The Ligurian Riviera, a Coast of Colour
Liguria is a narrow, crescent-shaped region of north-western Italy, running along the Ligurian Sea from the French frontier in the west to the edge of Tuscany in the east, with Genoa as its capital. About 1.5 million people live here, mostly on the coast, and the Apennines rise directly behind the shore, so villages and terraces cling to steep slopes above the sea. The two halves of the coast have different characters: the Riviera di Ponente, west of Genoa, is sunny and flower-filled, and the Riviera di Levante, to the east, is more rugged and dramatic.
The Levante is home to the best-known names. Portofino, a tiny harbour ringed by pastel houses, is one of Italy's most glamorous villages. Nearby, Camogli, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure are classic seaside towns, and Portovenere and the Cinque Terre, five villages linked by cliffside paths and rail, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1997. To the west, San Remo, Alassio, Bordighera and Imperia provide palm-lined promenades, flower markets and the hill villages of the Ligurian Alps.
Pesto, Focaccia and Terraced Vineyards
Ligurian cooking is built on olive oil, herbs and the sea. Pesto genovese, with local basil, is the region's most famous creation, and focaccia, farinata and trofie are staples of every menu. The small, sweet Taggiasca olives of the Ponente give a mild, fruity oil, and the white wine Vermentino is the natural partner for fresh anchovies, stuffed mussels and fritto misto. In the Cinque Terre, vines are planted on terraces so steep that harvest is partly by hand and monorail, and the sweet Sciacchetra wine is a local treasure.
Walking is a Ligurian pleasure. Paths link the Cinque Terre villages above the sea, the headland trail to San Fruttuoso from Camogli leads to a medieval abbey on a quiet cove, and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri follows the ridge for those who want a long hike. Boats connect many of the coastal towns in season. A tourist board could present the Riviera by activity: walking, sailing, gastronomy, gardens and seaside towns, each as its own distinct itinerary.
Read the full Liguria guide on Visit Travel Group, or see Liguria.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.