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Hidden away in the hinterland of Liguria, nestled in the sun-drenched hills of the Nervia Valley in the province of Imperia, lies Apricale—a striking, medieval town surrounded entirely by the lush greenery of the Ligurian landscape. Though it feels worlds away, this hidden gem sits just 13 kilometres from the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

I was there not long ago with my family on a day excursion from Celle Ligure, exploring some villages of inland Liguria, and one of them was Apricale. As we were driving, Apricale suddenly came into view. Perched high atop a hill, the magnificent village was completely immersed in the green; it looked almost surreal. Admiring it from afar, the sight felt magical in a way. 🙂

What to Know About Apricale

• The name Apricale comes from the Latin word apricus, which means “exposed to the sun”. Even though it is tucked inside the valley, the village positions itself on a hillside that faces south, so it catches sunlight all day long.

• This gem counts less than a thousand inhabitants, which makes it a perfect destination for those seeking peace and quiet, especially during the low season.

• Apricale is home to one of the most significant landmarks in Liguria: the Castello della Lucertola (Castle of the Lizard), which crowns the top of the town. It was built by the Counts of Ventimiglia in the 10th century, it now houses a museum and serves as a vibrant venue cultural events.

• Captivated by Apricale’s charm in the 1960s and 70s, numerous contemporary artists made it their home! Today it is also called the “Village of Artists,” where murals are scattered throughout the caruggi, making it feel like an open-air museum!

• Like many medieval towns, the hamlet is completely pedestrianized, meaning visitors must park their cars outside the walls to wander through its winding, narrow streets.

A Lovely, Picturesque Escape

You can literally get lost in the numerous alleys of Apricale. 🙂 This was exactly how I felt while wandering around and discovering new parts of the town. It’s remarkable how well-kept the murals still are—a true testament to the town’s dedication to preserving them.

While walking inside the shadowy caruggi gave me a sense of mystery (and felt a bit daunting, considering the endless streets looked almost like a labyrinth! :)), the main square is the true heart of Apricale. Called Piazza Torracca, it is where you will find the castle, bars, restaurants and colourful buildings. The Oratorio di San Bartolomeo is the beautiful church located right in the square, though there are others scattered throughout the town.

It’s no wonder Apricale is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Italy with its dramatic setting and architecture, artistic history, authentic atmosphere, and surrounding lush vegetation.

A Final Recommendation

It’s time to wrap up this article. Visiting Apricale was a truly lovely experience; it is a place well worth seeing for its uniqueness and beauty. If you ever visit this hidden gem, I highly recommend enjoying a nice lunch or dinner at Ristorante Apricale da Delio. Located just outside the walls, the food is delicious and the view is incredible! 🙂

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