Santo Stefano al Mare (San Stéva in dialect) is a town of around 2000 inhabitants in the province of Imperia. Santo Stefano is home to a very old seafaring tradition: the sandy shore was used for boat haulage and there was already a small shipyard in the Fifteenth century when the town’s economy was beginning to be supported almost exclusively by seafaring and commerce. Even agriculture had its importance with the production of wine (the delicious moscatello), oil, fruits and vegetables, and flowers.

Over the last few years the tourist sector has spiked. The most famous beach is Torre, while the remainder of the coastline is made up of narrow sandy beaches.

One of the most evocative events to take place there is the nighttime mass with its illumination of the sea, held at the beginning of August. Lastly, if you get the chance to stay in Santo Stefano the weekly market is held on Fridays in “Piazza Torre”in front of the Town Hall.

Boating in Santo Stefano: Marina degli Aregai

Marina degli Aregai, is famous for its accommodation and the quality of the services it offers to pleasure boaters. It is located about half a kilometre from Santo Stefano; its water surface area of 123,000 m2 can host up to 974 boats up to 26 metres in length. Obviously all services possible are guaranteed, like electrical and water supply, etc.

The Marina is also home to a number of buildings including the control tower, the offices of a number of associations, a recreational and sports area with a pool, tennis courts, bowling, squash courts, a bar, restaurants, a shopping centre, parking and a hotel.