Loano, even in the rain

Experiences to enjoy that blend culture, cuisine, and wellness

A day of rain at Loano can turn into the perfect opportunity to discover the city's most authentic side, combining art, history, traditions, and moments of relaxation.

Discovering the Historical and Religious Heritage

Loano Municipality

A pleasant itinerary which tells the story of the deep bond between the historic Doria family and the Loano region.

The Doria Palace

Located in the heart of the city, this 16th-century fortress-palace was once the political center of the fiefdom and now houses the City Hall.

The Church of St. John the Baptist

Overlooking Piazza Italia stands the decagonal parish church commissioned by Prince Gianandrea Doria. A true masterpiece of the Ligurian Renaissance, it houses precious 17th-century paintings.

The Oratories in the Historic Center

Just a short walk away, you can visit the Oratory of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Oratory of St. John the Baptist. Not far from there, the Church of the Augustinians completes this artistic trio in the heart of the city.

Rain also provides the perfect opportunity to head out to the first hills and admire the structures that the Doria family chose to dominate the landscape.

The Convent of Mount Carmel

Founded in 1602, it is the most impressive monument in the area and was chosen by the Doria family as their family mausoleum. Here you can visit the permanent nativity scene, which is open year-round. Here, the Discalced Carmelite Friars, on the Monte Carmelo Farm, produce a variety of organic delicacies: jams, preserves, balsamic syrup, and various types of honey.

The Capuchin Church

Located just a short distance away, it offers an oasis of peace and quiet spirituality.

For schedules and more information

Loano Castle

A Dive into Maritime History

Sea Museum

Sea Museum

To learn about the deep connection between Loano and the sea, a visit to the Sea Museum It’s a must-see attraction. Housed within Palazzo Kursaal on the waterfront, the museum is a treasure trove of memories open to the public. Through artifacts, documents, and personal accounts, it is the perfect place to discover the extraordinary shipbuilding and seafaring traditions that have shaped, century after century, the very identity of the Loano community.

For schedules and more information

Traditional Ligurian Flavors

Rain also offers the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious culinary break at one of the restaurants in the historic center: if there’s one authentic way to discover the soul of a destination, it’s definitely through its flavors.

It’s the perfect time to savor some of Liguria’s specialties, such as pansotti, fugassin, torta pasqualina, trofie with pesto, farinata, traditional desserts like Baci di Loano, Pan du pescòu (Pan del Pescatore), and Biscette, as well as many other local delicacies.

Fugassa Tour

Fugassa Tour

If it’s not raining too hard, you can opt for the “Fugassa Tour,” a true do-it-yourself itinerary: just download the map online and set off on your own to discover 13 delicious types of focaccia at the bakeries in Loano.

Click here to download the map and view the stops

Marina di Loano

Don't miss the Marina di Loano, whether it’s for lunch, dinner with friends, or a romantic occasion, offers a wide selection of venues and restaurants to suit every taste, so you can be pampered year-round—from breakfast through after-dinner.
Marina di Loano

Relaxation and Wellness

Loano Spa & Relax

For those who want to focus on their well-being, Loano offers a variety of an opportunity to recharge and treat yourself to a few hours of relaxation.

SPA and Wellness

Notable city facilities include the “Il Tiglio Spa & Beauty” wellness center at the Hotel Torre Antica, the spa and wellness center at Pozzi Village, and the “Nereidi” wellness center at the Hotel Garden Lido—all welcoming spaces where you can escape the daily grind and recharge your energy while sheltered from inclement weather.

Indoor Sports and Activities

Even on days when the sun isn't shining, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active.

Swimming and Pilates at the Marina

The Doria Nuoto 2000 indoor pool lets you swim year-round, while Pilates in Marina offers indoor activities and dedicated spaces with bodyweight training, Pilates classes, postural exercises, and fitness programs suitable for all skill levels.

An adventure just a few minutes from Loano

Caves of Toirano

For those who want to explore the surrounding area without venturing too far, the region offers a variety of places to visit.

The Toirano Caves

Accessible in about 10 minutes by car or by taking Bus Line 81, the Caves of Toirano They are a fascinating and ever-popular destination. An underground journey through spectacular natural formations, sites containing cave bear bones—among the largest open to the public in Europe—and exceptional traces of the passage of a small group of Homo sapiens, who explored the cave about 14,000 years ago. Next to the ticket office, you can visit the Val Varatella Ethnographic Museum.

For more information

The Borgio Verezzi Caves

Equally spectacular and nearby are the Borgio Verezzi Caves (13 minutes by car), known as the most colorful caves in Italy because of the mineral-based hues on the rocks.

For schedules and more information

The Moretti Theater

For those who prefer a movie or a show, just a few minutes from Loano, the Teatro Moretti in Pietra Ligure offers everything from plays and comedies to stand-up comedy and cabaret (about a 7-minute ride on TPL Bus Line 40), the Ambra Cinema-Theater in Albenga (right in the city center and also accessible by train) for arthouse films, theatrical performances, and live events.

The Charm of Small Towns in the Rain

Rain can lend a particularly charming atmosphere to the historic villages in the area.

Toirano

Toirano, with the gray stone buildings of its medieval village. Strolling through Toirano in the rain invites you to stop at one of the small shops or cafés in the town center—the perfect place to sample the local extra virgin olive oil or the soft nougat, a rare artisanal treat.

Finalborgo

Finalborgo, listed among Italy's most beautiful villages thanks to its ancient medieval walls and classic alleys and the entrance doors of historic buildings.

Borgio Verezzi

Borgio Verezzi, which offers a picturesque view of the sea even when the horizon is foggy.
Verezzi

An Adventure a Little Further Away: Ideas for a Day Trip

Monte Carlo in Monaco

The Genoa Aquarium

Take the highway toward Genoa, and in about an hour you’ll arrive at the Porto Antico. The Genoa Aquarium is the ultimate indoor attraction, perfect for both adults and children. It’s the largest facility of its kind in Europe, where you can walk beneath enormous tanks filled with sharks, watch dolphins play up close, and observe penguins and seals. The exhibits are entirely indoors, with the exception of a few short outdoor sections like the Biosphere.

For more information

Indoor Luxury in Monte Carlo

As you drive toward France, the Principality of Monaco offers a wonderful escape from bad weather. Here you can take refuge in the princely halls of the famous Monte Carlo Casino, a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture that’s worth a visit if only to admire the frescoes and Baroque decorations (access to the first few rooms is permitted for tourists in the morning). Not far away, don’t miss the majestic Oceanographic Museum, literally built right on the edge of the cliff, which houses historical maritime collections and a large underground aquarium.

Sanremo: Music, Boutiques, and Architecture

Sanremo offers the perfect blend of entertainment and culture, sheltered from the water. The heart of city life is Via Matteotti, a shopping street lined with boutiques, just a short walk from the Sanremo Casino. The city is home to the famous Villa Nobel, the eclectic residence where scientist Alfred Nobel lived (open to visitors mainly in the morning, Tuesday through Friday), and the nearby Villa Ormond, known for its beautiful park, which—if the weather gives us a break—is worth a quick stroll among the palm trees and exotic plants.

Useful Information and Safety

Visitors are reminded that opening hours, access procedures, and any unscheduled closures are subject to change; we therefore encourage you to check the official channels of the individual facilities or activities mentioned for the most up-to-date information in advance.

The activities listed above are recommended for cloudy weather or light rain. In the event of persistent rain or official weather alerts, please follow the instructions of local authorities and postpone any non-essential travel.