Discover museums, charming villages, and natural wonders near Diano Marina
At our reception and on mini-website» you'll find a handpicked guide to 21 recommended places, listed by distance. Each destination is perfect for a day trip, easy to reach, and sure to leave a lasting impression on your stay in Liguria.
Staying at Hotel Caravelle means immersing yourself in the heart of the Riviera dei Fiori, a region rich in history, art, nature, and tradition — where a vibrant coastline meets lush inland valleys.
Here is a curated selection of the best day trips near Diano Marina to enhance your holiday experience.
MUST-SEE MUSEUMS
Olive Tree Museum – Imperia
Set in a beautiful Liberty-style villa, this award-winning museum (European Museum of the Year 1993) offers a fascinating journey through the history of olive oil, with exhibits on lighting, food, cosmetics, and medicine. The collection includes antique olive oil lamps and precious jars.
Civic Archaeological Museum – Diano Marina
Just minutes from our hotel, this museum showcases artifacts from prehistoric times to the late Roman era. Nine exhibition rooms and a multimedia section reveal the ancient history of the Dianese Gulf.
Ethnographic Museum of Western Liguria – Cervo
Located in the Clavesana Castle, this museum reconstructs traditional Ligurian life in the 19th and 20th centuries, including farming, seafaring, and home life.
Naval Museum – Imperia
One of Italy's most complete maritime museums, with 14 sections dedicated to sailing, naval uniforms, shipbuilding, cartography, oceanic navigation, and underwater archaeology.
Prehistoric Museum & Balzi Rossi Caves – Ventimiglia
Overlooking the sea, this museum houses prehistoric remains, including the famous Triple Burial from the Upper Paleolithic. The nearby caves (open to visitors) document 240,000 years of human presence.
Witchcraft and Ethnographic Museum – Triora
Housed in the old village prison, this unique museum explores local agriculture, legends, and the witch trials that occurred in the area between 1587 and 1589.
Roman Naval Museum – Albenga
Located in Palazzo Peloso Cepolla, it showcases artifacts from the largest Roman merchant ship ever found in the Ligurian Sea, including helmets, amphorae, and tools.
NATURE, HISTORY, AND DISCOVERIES
Toirano Caves
One of Europe's most spectacular karst cave systems, with over 150 natural grottos rich in stalactites, animal bones, and prehistoric human remains.
Hanbury Botanical Gardens – Ventimiglia
A stunning subtropical garden by the sea, founded in 1867 by British traveller Sir Thomas Hanbury. Thousands of exotic plant species are arranged in botanical zones across a terraced landscape.
Genoa Aquarium
Europe's largest aquarium. A fascinating underwater journey featuring dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, and colorful sea life — fun and educational for all ages.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES NEAR DIANO MARINA
Explore the Ligurian hinterland, where olive groves, medieval towers, country life, and hidden sanctuaries await:
Dianese Valleys
• Diano Castello – A medieval village with panoramic views.
• Diano San Pietro – A fortified church built to protect against pirate raids.
• Villa Faraldi and Riva Faraldi – Art, spirituality, and ancient olive mills.
• Cervo – Officially one of Italy's most beautiful villages, overlooking the sea.
Impero Valley
• Pontedassio – Home to the "Biscotto della Salute" (Slow Food certified).
• Lucinasco – A charming lake and 15th-century rural churches.
• Conio – Medieval castle and renowned Slow Food beans.
• Borgomaro, Maro Castello, Candeasco – Olive oil culture and castle ruins.
Arroscia Valley
• Pieve di Teco – Historic arcades and cultural museums.
• Rezzo, Villa, Mendatica – Alpine forests, shrines, and sacred art.
• Ranzo, Gavenola, Ubaga – Renaissance frescoes and local legends.
Prino Valley
• Dolcedo – Knights of Malta bridge and historic oil mills.
• Montegrazie, Moltedo, Vasia, Prelà – Art-filled churches, castles, and woodland.
• Lecchiore – Forest lakes ideal for nature walks and refreshing swims.
PRACTICAL INFO
To find out more about cultural sites, museums, charming villages, and hiking routes, visit the Hotel Caravelle reception or a local tourist office. We provide maps, opening times, and up-to-date information to help you plan your excursions with ease.
