Zoagli: Coastal Trails, History and Silk Craftsmanship

Zoagli combines coastal scenery and local history with hiking trails and a local textile tradition. This offers different ways to plan your trip: a path between cliffs and coves, historic buildings, nature trails, or the production of silk, damask and velvet. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide how you would like to shape your stay.

Coast and trails in Zoagli

The Passeggiata a mare Canevaro runs between cliffs and coves on both sides of Zoagli’s central beach. It offers sweeping views over the Gulf of Tigullio and can be enjoyed at night as a beautifully illuminated path. Its coastal setting, panoramic views and nighttime lighting are defining features of this promenade.

The Levante section of the Lungomare Canevaro runs from Piazza XXVII Dicembre along the coast in front of Zoagli. Away from the coast, wooded nature trails, traditional Ligurian crêuze and mule tracks connect the town center with the hamlets and other parts of the municipality. These types of paths give an impression of the variety of routes in the municipality: from the coastline to wooded trails and traditional connections between the hamlets.

The Marcia dei Cinque Campanili is also a recurring hiking event. It takes place in Zoagli on the third weekend in May, on an easy circular route. The 47th edition in 2025 featured a competitive run, a recreational run and a walk for all age groups.

Historic buildings and local history

The architectural complex in Zoagli, now known as Castello Canevaro, developed over the centuries around a watchtower. Construction of the tower began in 1550. East of the town center, Torre Saracena stands on a rocky outcrop directly above the sea. These two buildings offer different ways to explore the town’s history and architectural character.

Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio was first mentioned in a document dating to 984. It has a forecourt typical of Liguria, featuring a so-called risseu: a black-and-white pebble mosaic designed by architect Pietro Porcinai. Chiesa di San Martino in the town center offers a different historical reference point. It was built between 1726 and 1728 to a design by architect Antonio Maria Ricca. Thus, alongside Sant'Ambrogio’s early documentary mention, San Martino has a clearly dated construction phase and a named architect.

Silk craftsmanship and visitor information

Local artisans in Zoagli continue to produce silk, damask and velvet on a niche-production basis. The work follows an old tradition and uses 19th-century looms. This makes textile craftsmanship not just a part of local history, but an ongoing local industry. For groups of at least four people, tours of the historic looms at Seterie di Zoagli can be arranged Monday to Friday. This option is particularly relevant for groups who want to discover the craft as more than just part of the town’s history.

For visitor information, the Ufficio informazione e accoglienza turistica (IAT) in Zoagli is on the ground floor; there is a lift to the upper floor.

Discover more destinations: Ne, La Costa, Statale, Santo Stefano D'aveto, Campo Ligure, Lavagna, Sella, Mele.

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