Dos and Don'ts of Varigotti

On Monday, we ventured to Varigotti, which is a small town in Liguria with great beaches and beautiful water. We quickly learned a few things:

Don't:

• Eat at a cafeteria. They served us microwaved lasagna. With clear disregard for their dignity, they made it worse by leaving it the cardboard... and cold.
• Pay for a beach. Some beaches (ahem, Bagni Clara, ahem) charge you an arm and both legs for admission and umbrella. Go next door to the free, unnamed beach that is much less crowded and just as pretty.
• Forget your sunscreen. No explanation needed.

Do:

• Bring your own umbrella. If you take our advice and go to a free beach, umbrellas and chairs are not provided. Bring a towel and your own beach umbrella.
• Be prepared for a long ride out. Varigotta is an hour outside of the center of Genova. The escape from crowded streets, dirt, and heat is more than worth it.
• Pack a lunch. Varigotti charges a lot of money for everything - the microwaved lasagne wasn't cheap. Just bring a sandwich.