Badalucco

Badalucco is a medieval village in the Argentina valley, in the hinterland of the Ligurian Riviera, in the province of Imperia. Straddling the Argentina river, it retains a typical historic centre with narrow lanes, colourfully painted houses and stone bridges crossing the watercourse. The village lies within a rural, hilly area renowned for the production of extra virgin olive oil from the taggiasca variety, a speciality found throughout the valley. The surrounding countryside, dotted with terraced olive groves and woodland, is well suited to walking, with paths connecting Badalucco to neighbouring villages such as Molini di Triora and Triora, further up the valley. The climate is Mediterranean but tempered by altitude and the proximity of the Ligurian Alps, bringing mild summers and cooler winters than along the coast. Badalucco makes a peaceful base for exploring the Imperia hinterland, sampling local produce and enjoying an authentic setting away from the bustle of the coastal resorts, while still being within reasonable reach of the sea.