Welcome to Chiavari
Discover the genuine charm of a place that has preserved its truest soul,
immerge yourself in the genuine rhythm of Ligurian life, between its medieval porticos and historic workshops, away from the hustle and bustle, enveloped in its historic charm.
Situated halfway between the lively city of Genoa and the unmissable Cinque Terre, Chiavari is a delightful medieval town set in the heart of the Gulf of Tigullio, one of the most important areas of the Riviera di Levante. It is an ideal base for exploring some of Liguria’s most famous destinations, such as Portofino, yet it also fully deserves time and attention in its own right.
Chiavari has preserved its character remarkably well and offers a unique, authentic experience far from mainstream tourism.
Here, visitors can truly feel part of the place and experience firsthand the traditions and everyday life that define it.
The colorful historic center unfolds in a neat grid of caruggi - narrow lanes lined with 13th-century porticoed buildings - which reveal themselves slowly, inviting you to explore at an unhurried pace.
Known as the city of porticos, these ancient arches give the historic center its unique character. Nestled between the arcades, you will find traditional artisan workshops and local "osterie" where you can enjoy authentic and exquisite Ligurian cuisine.
The airy old town is enriched by nearly three kilometers of medieval arcades, mosaic-decorated floors, churches, monuments, and welcoming squares.
The Ligurian atmosphere is reflected in the bright colors of the houses and in the elegant architecture of the noble palaces, reminiscent of those in Genoa’s historic center.
Shop & Cook: Authentic Ligurian Flavors
Join me for an authentic Ligurian experience.
We’ll visit the local market and artisan food shops in Chiavari to choose the freshest ingredients and decide what to prepare together.
Back in my home kitchen, you’ll enjoy a hands-on cooking class in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, followed by a meal on my patio with stunning views of the sea, paired with wine and stories of Ligurian culture.
⏳ 6 hours
💶 Price: €180 per person
Artisanal Silk & Flavors: An Exclusive Journey in Zoagli
Enjoy a private immersion into the world of luxury textiles at the historic Gaggioli workshop, where ancient looms still produce world-class velvets and damasks. This historic atelier still produces some of the world's most prestigious velvets and damasks, handcrafted on original 18th-century looms chosen by international High Fashion houses and the Vatican. This is not just a visit, but a hands-on journey: you will try your hand at the traditional winding of the bobbins (rocchetti), learning the rhythmic gestures that have created the world’s finest velvets for centuries. After exploring this living museum, the experience concludes with a refined Genovese Aperitivo. You will savor a Genovese Spritz paired with a selection of artisanal delicacies: fresh focaccia, hand-picked cured meats, local cheeses and traditional savory vegetable pies in an intimate, timeless setting.
Where: Seterie Gaggioli - Zoagli
⏳ 2 hours
💶 Price:
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Private Couple Experience: €110 per person
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Small Groups (3 to 6 guests): €90 per person
Chiavari Food Tour
Our journey will take us through the culinary heart of Chiavari, enjoying its warm, historic atmosphere, far for the tourist crowds.
We’ll meet at Chiavari railway station and start the day with a typical Ligurian breakfast: freshly baked focaccia dipped in cappuccino.
We’ll explore the food market to discover fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs used in Ligurian recipes and along the way, we’ll meet Franco Casoni, an artist master woodcarver who handcrafts stamps for corzetti – small pasta discs with intricate medieval designs.
We’ll step into a charming enoteca, once an old butcher shop, where the history of the space blends with the flavors of Liguria. Seated in this intimate setting, we’ll savor a glass of Ligurian wine while I share stories about the region’s culinary traditions and wine culture.
We’ll continue through the city center to discover traditional food shops, that offer a genuine taste of Liguria's past, testifying the enduring traditions that continue to shape the region's identity, including a handmade pasta shop, a tripery and the fish market.
Then we’ll visit a sciamadda – a small, traditional street food shop which name in dialect means “flame burst” centered around a wood-fired oven, gathering places for workers like fishermen and dockers. Here, you can taste classic Ligurian specialties such as farinata (chickpea tart), fried fish and torte verdi (vegetables pies).
Our tour concludes with a coffee, an ice cream or a special sweet treat - a chocolate specialty created by the historic Gran Caffè Defilla 1960, a delightful Sorriso di Chiavari, a must-try for everyone visiting Chiavari.
⏳ 2 hours 30 minutes
💶 Price: €150
The Anchovy Salting School: Learn the Ancient Craft
Learn the art of salting and pack your own jar to take home trough an hands-on journey into the traditional craft of anchovy salting.
The master anchovy-maker, Michele, will teach you the authentic techniques as you prepare your very own "arbanella" (traditional glass jar) together.
It’s an engaging experience filled with fun, local history, and stories from the life of an acciugaio.
Following the workshop, enjoy a delicious tasting of our anchovies paired with local specialties, including crostini, traditional focaccia, and local white wine.
Please note that the shop will be open during the experience for onsite purchases or pre-orders to be shipped directly to your door.
Where:
salting laboratory L'Anciua - Casarza Ligure
Only from June to September and only saturday mornings.
⏳ 2 hours
💶 Price: €30
chiavari food tour & artisan shops
seterie gaggioli zoagli
