Another sunny day on the Italian Riviera: we headed off to visit some villages on the coast close to here heading first to Finalborgo, an ancient walled town dating back to the 1200s. It is part of a broader town of Finale Ligure, which stretches down to the coast. The medieval centre though is charming: narrow streets, interesting architecture, and amazing church: yet another tiny town with an amazing historic church in the centre. And with it being early summer here the smell of jasmine was everywhere!

From Finalborgo we headed to Alassio. Again a stroll through the centre of the old town and back along the promenade by the beach – which is wall-to-wall umbrellas and sunbeds! Alassio was a bit bigger and very beach tourism focused. We continue to be surprised by the number of private beaches here: I know I’ve said this before but the concept of a beach resort is different here in Italy. The locals have their favourite, out of the way spots and italians come from Milan or Turin for their summer break to towns like Alassio. At least it was sandy unlike Nice! Alassio had the resort-y feel of Noosa – folk wandering back from the beach for lunch were everywhere and there were hotels and restaurants with a view all along the promenade.

We carried on to Cervo for lunch at a restaurant on a hill with a stunning view over the sea and watched the big yachts out in the bay. John has christened our host Jackie the car park whisperer for her ability to find a park in all the little towns we have been visiting and top of the hill in Cervo was looking dodgy but she found one. As well as a castle and a wedding-cake coloured baroque church, the hill above Cervo has B&Bs and various spots to eat: but it’s a long walk up the hill from the beach!