Once a powerful maritime republic with ties to the First Crusade, this town is steeped in history, with ancient walls and towers that are evocative of a storied past. The heart of Noli is a maze of narrow, winding streets that open onto charming piazzas and reveal centuries-old churches, all framed by the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Its compact footprint only adds to its allure, with an intimate atmosphere that invites long days of exploration.

Noli’s beach, a stretch of crescent-shaped soft sands lapped by lulling waves, is a wonderful spot to be, backdropped by the medieval monuments of the old town and the bobbing boats of the nearby harbour. Of course, eating and drinking here is a treat, with seafront trattorias and cafes offering a generous leap into Liguria’s foodie culture. All this is overlooked by the imposing Castello di Monte Ursino, a constant reminder that this is a town imbued with history. Should you escape the castle’s glare, the surrounding hills offer hiking trails and olive groves, and vineyards that produce delectable wines. Rugged beauty and old-world charms abound here.