Piani Paorelli between the Coast and Sanatorium History

Piani Paorelli between Hills and Coast

Piani Paorelli is located near the coast on a hill facing the sea, at an elevation of about 240 metres. The former “Giacomo Filippo Novaro” hospital stands there above the SS1 Via Aurelia, which provides access. The elevation, the view towards the sea and the proximity to the coast give the area a clear spatial framework for planning your trip.

Historic Sanatoriums in Piani Paorelli

The former “Giuseppe Barellai” heliotherapeutic surgery institute was built from 1930 to 1932 as a centre specialising in the treatment of bone tuberculosis. The “Giacomo Filippo Novaro” sanatorium was established in Piani Paorelli from 1932 to 1934 as an advanced centre for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

The former building of the Giuseppe Barellai Institute is considered an important example of an anti-tuberculosis sanatorium from the first half of the 20th century. Together with the surrounding park and beach, it was placed under special landscape protection. The historic buildings therefore characterise a place where the coastal setting and architectural history are directly connected.

Sea, Gardens and Older Cultural Landscape

On the seabed off Parco Novaro lies an underwater meadow of Posidonia oceanica, classified as an area of particular biological importance. Another way to access the landscape is through the medieval use of Piani Paorelli’s fertile plain: it included extensive vegetable and cultivated fields, vineyards, orchards and olive groves.

Hiking on the Anello di Costarainera

The Anello di Costarainera circular route begins at the former “Giuseppe Barellai” hospital and follows a long asphalt ascent to Piani Paorelli. It then passes through cultivated gardens, olive terraces and Mediterranean vegetation before the view opens out towards the sea. After re-emerging onto Via Pagano, the circular route leads to the parish church of Piani Paorelli. For your planning, this provides a route along which historic buildings, an agricultural landscape, Mediterranean vegetation and sea views follow one another.

Coast and Cycling Routes

The cycling and walking route from San Lorenzo al Mare to Aregai di Cipressa passes along the coast of Piani Paorelli below the former “Giuseppe Barellai” heliotherapeutic hospital and through a railway tunnel about 1,500 metres long. From Piani Paorelli, you can also reach pebble beaches or cycle along the route towards the marina of Valle del San Lorenzo.

The former Genoa–Ventimiglia railway line is now an improved route for walking and cycling, protected from car traffic on the Aurelia. If you choose a hotel in Piani Paorelli, you can align its location with the priorities of your stay: the historic sanatoriums, the Anello di Costarainera, the coast or a cycling route towards the marina of Valle del San Lorenzo.

Discover More Destinations

More places to compare: Carpasio, Pantasina, Glori, Montalto Ligure, Diano Marina, Chiusavecchia, Pieve Di Teco and Bajardo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.