Fine sand and shallow water: Alassio's beach zone by zone, where the free beaches are, beach clubs, kids, dogs and parking.
The beach at Alassio is a long strip of pale sand that follows the whole Baia del Sole, from the harbour in the east to the border with Albenga in the west. It is one of the most child-friendly beaches in Liguria, but almost all of it is taken up by beach clubs. To enjoy it without surprises, it helps to know where the free stretches are, what you will spend and where to leave the car.
The sand is fine quartz and does not burn like the shingle on nearby beaches. The seabed shelves so gently that children can play in shallow water for many metres, watched by lifeguards. The bay faces south and gets sun from morning to sunset.
The beach is not very deep, especially in the centre: between the promenade and the water there are only a few rows of umbrellas. With rough seas the strip of sand shrinks further. If you want space, head for the ends of the bay.
In front of the old town the beach is a continuous row of small beach clubs, many with a bar. From the lanes of the Budello you step straight onto the sand. It is the easiest area if you are staying in the centre and want lunch or a stroll without the car, but also the most crowded.
Heading east you pass below the Torrione and Borgo Coscia to the Luca Ferrari harbour. Here is the town’s longest stretch of free beach. At the far end, along Passeggiata Cadorna near the Cappelletta, free equipped beach number 1, nicknamed “the last beach”, is the place to catch the last of the sun and has a small paid car park. Beyond the headland the beach of Laigueglia begins.
To the west, beyond the Barusso area, the beach clubs thin out and the beach becomes quieter, with some free sections towards the border with Albenga. Behind it rises the Santa Croce headland, where the Roman walk begins. Here it is easier to find space even in July.
Alassio’s free beaches are few and short compared with the length of the shore. They are free and open to everyone; on summer mornings they fill up early. Some are “equipped”: the sand is free, but you can rent an umbrella and sunbed.
Beach clubs offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets and often a bar or restaurant. In August prices are among the highest in Liguria, and many clubs charge extra for hot showers. Two practical tips:
The current list of free beaches and the season’s rules are on the official Alassio tourism website or at the tourist office (+39 0182 647027).
With children, Alassio is hard to beat: shallow water, sand for castles, a flat promenade for buggies and ice cream on every corner. Some beach clubs in the centre run kids’ activities and rent canoes.
With a dog it is more complicated: most beach clubs do not allow dogs, but some have dedicated areas. Check the current year’s rules before you go and ask the club directly.
In front of the beach the seabed is sandy and covered with Posidonia seagrass. For more to see, head towards Gallinara Island: boat trips from the harbour sail around it, and authorised dive centres run dives in the reserve. Landing on the island is not allowed.
In summer, finding a space near the beach is hard. The simplest options:
FAQ
Yes, fine pale sand along the whole bay, with shallow water that deepens slowly.
Mainly to the east, towards the harbour and the Cappelletta, and to the west towards Albenga. The centre is almost all beach clubs.
Yes: shallow water for many metres, fine sand and lifeguards along most of the beach make it one of the best in Liguria.
Only at some beach clubs with dedicated areas. The rules change every season, so ask the club first.
June and September: warm water, fewer people and lower prices than July and August.
Where to stay
All places to stay in Alassio on Booking: compare prices and availability.
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