Casa Gecko, Italy

The Argentine Valley

The Argentine (Silver) valley runs to the coast from the Alpine village of Verdeggia, about 30 minutes drive from Andagna. The small village of Molini di Triora, around 5 minutes drive down the hill from our place offers a cafes, a restaurant, some local shops and importantly during the summer, fantastic (but cold !) swimming in the river. Apart from its natural beauty, the area's claim to fame is that it was the last location in Europe that saw women tried for Witchcraft from the villages of Triora and Andagna in 1588.

The Villages

There are endless villages and natural features to explore in the Argentine valley itself as it runs to the coast. The main village in the valley is Triora which has a number of restaurants and a few small bars in spectacular settings for a relaxing coffee or wine.

The villages, large and small all have their own particular style and very often their own culinary specialty that is celebrated each year during their local "Festa". Keep an eye out for the posters advertising these on the drive up the valley, as they range from mushrooms to trout and snails to chestnuts, often attracting large crowds from the coast.

The Coast

Around a 40 (to San Remo) to 90 (to Nice) minute drive from Andagna you will find the many towns considered of the Italian and French Rivieras.  Interesting architecture, shopping, beaches and conspicuous consumption are all on display and there are some great places to visit. We have plenty of tips on what to see

Over the years, mainly during longer stays we have travelled from Andagna to Venice, Spain, the Italian Lakes, the UK (flying from Nice) and numerous locations in the South of France for a week or so before returning 'home'. It is about a 30 minute drive to the motorway which gets you around surprisingly quickly.