I love the sea in winter time. It’s relaxing and I profit to recharge my batteries.
With good weather I always want to be outdoors even if I can not even go to the beach with swimsuit and sunscreen. Therefore I often try to explore the Ligurian hinterland to discover new villages.
Few week-ends ago the choice fell on a village not far from home, Soldano.
This village of about 1,000 inhabitants, is located in Val Crosia, just behind Vallecrosia (IM), and can be reached from the coast in about fifteen minutes. You can clamber up the road to Perinaldo, and right after San Biago della Cima you arrive in Soldano.
The shape of the village is rather special. Arriving we expected to find the town center on our right and the first thought at the entering the village was to leave the car in the first parking lot we found. Curious, though, we decided to go ahead and we found that, unlike so many other small villages in Liguria, here in Soldano there is no shortage of parking areas: all the part that runs along the main road is used for the purpose.
After leaving the car we amazed once again as part of the old town extends upwards on the left side of the road.
We started walking for alleyways and hopped looking the church square, usually the center point of a village.
The old houses that still make up the historic village are now mostly restored and is a pleasure to see how these small towns do not fall into disrepair, but keeps in good condition.
The thing, however, that most surprised me here is the attention to visitors.
All along the medieval village we find explanatory panels about old doors, old churches, ditches and protective systems with clear descriptions and a little imagination helped us to understand how the village was structured, when it was a fortified village, and when the coastal inhabitants retreated inland to escape the raids and the attacks of the Saracens.
Following the panels, which refer to each other by specifying the number of steps to reach the next stage, is a great way to run far and wide throughout the historic village.
We had the opportunity to see the church of St. John the Baptist, Baroque, overlooking the main square, and the Oratory of St. John the Evangelist, dated from 1400, in a short distance on the same square that has not yet been restored as the parish.
A very panoramic view is the one of the gardens, at the side of the square, with games for children and a lovely walkway that in spring and summer, with leafy plants, provides shelter and shade.
The most characteristic and enjoyable part of these walks among the inland villages is the possibility to meet local people that live there. Adding some vacationers who have here their summer house some foreigners who love the Ligurian hinterland, we also well frequently meet some old ladies sitting on a bench in the sun and have the pleasure to talk or some gentlemen seated outside coffees watching people coming and going.
The village gives laid back vibes and loved the architecture of the church square! Glad to know that you had an amazing time on your trip.
Yes Ana, it's really a relaxing place
What a great find so close to your home. I am also a big fan of plaques with explanations. I find that it helps me appreciate what I am looking at more when I have some background information about it.
Yes indeed, especially for those small villages you cannot fine on travel guides
I too love such walks through villages and explore them. You hardly get these in books. Your pics have the charm of the life there.
Thank you Indrani. I really loved visitig this village
Such a cute village.Love the signs telling you more information and taking you back in time. Winter too is still for exploring.
Winter at the seaside is usually mild, never goes beyond 4°C and it's pleasant to go around when sun is shining.
I love Italian villages and tiny towns. Time seemingly stopped there. You do not even need to close your eyes to imagine that you were taken centuries back. Of course, it’s better to keep them wide open to not to trip on those stone pavements ;). Having plenty of parking spots is fantastic. I always dread that arriving by car would prevent us from enjoying small Italian towns (it applies to the whole Europe as well) since we would have to spend too much time trying to find a place to park.
Italy is such a beautiful country! I love walking around villages much more than exploring big town just because here you can meet the locals and taste a little bit of the true local life.
It took me quite a while to understand where this place was. Did google maps and typed in all the names you mentioned at the start of the blog. A nice town. I would love to visit a local in such a place and have a meal and drink and get to know more about the place !
I think I will enjoy having vacation here… and sipping champagne 🙂
Sea in the winters? I have been to many seasides in the summer season. My latest trip was to Llandudno Wales. I would have to try to go to the seaside in the winters.
Liguria looks beautiful. It is amazing how different the church architecture looks all over Europe. And how great that there is so much historical information given on signs so you can give yourself a little tour!
I love this post! I've never been to Liguria, but it sure looks GORGEOUS. Adding that to my bucket list for sure – thank you for such an informative review!
Great Piece! I love Italy and would not hesitate to go back and explore places i've never been. I think I will need to book a trip to Soldano 🙂
Lovely article. Love the place. It is so innovative.
in the photos do not look any people. it's like a haunted village. but I'm sure this place is great. maybe we get interesting things there.
I love reading about these small villages. Walking through them is always charming and if the people are friendly as you say, then it makes it even more pleasurable. Glad you had a good time.
How beautiful! I love getting off the beaten path and going to the little places most people miss out on. It is also great that you explored something closer to home.. few people look near for those gems!
Very nice village, it looks like a relaxing and quiet place. I had the chance of visiting Liguria a few years ago (mainly the area around Genova) and I loved it, glad to discover a new place in this beautiful region through your post!
This is such a lovely little village with a relaxed vibe. I love those buildings, they are quite interesting. Perfect for a summer stroll I can imagine 🙂
How peaceful — like somewhere i would love to curl up with a book and a coffee (especially in those gardens!).
Italy has a lot of villages to explore, they've got a very authentic and peaceful vibe. I've tried and visited villages in India tooo, but it's very different from this.
I absolutely LOVE walking through old medieval villages. It gives you a sense of how it may have been in its "hayday". I love how peaceful they are and how nice everyone is.
I love exploring small villages! They all have their own littlw touch that makes each special. Meeting and getting to know the people who have lived there all their lives is the best!
thanks for comments
Such a nice place for holidays and looking awesome in pictures. You shared really nice tips to visit in Italy. Can you suggest some beach and pool holiday homes in Italy and Liguria? I will go for 15 days in Italy and want to enjoy all the moments from heart.
vakantiehuizen Ligurië
Thank you!!! For beaches, please note that the western part of Liguria has mainly rocks beaches, while sandy ones are on the east side
Thanks for sharing great tips! This information is really helpful to make your trip hassle free and memorable. I want a chance to see the real place, with no tourist influence!
Holiday homes Liguria