Varazze with children
Varazze is especially loved by families with children for many reasons.
First of all, it is the first seaside town you reach heading west, just 36 km from Genoa: quick and easy to get to, it immediately makes you feel immersed in the holiday spirit.
It is easy to reach both by train and by car. And let’s say it quietly, so the secret doesn’t spread too much: Varazze probably has more parking spaces than many other Ligurian towns. Just be careful on Saturday mornings, as the weekly market takes place in the square usually used for parking.
The market is also an unmissable stop on Saturday mornings before heading to the beach: swimsuits, straw bags, hippie-chic clothes, as well as fruit and vegetables, cheeses and other delights directly from producers from the inland areas.
Yes, we really like Varazze! Not only for its colorful houses, the caruggio (don’t call it budello!), full of cute shops and cafés, the Blue Flag sea, the seaside promenade, the small marina and the surfers near the pier (yes, we may be mums, but who can resist the charm of a surfer?!), but also because it is a lively town and perfect for children.
But let’s go step by step and let us tell you everything!
Weather in Varazze
The best time to visit Varazze with children
Why start with the weather? Because when traveling with children, choosing a destination with the right climate is always important! Varazze is a place you can truly enjoy all year round. From May to September, the beach fills up with cabins, umbrellas and sun loungers. The beach clubs, with their colors and lively atmosphere, bring the seafront to life with beach volleyball tournaments, aerobics classes, aqua gym, gentle fitness, swimming and entertainment for children.
In all the other seasons, there is the Lungomare Europa, the beautiful cycle and pedestrian path, sheltered and sunny, which runs along the entire coastline following the old railway line and reaches the nearby towns of Cogoleto and Arenzano.
Lungomare Europa
The cycle path to enjoy in Varazze with children
When visiting Varazze with children, the Lungomare Europa is an unmissable stop. Rent a pedicab or a bike and look for a sheltered little cove: on sunny winter days you can even get a taste of summer and end up wearing just a T-shirt.
So, if you’re looking for places to eat by the sea in Varazze, during the cooler months we suggest a packed lunch in one of the little coves along the promenade. Don’t forget a blanket or a towel! One warning though: even if the climate is mild, the sea is icy. Cold-sensitive people, better skip the quick dip!
And what can we say about this wild side of Varazze? You’ll find yourselves immersed in nature among pine trees, mimosa, oleanders, broom, palms and olive trees, with equipped areas for resting and children’s play.
It is the ideal place for those who enjoy jogging, cycling and rollerblading, and a true paradise for fishing lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Varazze with children
Equipped playgrounds, shows and a few hidden gems to discover
Varazze is truly child-friendly, and after spending a month here with a three-year-old, we can assure you of that! First of all, there are many well-equipped playgrounds with play structures, slides and swings. You’ll find them scattered throughout Varazze, and what impressed us most is how well maintained they all are
Then there’s the fact that evening shows for children are often organized, such as puppet theatre. In addition, the promenade and the Lungomare Europa are perfect for bike rides or for taking a stroll with a stroller.
Another thing we really appreciated is the central pedestrian street: being able to reach the beach by bike in complete safety was one of the things our child, and therefore we as well, enjoyed the most.
In Varazze there are a couple of bookshops, one of them dedicated to children, and a historic toy shop that is extremely well stocked. There is one bookshop in particular that we absolutely love: a small wonderland, beautifully curated and full of amazing books and gift ideas. We’ll give you just one clue: it’s centrally located but slightly tucked away, and close to a wonderful playground…
Another thing to do, which I probably would never have done or recommended if I hadn’t had a child, is a ride on the tourist train. It was a huge success: our child had great fun and we also got to see the Marina of Varazze in a very easy and comfortable way.
The beaches of Varazze
From child-friendly equipped beaches to hidden coves
We’ve already told you that the sea has long been awarded the Blue Flag, but what we haven’t told you yet is that Varazze has beaches for every taste.
Families with children will definitely appreciate the comfort of the beach clubs. It’s very easy to find well-equipped ones with play areas for children, and all of them have a bar or a restaurant.
I can assure you that having an aperitivo on the beach, brought right under your umbrella while the children play, is a mum’s luxury I had never considered before!
For those who don’t want to stay on a crowded, fully equipped beach with neighbors… very close neighbors… and prefer more secluded coves with even cleaner sea, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at the two ends of Varazze.
Toward the east there are the coves along the Lungomare Europa, while heading west, beyond the marina toward Celle Ligure, you’ll find more.
The coves are usually characterized by pebbles and rocks and are a bit more difficult to reach. Although they are certainly more scenic, we recommend them especially for families with older children who can swim, dive and enjoy exploring the seabed with a mask. If you choose this option, be sure to bring food and water with you, as there aren’t always bars nearby.
What to see in Varazze
Strolling through caruggi and little churches
Have I already mentioned the little shops? I think I have! Of course, as lovely as they are, there’s much more than that. Varazze is rich in history: one thing our child loves is the story of Varazze illustrated in mural style at the entrance to the town hall. On the way back from the beach, it’s a regular stop for us.
Varazze has a very ancient history, and the historic center, the caruggi and the churches are clear evidence of it. Speaking of churches, there is one in particular, the Church of Sant’Ambrogio dating back to 1130, whose façade was completely incorporated into the ancient walls that protected Varazze in the 14th century.
The Marina of Varazze
A romantic stroll and a seafood dinner
Even if you’re not into boats, the Marina of Varazze is well worth a visit at sunset after a day at the beach. There are lovely spots to enjoy fresh seafood and super chic shops, and the sunset light that bathes everything in pink creates a relaxed and evocative atmosphere. In short, it’s one of those experiences you simply have to enjoy on holiday! :)
Beigua Natural Park
When visiting Varazze with children, don’t miss a quick trip up to the Beigua for breathtaking views and much more!
One of Varazze’s treasures is its immediate hinterland: in just a few minutes by car you can reach small villages nestled on the hills, well worth visiting to discover trails and scenic landscapes.
Behind Varazze rises Monte Beigua, from whose summit (1,287 meters above sea level) you can enjoy breathtaking views, especially on clear days when it’s easy to see Corsica and the Tuscan islands.
We are big fans of the Beigua Natural Park: in summer the picnic areas welcome day-trippers, while in winter they are covered in snow. Today the area is a regional park and is recognized by UNESCO as a geopark, a world heritage site to be protected and enhanced.
We love Varazze with children because…
It’s a true paradise for families: the Lungomare Europa is perfect for strollers, and there are playgrounds and well-equipped beaches for little ones!
Where to Stay in Varazze with Children
Scegliere dove dormire è facile, perché a Varazze le strutture family non mancano!
Here are the best ones, all selected by Riviera dei Bambini:
☀️ Family Tip: book directly on the accommodation’s website or take advantage of the Riviera dei Bambini Offers for family-friendly rates.
