Noli Escape

Discover Noli as you’ve never seen it: guided tours, boat trips, snorkelling, hiking, mountain biking, strolls through the alleys and village events.
Our travel guide is designed to help you make the most of your holiday: you’ll find tips on what to see, where to eat and all the experiences not to miss.

Noli, Liguria
Medieval Noli

Discover Noli’s medieval soul: “caruggi” alleys, ancient towers, churches and castles – a real journey into the past.
In this section we guide you through the historic heritage of this ancient maritime republic. 

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Noli, Liguria
Noli Living & Doing

Explore a hand-picked selection of activities and excursions to help you make the most of Noli and the surrounding area.
In this section you’ll also find special offers for our guests

Explore activities and excursions
Noli, Liguria
Our tips

Where can you enjoy the best local food? How do you get to Noli? Where can you park? You’ll find the answers to these and other questions in our tips and FAQ section.

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Medieval Noli

Noli, Liguria
View of Via Colombo from the San Giovanni gate
Exploring Noli’s caruggi

Strolling through Noli’s medieval alleys – the characteristic caruggi – is like stepping back in time. The oldest buildings still standing today date from the 10th–11th centuries. The village’s history goes back even further, though: the original houses were destroyed by fire in the 9th century.

In those days Noli was protected by a ring of walls, part of which can still be seen today. The town was entered through four main gates, one for each district. These arched stone openings are still recognisable, even though the doors themselves are long gone. The San Giovanni Gate at the end of Via Colombo deserves a special mention: it is topped by a crenellated tower that occasionally hosts an exhibition of antique armour.

The village was once dotted with towers and tower-houses built from distinctive red bricks (still visible under some of the plaster). Their foundations were massive, made of stone blocks up to three metres thick. Some towers, though reduced in height, can still be admired today, such as the Torre Toso in Piazza della Cattedrale.

Also in the heart of Noli, in Piazza del Municipio, stand the Clock Tower and the Palazzo della Signoria, reminders of the town’s past as a free commune.

Don’t miss the walk that starts from Via Suor Letizia, passes beneath the Torre del Papone and leads up to the old Bishop’s Palace, which offers spectacular views.

This road was originally the only link to Spotorno. It is still walkable today and leads to the neighbouring village or, by turning off at the cemetery, up to Monte Ursino Castle, which towers over Noli.

Noli, Liguria
The castle and its walls
Monte Ursino Castle: the fortress watching over Noli

Perched on top of Monte Ursino, the castle dominates Noli from above and embraces the village with its imposing walls, a testament to its main purpose: defence. It is, in fact, a true military structure, built to protect the town.

The central keep is the oldest part, dating back to the village’s earliest days at the dawn of the Middle Ages. The rest of the castle was built in the 10th century to defend Noli from frequent raids by Saracen pirates. At the time the fortress belonged to the Marquises Del Carretto, the local feudal lords, until the people of Noli won their independence and turned the town into a maritime republic, allied with Genoa in 1192.

A truly unusual architectural feature was the gate defence system: an outer tower, linked to the walls by a stone walkway, allowed defenders to strike enemies from behind, making it even harder to get in. Traces of this ingenious structure can still be seen today.

Today the castle is open to visitors and can be reached on a pleasant scenic walk starting from the old Bishop’s Palace. Alternatively, you can get there by the paved road. Either way, the reward is the same: a breathtaking view stretching from the medieval village to the open sea.

Noli, Liguria
The Quattro Canti tower seen from Via Colombo
The Torre dei Quattro Canti: a landmark saved by a whisker

Noli’s tallest tower takes its name from its trapezoidal plan: from one particular spot in Piazza Sant’Anna – in front of the Rotondo bakery – you can see all four of its corners at once. Hence the name “Quattro Canti”, as canti means “corners” in the Ligurian dialect.

In the Middle Ages there were many towers like this one, shaping the village skyline. Over the centuries, however, many were dismantled and their bricks sold or reused in new buildings.

In the late 19th century the Torre dei Quattro Canti nearly met the same fate. At a town meeting a vote was held on demolishing it, and it was saved by a single vote. Thanks to that one vote we can still admire it today, proud and slender, as one of Noli’s most recognisable landmarks.

Noli, Liguria
The church seen from its apse
The Church of San Paragorio: Noli’s Romanesque jewel

The Church of San Paragorio is the oldest building in Noli and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Liguria. It stands on the remains of a 4th-century early Christian church, traces of which are still visible.

Inside it holds real treasures: precious 14th-century frescoes, a striking wooden crucifix, the crypt and a rare bishop’s throne made of red spruce.

The church is named after Saint Paragorius, a hermit and Noli’s patron saint, who lived for many years on the islet of Bergeggi in the early Middle Ages.

Admission costs €2, but it is absolutely worth it: a real journey through time, spirituality, art and history.

Noli Living & Doing

Noli, Liguria
Pilgrim’s Path and the Forgers’ Cave
€0

An unforgettable walk through the Capo Noli nature reserve, from Noli to Varigotti. To get back, you can retrace the same path or take bus no. 40 from Varigotti to Noli.
The trail is free, but you can also go with a guide if you prefer.
For full details, the map and the GPS track, click the button.

Info
Noli, Liguria
Kayak trip to Bergeggi Island
€35

Departs from Spotorno 
A kayak trip to Bergeggi Island, suitable for everyone. 

To book:
Call +39 344 467 7670
Email info@guidedelgolfo.com

Info
Noli, Liguria
Dante’s Walk
€0

A walk in Dante’s footsteps, past the scenic views of Capo Noli, the ancient ruins of the church of Saints Lazarus and Margaret, and the Witches’ Tower.
The walk is free, and events are held along it a few times a year.
For full details, the map and the GPS track, click the button.

Info
Mountain biking: Noli, Manie and Finale Ligure
€0

38 km of nature and culture, from Capo Noli across the Manie plateau to Finalborgo: an ever-changing mix of climbs and descents, views and the typical scents of Liguria.
For full details, the map and the GPS track, click the button.

Info
All events in Noli
€0 (only some events are ticketed)

Festivals, concerts, shows, tastings, food fairs, exhibitions, classes, markets and talks: you’ll find them all on the Visit Noli website.
To see the full events calendar, click the button.

See the events
Climbing on Capo Noli: the Nolitudine and Pilastri crags
€0

Nolitudine is a small crag (60 m) rising sheer above the sea in a spectacular setting, with 12 routes of up to three pitches.
Choose the Pilastri crag instead for a longer, more demanding climb (850 m), also high above the sea.

Info
Noli, Liguria

Nemo's Garden

Nemo’s Garden is the world’s first site dedicated to growing land plants underwater. This extraordinary project consists of a series of submerged biospheres where various plants are grown – mostly basil, destined for the famous pesto.

To grow well, these plants need stable temperatures, good sunlight and very moist soil. The underwater domes, placed a few metres below the surface, are designed to provide all of these conditions naturally, without any outside intervention. This innovative method also removes the need for pesticides, reduces land use and avoids wasting drinking water on irrigation.

Plants grown in this environment have been found to contain a much higher concentration of essential oils and antioxidants than those grown on land.

The biospheres are a short distance from the shore and are lit up, so you can see them clearly just by walking along the seafront. For snorkelling fans, though, seeing them up close is even more fascinating.

The domes are arranged in a circle around the Tree of Life, a metal sculpture topped by a tower with a large lotus flower: a work of art symbolising evolution, interconnection and harmony between nature and technology.

Learn more

Exclusive offers for our guests

Noli, Liguria

Boat trip and snorkelling: Bergeggi Island
10% OFF

€31.50 per person (our guests only)

Duration: the whole afternoon
Departs from and returns to: Vado Ligure

Getting there from Noli: by car or bus no. 40

Premium chauffeured transfer to and from Noli:
- €15 per person (group of 4)
- €20 per person (group of 3)
- €30 per person (group of 2)

Discount code: dimorenolesi

For information and bookings 
+39 338 198 6734
+39 019 26 45 82

Bookings
Noli, Liguria

Discover Noli’s history with a guide
30% OFF

Price varies with group size and duration. All our guests get a 30% discount.

Discount code: dimorenolesi

Duration: varies
Departs from and returns to: Noli

To book:
Call +39 344 467 7670
Email info@guidedelgolfo.com

Bookings
Noli, Liguria

Our tips

Noli’s best-value places to eat (in our opinion), free beaches and parking: these and other tips in this section.

The best of Noli’s food without breaking the bank

Ristorante Malafemmina da Ferdi
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi 4 (old town)

Set in a lovely little square in Noli, with fair prices and a varied menu.
Good seafood and friendly, welcoming staff.

Bookings
Ristorante da Ines
Piazza della Cattedrale (old town)

Ines is one of Noli’s historic restaurants, known for its elegance and refined service. We recommend booking a table outside on the cathedral square, as the setting is truly charming; the dining room is air-conditioned.

Traditional seafood cooked to perfection. We highly recommend the mixed grilled fish – delicious and generous!

For what you get, the price is more than fair.

Bookings
Ristorante La Locanda dei Barnabiti
Piazza Lorenzo Vivaldo 2

In a unique, exclusive and elegant setting, this restaurant serves refined, original, high-quality food while still offering good value for money.

It’s the slightly pricier of our recommendations, but still affordable – and well worth it, in our opinion!

Bookings
Gelateria Pappus
Via Colombo 12 (old town)

An award-winning gelateria (recognised by Gambero Rosso) that you really shouldn’t miss. The gelato here is incredibly good.

The classic flavours are good too, but we recommend trying the gourmet flavours made with exceptional ingredients: a real treat!

Pappus is takeaway only.

Bookings
Pizzeria Ponte Antico
Piazza Roma 1 (old town)

This large but well-kept restaurant serves the best pizza in Noli. We especially recommend the gourmet pizzas: really good and generously topped.

A pizza costs €11–15 on average.

The outdoor area is pleasant and the indoor area is air-conditioned, but the large number of tables makes it very noisy, especially inside. We recommend booking a table on the sea-view terrace. Service isn’t always quick.

Bookings

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Noli

Noli has several free public beaches where you can relax without paying for a beach club:

Fishermen’s Beach (Spiaggia dei Pescatori) – the largest, right in front of the old town, with showers and toilets nearby.

Beach between the piers (Spiaggia tra i moli) – on the east side, near the entrance to the Noli tunnel. Small but convenient, and you can rent an umbrella and sun loungers at reasonable prices from the beach bar.

Capo Noli beach – more secluded and peaceful, reached on foot past the Hotel Capo Noli and Villa Pisapia.

As in many places in Liguria, parking in Noli can be tricky, especially in summer. Never park where it isn’t allowed: unfortunately, a fine is guaranteed!
Here are a few useful options:

Paid parking

From the ramp at Piazza Sant’Anna to the edge of town towards Capo Noli there is a large paid car park. Towards the far end, though, there is also a dirt area with free parking.

Another large paid car park is in Piazza Aldo Moro.

Free parking

Along the SS1 Aurelia road, before the tunnel towards Spotorno or heading towards Capo Noli, there are some free spaces (but beware: they fill up fast).

Other options

If you can’t find a space in town, drive up the SP54, the road to Monte Ursino Castle and the hamlet of Voze. There you’ll find:

- a small free parking area just past the castle;

- a larger car park in Voze: at the junction as you enter Voze, turn right towards Spotorno and you’ll soon see the first parked cars.
From there you can get back to Noli on the TPL shuttle bus (the Noli–Vezzi–Portio shuttle in summer, or line 38 Spotorno–Voze–Noli in winter – though outside peak season there’s no need to go that far).

ℹ️ Shuttle timetables: 800 808 288 or www.tpllinea.it

Yes, the whole old town is closed to traffic. Only vehicles with a ZTL permit may drive through Piazza S. Anna and Via Repetto. There is another limited traffic zone in the central part of Corso Italia.

ZTL zones are monitored by cameras.

The nearest station is Spotorno, but it isn’t well connected to Noli, so it’s best to take a taxi when you arrive. A ride from Spotorno station to Noli costs €15 on weekdays and €18 on Sundays and public holidays. We can give you phone numbers to book the taxi in advance if you like.

Alternatively, travel to Savona station, take bus no. 40 towards Finale Ligure from the square in front of the station, and get off at the first stop in Noli.

Noli is a pleasant destination in every season:

- In winter the mild climate makes it ideal for walks, hiking and cycling.

- Mid-June to late August is perfect for beach life, with lively evenings, events and bustling bars and restaurants.

- Late April to early June and September to mid-October show Noli at its most authentic: sunny but not too hot, quiet beaches and a lively village without the crowds.

The only month we don’t recommend is November: the sunsets are gorgeous, but many bars, restaurants and shops are closed.

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