Saracen Tower & Capo Santa Croce
Perched on the rocky headland that marks the southern end of Alassio bay, the restored 16th-century Saracen watchtower at Capo Santa Croce delivers one of the finest coastal panoramas in western Liguria. The short but steep hike to reach it passes through fragrant Mediterranean scrub and rewards with views stretching from the Alpi Marittime to the island of Gallinara.
The Hike Up
The path begins near the harbour at the eastern end of town and climbs through maquis — wild rosemary, cistus and maritime pine — to the cape in about 25–35 minutes on foot. The trail is well-marked but rocky in places, so wear closed shoes rather than sandals.
Early morning is the best time to go: the light is soft and golden on the bay below, the air smells of pine and sea, and you will likely have the headland almost to yourself before the beach crowds arrive.
What You See from the Top
From the tower you can look north along the full sweep of Alassio's golden beach all the way to Laigueglia, with the green hills of the Ligurian Apennines rising steeply behind the town. To the south the rocky island of Gallinara — a protected nature reserve — floats in the sea less than two kilometres offshore.
On a clear day (most common in spring and autumn) the snow-capped peaks of the Alpi Marittime are visible to the northwest, creating a dramatic juxtaposition of mountains and Mediterranean. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Gallinara Island Views
The Isola Gallinara, visible from the cape, is a protected nature reserve owned by a private foundation and home to nesting Audouin's gulls, Peregrine falcons and a colony of Hermann's tortoises. Boat tours from Alassio marina circumnavigate the island and sometimes allow snorkelling in the marine reserve around it.
Seeing Gallinara from the height of Capo Santa Croce gives you a sense of its scale and isolation that you simply don't get from sea level — the island looks like a green jewel dropped into blue silk.
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