Pretty little town much quieter than Cinque Terre that Italian tourists prefer

Cinque Terre. Even by Italian standards, it’s a gem of a place to visit. Tourists understandably flock to the small coastal area on the Italian Riviera, taken in by the spectacular villages perched on the rugged seafront and the promise of rustic local cuisine.

In the summer months, the region is awash with people from around the world wanting a slice of the action. The crowds can put some off visiting altogether, while others simply choose to go outside of high season when the weather is admittedly not quite as good but the villages are quieter.

But what if you wanted the best of both? Scorching Italian sun without the armies of camera-wielding tourists looking for the next restaurant to conquer? Well look no further, Express.co.uk has you covered.

Around two hours north round the coast, via Genoa, sits the gorgeous seaport of Savona. It boasts many of the architectural features of the villages of Cinque Terre as well as their culinary delights. And yet, despite all that’s going for it, Savona is a fraction as busy as its rival along the Riviera.

In fact, owing to its more modest tourist industry, Savona is far more authentically Italian. So if you really want to experience Italy in all its southern European glory, cancel those flights to Cinque Terre and plump for Savona.

READ MORE Pretty city with one of Europe’s best Christmas markets but hardly any tourists

So, you’ve decided it’s authentic Italy that you’re really after and you’ve ripped up your reservation in Cinque Terre. But what are you going to book instead in Savona?

The town is home to excellent B&B’s and hotels. B&B The Gallery is a top option with 90 per cent of its reviews on Tripadvisor five stars. But if you had visions of being slap bang on the seafront, you could always go for the Luna Rooms, which also has great reviews.

A little further out is the Palazzo K B&B, set right on the Riserva Naturale Regionale dell’Adelasia for the nature lovers among you. This place really is plush; pool, restaurant, sauna, all within a traditional Italian brickwork complex – heavenly doesn’t cover it.

There are of course many many excellent hotel options in the area that can cater to almost every need, so it’s certainly worth some research.

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Savona is blessed with gorgeous beaches, here’s what Tripadvisor reviewers had to say about one the best known, Bagni Mauro.

One Italian reviewer wrote: “I came to Varazze for the first time and I came across the Mauro bathing establishments by pure chance… what can I say… I couldn’t have found anything better.

“[sic] quiet place, super cared for in every detail, beautiful sea with sand (almost impossible to find it around here) but the difference is definitely made by the cook…..super good cuisine…meat fish and also vegan…

“I have no doubts. ..I will definitely be happy to return!!”

Another added: “Quiet beach, clear sea and excellent lunch cuisine they don’t just make sandwiches but fresh and tasty meat, fish and vegan restaurants”.

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