Things To Do
in Taggia
Taggia is a small Ligurian town on the Riviera di Ponente, west of Sanremo, known for its olive oil and historic old town. Its narrow lanes, stone arches and pastel facades create a timeless ambience that invites wandering and discovery. The region is famous for Taggiasca olives and fragrant olive oil, which flavor local dishes and markets.
As a convenient gateway to western Liguria, Taggia blends authentic coastal life with easy access to hiking, beaches, and nearby Riviera sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, sipping espresso while enjoying a freshly baked cornetto. Take a leisurely walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of Taggia, admiring the medieval architecture that tells the story of this ancient town. Visit the stunning Church of San Domenico, where you can appreciate its beautiful Baroque interior and peaceful atmosphere.
After lunch at a charming trattoria, embark on a guided tour of the historic mills along the Argentina River, learning about the traditional olive oil production that Taggia is famous for. Spend some time at the local artisan shops, where you can find unique handmade souvenirs and local delicacies. As the afternoon sun begins to set, take a stroll through the town's picturesque piazzas, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the town, enjoying the panoramic views as you savor delicious Ligurian cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, where you might catch a glimpse of locals gathering for a friendly evening chat. End your night with a gelato from a nearby gelateria, savoring the rich flavors while enjoying the warm Italian evening.
After a hearty breakfast, head to the nearby beach in Arma di Taggia to soak up the sun on the sandy shores. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea, feeling the gentle waves wash over you. For the more adventurous, try your hand at paddleboarding or beach volleyball with the locals.
Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the beachfront restaurants, where you can indulge in fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the sound of the waves. Spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, reading a book or simply soaking in the sun's warmth. If you're feeling active, take a stroll along the promenade, where you can find shops and cafes bustling with activity.
As the sun sets, enjoy a sunset beach walk with the golden colors reflecting on the water. Choose a beachfront restaurant for dinner, where you can savor a traditional Focaccia di Recco paired with local wine. Conclude your day with a moonlit stroll along the shore, listening to the calming sounds of the sea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $2-4 |
| 🛍️Groceries (basic staples) | $25-45 per week |
| 🛏️One night in mid-range hotel | $90-140 |
| 🚆Local train or bus travel (short hop) | $7-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming historic center with authentic Ligurian character
- Access to olive oil culture and Taggiasca olives
- Scenic coastline and nearby hinterland for easy day trips
- Relaxed pace and less crowded than major cities
- Limited nightlife compared to big cities
- Some streets are steep and hard to navigate with luggage
- Smaller selection of big-brand shopping and entertainment
- Public transport can be less frequent than urban centers
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- " Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Il conto, per favore" - The bill, please
- "Mi può consigliare un ristorante?" - Can you recommend a restaurant?
Places to Visit in Taggia
Visit one of these nice places.
Pastel façades and stone arches in the historic center provide plenty of geometric compositions and warm light for street photography.
Waterfront views with boats, gentle waves and the coastline offer reflective water shots at golden hour.
A viewpoint overlooking Taggia and the coast, ideal for sweeping landscape photos and sunset silhouettes.
Long, low-angled light along the coast makes for long-exposure and people-watching photography.
Food in Taggia
Taggia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hand-rolled pasta with Genovese basil pesto, pine nuts and Parmesan, a Ligurian staple found in many seaside trattorie.
Must-Try!
Savory chickpea pancake baked until crisp and golden; a traditional Ligurian street-food favorite.
Triangular pasta filled with ricotta and herbs, served with a rich walnut sauce.
Marinated anchovies, often served with olive oil, lemon and herbs as a light antipasto.
A tasting of the region’s famed Taggiasca olives, often paired with local bread and olive oil.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the historic center offering seasonal produce, cheeses, olive oil and local specialties; a great place to taste, smell and chat with producers.
Farinata di ceci, focaccia al formaggio, and panissa stalls along the lanes near the old town square; perfect for a quick bite while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite Buongiorno / Buonasera. Use formal language with strangers and elders; learn a few basic phrases in Italian to show courtesy.
Eat slowly, avoid loud conversations in enclosed spaces, and ask for the bill with Il conto. It is polite to wait to be seated in many restaurants.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak softly and respect quiet spaces.
Keep to designated paths, especially in hillside areas, and respect local residents’ privacy in residential streets.
Safety
Tipping in Taggia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Italy. Leaving a small amount (around 5-10% or rounding up) for good service is common; if a service charge is included, additional tipping is optional.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is handy for small eateries, markets, and street vendors. Contactless payments are common in towns and shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with lots of sunshine; expect lively coastal scenes and busy beaches. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and take advantage of early morning and late afternoon for photography and wandering.
Mild days with cooler evenings; a quieter vibe in town and great light for landscapes as the sea remains blue and the olive harvest season begins.
Milder winter compared to inland Italy, with more rain possible. Fewer crowds mean easier access to historic sites and markets, but plan for shorter days.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for hikes, market visits, and leisurely meals al fresco.
Taggia at Night
Hiking in Taggia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate hike with sea views along the Ligurian coast, linking Taggia with neighboring towns.
Shaded forest route in the Ligurian hinterland offering cooler air and panoramic countryside views.
A more challenging ascent to a hilltop with sweeping views over the coast and olive groves.
Airports
How to reach Taggia by plane.
Closest regional airport with seasonal connections; a short drive or train ride to Taggia.
Major northwestern hub with frequent international flights; about 1.5–2 hours by car or rail to Taggia.
Larger international airport to the west; convenient for combining a Riviera trip with the French coast; about 2.5–3 hours by road or rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents with deep ties to the olive oil culture and Ligurian traditions.
Tourists who come for the coast, beaches, markets, and nearby hill country.
People traveling within Liguria and northern Italy for weekend getaways and cultural experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular throughout Italy, with local clubs and youth programs in coastal towns nearby.
Coastal location makes water sports and beach activities common during warm months.
Coastal and inland routes attract cyclists, with scenic day trips and light to moderate climbs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taggia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are abundant: pesto pasta, farinata, vegetable stews, grilled vegetables, and veggie-forward antipasti. When dining out, ask for dishes made without anchovies or meat-based broths; many kitchens can adapt recipes.