Tucked between Savona and Varazze, Celle Ligure is one of the most charming towns on the Riviera di Ponente. Unlike many of the larger resorts along the Ligurian coast, it has managed to preserve the atmosphere of a traditional fishing village, with colourful houses facing the sea, narrow caruggi, palm-lined promenades and small beaches framed by rocky headlands. It is a place best explored slowly, wandering through its historic streets before stopping at one of the cafés overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
The village dates back to Roman times, although it developed significantly during the Middle Ages under the Republic of Genoa. Fishing, olive cultivation and maritime trade supported the local economy for centuries, while elegant villas built during the nineteenth century reflected the arrival of wealthy families who discovered the mild Ligurian climate.
One of Celle Ligure’s most distinctive features is its historic centre. Unlike many coastal towns that have expanded around modern development, the old village remains remarkably compact, with pastel-coloured façades, decorated trompe-l’œil paintings and small squares opening unexpectedly between the narrow streets. Walking through the caruggi reveals hidden chapels, artisan shops and glimpses of the sea at almost every corner.
A fascinating curiosity is that Celle Ligure has become something of an open-air art gallery. Over recent decades numerous sculptures and contemporary artworks have been installed throughout the town, creating an unusual dialogue between modern art and traditional Ligurian architecture. This artistic identity complements the village’s relaxed atmosphere rather than overwhelming it.
The coastline is equally attractive. Pebble beaches alternate with rocky sections and crystal-clear water, while the promenade provides beautiful views along the Riviera. Behind the town, olive-covered hills rise steeply towards the Apennines, creating the characteristic Ligurian landscape where mountains and sea meet within only a few kilometres.
For motorhome travellers, our experience quickly showed that not every parking option is equally suitable. We first looked at the panoramic parking area in Via Lagorio, attracted by the sea views. Once we arrived, however, it immediately became obvious that it was simply too small for a conventional motorhome. The marked spaces were better suited to compact campervans, and manoeuvring a larger vehicle would have been difficult. We therefore decided not to stay there and instead moved to the official Area di Sosta Camper Natta, which proved to be a much more practical solution. Although basic, it offered proper motorhome spaces together with service facilities, making it a far better base for visiting Celle Ligure on foot. The walk into the historic centre took only around fifteen minutes, and despite the nearby motorway, the traffic noise became much less noticeable during the night. The service area itself is not perfect—the pitches are not all level and the service point is fairly simple—but for a free municipal stop close to the coast it represented a considerably better choice than trying to fit into the much smaller panoramic parking.
Another interesting curiosity concerns the nearby Lungomare Crocetta, one of the most pleasant promenades on this stretch of coast. It links the beaches with the historic centre and is lined with palms, maritime pines and flowering gardens, making it particularly enjoyable during the evening when local residents gather for a traditional passeggiata.
Celle Ligure may not be one of Liguria’s largest destinations, but that is precisely its strength. Between its colourful historic centre, elegant promenade, artistic character and relaxed seaside atmosphere, it offers an authentic corner of the Italian Riviera. For us, choosing the right motorhome stop made all the difference, allowing us to enjoy one of Liguria’s prettiest villages without the stress of unsuitable parking.