Alassio enjoys a privileged geographical position on the coast of the Western Coast, called Riviera di Ponente. It stretches gently into the inlet between Capo Mele and Punta Murena. But its ancient foundation - between the 10th and 11th centuries - also render it a place with a strong historical imprint. Its centre retains the exquisite beauty of Ligurian maritime villages, with a layout shaped to defend itself against attacks from the sea and pirates. The historic centre is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways that branch out around a narrow carruggio, a long main street.

But woe betide if you simply call the Alassio carruggio!

Its name is "Budello", and it is the only one in the whole of Liguria to be so called. The Budello of Alassio, which connects Borgo Coscia to Barusso, runs parallel to the sea and offers sudden glimpses that always leave the visitor spellbound. The Budello has been the beating heart of the town for centuries till today, squeezed between elegant historical buildings, it is a refined shopping street: many boutiques, shops, but also bars and pastry shops where you can taste the so called Baci di Alassio, the typical sweet chocolate kisses. It is no coincidence that they are called baci, because Alassio is the city of lovers. The theme of love can also be found in numerous works of art that decorate one of the city's symbolic places, the Muretto (Wall of Love).

In the 1950s, the night owls of Alassio's dolce vita used to meet here.

This is where youthful flirtations took place, where everyone left their mark, their signature. Today, the Muretto is a colourful monument full of signatures of famous people - Ernest Hemingway is one of them - and of works of art such as the ceramic reproduction of the romantic Les amoureux by Raymond Peynet, the bronze statue of the Innamorati by Eros Pellini, the steel storks by Umberto Mastroianni, and the Pesciolini by Maestro Berrino, which have become one of the symbols of the town. A destination for the international jet set in the 1950s and 1960s, an exclusive holiday resort in the 19th century, Alassio also boasts a glorious history in the field of seaside tourism on the Riviera dei Fiori. The crystal-clear sea, the fine sandy beaches, the possibility of sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving make it today, as in the past, the ideal destination for a relaxing holiday without giving up on fun.