Triora and Pieve di Teco: what to see in the most fascinating villages of Liguria
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If you are planning a weekend in Liguria away from mass tourism, among history, scenery and authentic traditions, Triora and Pieve di Teco are two ideal stops in the heart of Western Liguria.
Triora, the famous "village of witches" in Valle Argentina, has also conquered the international scene by entering the list of the twenty most beautiful villages selected by Skyscanner. A place suspended in time, perfect for a weekend among medieval carruggi, mountain views and typical flavours such as the renowned Triora bread.
In the heart of the Arroscia Valley, Pieve di Teco is the Ligurian village that has recently been included among the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages"). With its historic arcades, artisan shops and elegant, cosy atmosphere, it is a perfect destination for those looking for things to see in Liguria during a cultural and relaxing weekend.
Two villages, one experience: the perfect idea for a romantic or cultural weekend in Liguria, discovering the most authentic hinterland.
Liguria, a wealth of villages that never cease to amaze
In Liguria there is another sea – one made of enchanting villages and timeless traditions. An ocean of stories, traditions, tastes, flavours and colours: a sea of villages to immerse yourself in throughout the year. From the hilltop villages of the hinterland, to the "Saracen" villages, shaped by the defence against pirate incursions. From the olive valleys to the ancient fiefdoms of the Del Carretto family; from the narrow caruggi of the Genoese hinterland to the wine cellars of the Cinque Terre and the fortresses of the Spezzino area. Italy's most beautiful villages, Orange Flag villages, authentic villages.
Triora is in Skyscanner's list of the twenty most beautiful villages
"Skyscanner", the global travel search engine, has compiled a list of the twenty most beautiful villages in Italy, and Triora takes third place.
A destination associated with mysterious Liguria, Triora is particularly evocative at Halloween. Yet throughout the year, its spell remains unbroken: labyrinthine caruggi, sombre tones even on sunny days, and mountain cuisine rooted in pastoral traditions – known as cucina bianca.
Then there is witchcraft. Whether you believe in it or not, this is the land of the "basure" (as witches are locally called). Between 1587 and 1589, Triora was the scene of one of Liguria's most tragic episodes of the early modern period: the witch trials. Even after returning home, you may wonder whether what you saw – those sounds, whispers and murmurs – was real or just the wind.
Pieve di Teco among Italy's most beautiful villages
With a rich intertwining of history, art and living traditions, Pieve di Teco, in the heart of a lesser‑known corner of Western Liguria, the Arroscia Valley, proudly flies the flag of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages. You can reach Pieve di Teco either by travelling inland from Imperia towards Piedmont, or by descending to the sea from Ceva via the Colle di Nava, passing through fragrant, shaded woodland. Here you will find elegant 15th-century arcades, beneath which a lively commercial fabric still thrives, rich in historic shops, churches and places of worship, and convents where devotion remains deeply rooted among the surrounding mountain slopes. Pieve di Teco is home to the smallest theatre in the world: the Teatro Salvini, with its 43 square metres of stage, 90 seats in the stalls and two tiers of boxes, is a little gem not to be missed.
