.
