Saracens' Bay in Varigotti: what it is like, how to get there on foot, by car and bus, parking, snorkelling, rules and Punta Crena.
The Baia dei Saraceni (Saracens’ Bay) is the cove just east of Varigotti, between the Punta Crena headland and Capo Noli, on the Aurelia road towards Noli. It belongs to the municipality of Finale Ligure. It is a small, mostly free beach of fine sand and pebbles, with clear water that is popular for snorkelling. The name is a tradition: a Saracen presence in Varigotti is not documented. Here is how to get there, where to park and what to see nearby.
The cove sits between two rocky headlands. On the Punta Crena side the seabed is shallow and sandy and you can wade a long way out; on the east side the coast is rocky and drops to the sea. The water is clear, and near the rocks you see small fish and sea urchins: bring a mask, snorkel and water shoes. Services are few: a couple of kiosks and seasonal rentals. For a beach with more facilities, head to the village beach and read our guide to the beaches of Varigotti.
The bay was the natural harbour of ancient Varigotti, protected by the Byzantine castrum on the headland. Until the mid-1960s people could camp here freely; today the beach ordinance bans camping on beaches.
The bay is just outside the village centre. Follow the Aurelia towards Noli and, a few metres after the Varigotti tunnel, take the path down to the beach. It is the best way: no traffic and no parking problem. Wear closed shoes: the path is steep between rocks.
Leave the A10 at Finale Ligure and follow the Aurelia east towards Noli. There is no organised car park for the bay: spaces are along the Aurelia, paid, and in high season they are gone by mid-morning. 2026 rates do not appear to be published: check the signs on site. The centre of Varigotti is a restricted traffic zone, so do not drive in; use the car parks outside the village, such as the old railway bed or via degli Orti.
Varigotti has no railway station. Get off at Finale Ligure Marina, on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line, and take the TPL Linea bus towards Varigotti and Malpasso: about ten minutes. Timetables, line numbers and the combined train-plus-bus ticket (Borghi Marinari Link) are on the TPL Linea site; the pages show 2024 winter timetables, so check current ones before you go.
From Varigotti you can paddle over by kayak, SUP or pedalo, the same trip that reaches the Punta Crena cove. Do not do it in rough seas.
On the headland plateau are the remains of the Byzantine castrum (6th–7th century) and the medieval castle; by tradition Genoa destroyed it in 1341 and silted up the harbour. The tower you see today was rebuilt in the early 19th century on older towers. Entry is free, on foot from the Aurelia, about a quarter of an hour on a path: not suitable for pushchairs. For guided visits ask the Museo Archeologico del Finale (+39 019 690020).
Above the bay stands the medieval church of San Lorenzo, Varigotti’s parish church until 1586. You usually see it from the outside. Reach it by the mule track marked with a red X, the same one that climbs to the Sentiero del Pellegrino.
Below the point is a cove a few tens of metres wide, easily reached only from the sea. The path from land is steep, exposed and has a rope section: leave it to experienced walkers.
Just east is Malpasso beach, with a 2026 Blue Flag. From here you climb to the Sentiero del Pellegrino towards Noli (about 5–6 km, 2–3 hours): see our guide to the Pilgrim’s Path. From the path you see the bay from above.
The bathing season runs from 15 May to 15 September. June and September are the quietest; in July and August arrive before 9 am. Sunset is the best time for photos. Before you leave, check the weather in Varigotti.
For other nearby beaches, Noli and Bergeggi are a few minutes away.
FAQ
East of Varigotti, in the municipality of Finale Ligure, on the Aurelia between Punta Crena and Malpasso, towards Noli.
Mostly yes. There are kiosks and a few operators renting umbrellas and sunbeds.
On foot from Varigotti, or by train to Finale Ligure Marina and then the TPL Linea bus. Check current timetables.
There is no organised car park: there are paid spaces along the Aurelia that fill early in summer. 2026 rates do not appear to be published: read the signs.
Yes: the water is clear and near the rocks you see fish and sea urchins. Bring water shoes.
Not from 15 May to 15 September, except in authorised areas. Out of season follow the signs.
Where to stay
All places to stay in Varigotti on Booking: compare prices and availability.
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