Deiva Marina, located halfway between the provinces of Genoa and La Spezia, is the ideal starting point for a journey to discover the wonderful Cinque Terre and Portofino, gems of the Ligurian region.
Walking through Deiva Marina, you will notice that its distinctive feature is the division into two diametrically opposite areas. In fact, in this magical village you can find the historic centre, ancient and rich in narrow alleyways revolving around the main square, and the “La Marina” area, more tourist-oriented and full of shops and restaurants.
The area of Deiva Marina was part of the Lombard domain as early as the 7th century. It was precisely the Lombards who encouraged the tradition of monasticism, which is why, even today, while walking through Deiva Marina you can see numerous abbeys and monasteries.
During the Second World War, it suffered severe attacks and bombings that destroyed not only the residential and civilian areas, but also bridges and railway lines. Today, in fact, only one bridge remains, of which it is possible to see the remains.
What to see in Deiva Marina
Walking through Deiva Marina, you will notice that the main historical attractions can certainly be found in the old part of the village.
If you want to spend a day in Deiva Marina, we have prepared a list of the places to see and visit at your leisure:
- Church of Sant'Antonio Abate
- Da Passano Castle
- Watchtowers
And now let’s set off together to discover the most distinctive places in Deiva Marina.
Church of Sant'Antonio Abate
Built around the 18th century, it stands out above all for the Baroque style that characterizes its ancient paintings and decorations, as well as for the majestic organ located above the main entrance.
Da Passano Castle
The former residence of the ancient ruling family. Built around the 11th century and characterized by its square layout, the castle was once used as a lookout point to spot approaching enemies.
Watchtowers
Even today, while walking through Deiva Marina, you can see two ancient watchtowers, almost perfectly preserved. Built around the 14th century, they were once used as protection against pirates. The first tower, with its cylindrical shape, is located near the sea and is now almost completely covered in ivy. The second, with a square base, stands in the historic centre, near the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate.
What to do in Deiva Marina - the Slow Active Tours proposal
Once you have discovered the hidden wonders of Deiva Marina, it is time to immerse yourself in the sounds and aromas of this ancient village.
For this reason, we have prepared a list of things to do in Deiva Marina that you absolutely should not miss!
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Stroll along the seafront
Among the first things to do, we recommend taking a stroll along the picturesque seafront in the Marina area of Deiva. Here you can stop at one of the many bars and enjoy a refreshing drink while looking out over the sea.
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Fantastic Diving Experiences
One of the most popular activities on the beaches of Deiva Marina is diving. The water is particularly clear and rich in marine life. If you are an experienced diver, venturing into the depths of Deiva Bay, about 500 m from the coast you can find the wreck of the Vittoria tugboat. Built in the 1930s and sunk during the Second World War, the wreck lies on the seabed of Deiva at a depth of around 30 m.
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Exploring Liguria: Trekking in the Cinque Terre and Portofino
As already mentioned, hiking in Deiva Marina is one of the main activities, as the village has proven to be an ideal starting point for numerous walks both in the Cinque Terre National Park and throughout the wonderful surrounding area of Liguria. From here, in fact, you can follow numerous trails that allow hikers to immerse themselves in the Mediterranean scrub and enjoy unique landscapes that we at Slow Active Tours invite you to discover, uncovering the hidden treasures and most characteristic views of the spectacular Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, and the eastern Ligurian Riviera.
Are you reading the article and can't wait to visit Devia Marina and Liguria?
Discover our travel proposals and set off on your next adventure!
Staying Trekking in Liguria
Individual walking holiday
Exploring Liguria
Trekking in the Cinque Terre and Portofino
Festivals and Popular Events in Deiva Marina
Several folklore events are deeply rooted in this idyllic village. If you visit Deiva Marina in June, you absolutely should not miss the celebrations in honour of St. John the Baptist. The festivities begin on 23 June with the traditional bonfire in the riverbed at 10:15 p.m., following a tradition of Celtic origin. On the feast day itself, the celebrations continue with Mass and a procession through the village streets. The event concludes with the traditional San Giovanni Fair, featuring stalls selling various goods and handicrafts.
Another much-anticipated event is La Notte Romantica dei Borghi, organized by the association "I Borghi più belli d'Italia", which celebrates universal love in all its forms. It is aimed at couples and romantics who can visit the town's charming historic centre in an intimate atmosphere, admiring its historical, artistic and cultural heritage along a route decorated with a myriad of small red hearts and white balloons.
Typical Dishes of Deiva Marina
The typical dishes of Deiva Marina are largely rooted in the culinary tradition of La Spezia. Among them are l’Aggiadda, a simple dressing made with breadcrumbs, vinegar and garlic; carciofi in imbrogliata, a particular preparation of artichokes mixed with beaten egg; and Cuculli, a type of fritter made with a batter mixed with aromatic herbs.
Eating and Drinking in Camogli
Here are some local suggestions:
Trattoria Le Acciughe Fanno Il Pallone in Corso Italia, 8. A restaurant definitely worth trying if you are in the area. It has an excellent location and a truly inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy carefully prepared Ligurian dishes, good wine and reasonable prices. Their homemade pesto is particularly noteworthy.
L'Ostaia in Via Mancini, 37. Attention to detail and high-quality food make L’Ostaia one of the perfect places to sample traditional Ligurian dishes, as well as pizzas and meat dishes. A special mention also goes to the extremely friendly staff. You won't regret it!
Sapori di Casa in Via Giosue Carducci, 9. Generous, high-quality portions, combined with friendly service, make this small and intimate restaurant a wonderful surprise. Reasonable prices and very fresh fish will make you want to come back for a second visit.
So, what are you waiting for? Backpack on and off we go!
