Italian Riviera
Italian Riviera
The Ligurian Riviera is a narrow coast between the Ligurian Sea, the Maritime Alps and the Apennines. It extends from the French Riviera. Its deep blue waters, lush flora and gorgeous architecture make it a popular spot for tourism, known for its beaches, colourfully painted towns, natural environment, food, and luxury villas and hotels, as well as for its popular resort facilities, major yachting and cruising areas with several marinas, festivals, golf courses, sailing, rock climbing and scenic views of centuries old farmhouses and cottages. Of course, views like these call for a traditional dinner in which you can enjoy the very best Ligurian cuisine has to offer: Trofie al Pesto, Pansoti (a type of creamy ravioli with ricotta walnut sauce), Focaccia Genovese, Farinata (a chickpea pancake) and maybe a nice glass of sparkling Spumante to top it off. Then, why not head down directly to where the ingredients were produced?
The locals in Cinque Terre (meaning “Five Lands”) have built terraces on the cliffs that overlook the Ligurian Sea over the centuries. From them, you can see both the sea and some times farmlands such as the grape plantation in Vernazza. Other villages like Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare are more interesting for their beaches. And Mountain villages like Corniglia and Manarola offer different, more rocky landscapes, still with the remarkable colours the area is known for. Head for Portofino to find more historical sites like the Statue of Christ of the Abyss (an underwater statue protecting fishers and divers), Castello Brown, or its magnificent churches like Saint Martin, Saint George or the gothic-style Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta.
And finally, sail on to bustling San Remo and see not only its exceptional sights such as the Russian-style Orthodox Church, the Zampillo Fountain or the Portosole yacht harbour; but also enjoy its lively cultural and sports life, thanks to the Rallye Sanremo, the Sanremo Casino, the Music Festival (which inspired the Eurovision Contest) and so much more…
