Diano Castello
Welcome to Diano Marina
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about a beautiful village located on the Ligurian coast: Diano Marina, or as it is called in the Ligurian language, "A Maina de Dian" or simply "Dian". This municipality, which has about 5,579 inhabitants, is located in the province of Imperia and is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a quiet seaside location with crystal-clear waters. But what makes Diano Marina so special? Let's find out together!
Physical Geography
The village is located within the Gulf of Diano, which is delimited by Capo Cervo and Capo Berta. The historic center is situated on both sides of the San Pietro stream and the coast extends for about 6 kilometers of sandy and pebbled beaches.
History
The history of Diano Marina dates back to ancient times, since the Paleolithic era. Hunters-gatherers and Ligurian populations have succeeded here, as evidenced by the many archaeological findings in the area. During Roman times, Diano Marina was called Lucus Bormani, a small rest stop village dedicated to the god Borman or Bormano, located within a forest that extended from Capo Cervo to Capo Berta. But the presence of Diano Marina along the Via Julia Augusta is attested by a milestone found in Chiappa, a hamlet of San Bartolomeo al Mare. During some excavations adjacent to the sports field, constructions of an ancient Roman urban agglomeration were discovered.
The Church of San Nazario
According to some historical sources, Christianity spread in Diano Marina around the 1st century thanks to Saints Nazario and Celso. The church dedicated to San Nazario is located near the sports field and represents a place of worship for the Dianese faithful.
What to Do in Diano Marina
But what can you do in Diano Marina? The city offers many possibilities to spend your holidays. The beach, of course, is the main attraction: you can choose sandy or pebbled beaches depending on your preferences. In addition, there are many water activities to do, such as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For those who love to walk, the historic center offers very suggestive views, with alleys and pastel-colored squares. San Giovanni Battista's church, for example, is one of the most beautiful monuments in Diano Marina: it is a baroque building overlooking Piazza Martiri della Libertà. But Diano Marina also offers many opportunities for sports lovers: there are numerous tennis and soccer fields, a golf course, a gym, and a swimming pool.
Dianese Cuisine
Finally, we cannot talk about Diano Marina without mentioning its delicious cuisine. Ligurian cuisine is famous for its genuine flavors, and Diano Marina is no exception. You can taste first courses such as pasta alla genovese, pansotti in walnut sauce, or trofie with pesto. Fish, of course, is the protagonist of the main dishes: among the most famous dishes are fried fish and capponada, a dish of Spanish origin based on fish, vegetables, and pine nuts. Finally, you cannot leave Diano Marina without tasting the typical Ligurian focaccia, which is prepared with olive oil, salt, and rosemary.
Conclusion
In short, Diano Marina is a tourist destination that has a lot to offer: from its millenary history to its delicious cuisine, passing through sports activities and beautiful beaches. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing destination for your holidays, Diano Marina is definitely the right choice. I hope I made you want to visit this splendid Ligurian village: I guarantee that you will not regret it!
