About
Chiavari is a coastal town in Liguria, on the Italian Riviera, set along the Tigullio gulf in Europe's Mediterranean south. It has an elegant, settled feel, and visitors come for a relaxed stroll rather than a checklist of sights.
What to look for
The town is known for its distinctive porticoes, whose black and white striped arcades give the streets a recognisable rhythm. Walking beneath them is one of the easiest ways to get a sense of the place. Chiavari is also the birthplace of the Chiavari chair, a well-known design that bears the town's name, so it is a fitting stop for anyone interested in craftsmanship and local identity.
The seafront and the harbour
The seaside promenade is the town's social heart, lined with refined shops and places to eat. Its prestigious yacht marina gives the waterfront a maritime character, and the town's heritage as a working port remains part of its everyday life. Spending an unhurried hour by the water, watching boats come and go, suits the pace of the town well.
Who it suits
- Visitors who enjoy architecture and streetscapes, especially the porticoes
- Those interested in design and the story behind the Chiavari chair
- Travellers looking for shopping and dining along the sea rather than large crowds
- Anyone exploring the Ligurian coast who wants a calm base for a day or two
Chiavari works best as a slow, pleasant visit: a walk under the arcades, a meal by the sea, and time at the marina. It offers a refined and easygoing side of the Italian coast.
