Castel Gavone rises above Finalborgo as a broken but still handsome reminder of the Del Carretto marquises who controlled this part of Liguria. The castle was repeatedly altered and damaged over the centuries, and today its most memorable feature is the Torre dei Diamanti, a tower faced with pointed stone blocks that catch the light in a way you can spot from below.
The walk up is part of the appeal. From the lanes of Finalborgo the route climbs into olive groves and scrub, opening views back over the old walled town and the valley behind Finale Ligure. There is not a full castle interior to tour, but the ruins make a good historical counterpoint to the beaches and climbing cliffs.