The Ligurian territory is rich in villages that have been certified as belonging to The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Today we would like to introduce you Apricale, which, besides this certification, has also been awarded with the Orange Flag by Touring Club Italiano.

Just the name alone, Apricale, tells us a lot about this fascinating village, as “apricus” means “sunny”, “exposed to sunlight”. Indeed it is one of the main features of Apricale. It is protected by the Maritime Alps and located in a very good position among the olive forests of the last strip of Liguria near the French border where it enjoys a perfect climate.

The surrounding landscape creates a wonderful natural setting and is a frame to the hamlet, a sinuous cascade of ancient stone houses that are placed along the ridge of a slope overlooked by the castle.

This ancient village is located around a small square and has preserved its urban structure and medieval atmosphere. With a maze of streets, steep stairs, covered passages and numerous levels that cross each other creating a world that in the past was out of reach but today is finally open to its visitors. Between refreshment centres and breathtaking landscapes that end into olive tree and chestnut forests you will be able to visit the numerous handcraft shops, opened by the artists who have visited and loved Apricale over the decades.

With its history and modernity, legends and poems Apricale is a wonderful village to discover with your family: enjoy the pleasure of wandering through the carruggi, the typical narrow streets of Liguria, and discover some hidden spots where you can taste the delicacies offered by the surrounding territory.

Moreover Apricale deservedly belongs to the association Città dell’Olio (Oil Towns), as its Cailletier (Olive Taggiasche in Italy) are here used to produce a top quality extra-virgin olive oil.

The food delicacies offered by Apricale reflect the genuineness, simplicity and rustic charm of the Ligurian western inland cuisine.

As well as olive oil this territory offers vegetables and aromatic herbs that are used to cook great handmade pasta dishes such as ravioli (filled pasta) and taglierini (egg noodles), stuffed vegetables like zucchini flowers, green pies and sardenaria (a snack similar to pizza). Finally you can’t miss the typical main dish of rabbit, either in the Ligurian-Style or brusca (scorched), which you can pair with a Rossese red wine.