The old town of Noli is one of the best-preserved medieval centres on the Ligurian coast. The caruggi — the narrow alleys characteristic of Ligurian towns — twist between stone houses that have barely changed in eight centuries. Arches bridge the lanes overhead, shuttered windows look down from upper storeys, and medieval towers still punctuate the roofline. It is a genuinely atmospheric place that has avoided the tourist saturation of Cinque Terre.
The main street, Via Colombo, runs parallel to the beach and is lined with small shops, bars, and restaurants. Beyond it the lanes become quieter and older, ending at the town walls. Several churches are worth looking into — the cathedral of San Paragorio is the oldest, but the 13th-century church of San Pietro dei Monaci within the walls also has traces of early medieval fresco. Simply wandering without a map is the best approach: the town is compact enough that you cannot get seriously lost.