A calming contrast to the lively coast is Cervo, located on a hill that gently slopes down to the sea. The town is dominated by the arts. An example of which is the church of San Giovanni Battista which is one of the most meaningful attestations of baroque architecture in Liguria.
The church was designed by the architect Gio Batta Marvaldi and was dedicated to the workers of Cervo, who became rich through fishing and coral trade and whose donations helped build the church.

The forecourt of the church, which is adorned with wonderful 18th century piece-works, plays host each year in Summer to the International festival of Chamber Music and is a perfect open-air venue for music lovers.


High up on the hill of Cervo is the Clavasana Castle. Perched atop the rocks, the castle has been renovated many times over the years but still serves its purpose of defense as can be see by the arrow-slits and bastions exhibited.

The ethnographic museum of the western Riviera also calls Cervo its home.

In the town center of Cervo you will see rows of two and three story houses tightly lining the curvy alleys.

As most of the houses have not been changed within the last century, most of them still exhibit the antique archway entrances.

From castle square there is a wonderful path which takes you on a great little walk through the olive groves and thick fir forest to an unforgettable and unparalleled view of the Gulf of Diano. The stone bays at the foot of the hill are perfect for sunbathers and water rats.

The restaurants of Diano and the surrounding area are known for their refined recipe variations, most of which are inspired by the local, freshly caught fish; from a calamari salad to risotto alla Marinara to black calamaribrisotto to just plain old grilled, but great tasting, fish.