6 nights in Liguria RivieraA thin crescent of rugged and verdant land between France, Piedmont, Tuscany, the Alps, and the Mediterranean Sea, It is here that the Italians perfected il dolce far niente—the sweet art of idleness.. Like the family jewels that bedeck its habitual visitors, the Liguria or Italian Riviera is glamorous, but in the old-fashioned way. The resort towns and coastal villages that stake intermittent claim on the rocky shores of the Ligurian Sea are the long-lost cousins of newer seaside paradises found elsewhere. The basil-rich sauce was invented in Liguria, and it's never been equaled elsewhere. The narrow arc of the Riviera is vertiginously backed by the Maritime Alps, and along this well-sheltered strip of land there is an exceptionally mild microclimate. It is arguably the prettiest, most flower-filled stretch of Italian coast. Punctuated more-or-less in the middle by the historic city of Genoa, it is a shoreline very much of two halves. The western sector is known as the Riviera di Ponente, the coast of the setting sun, and has relatively wide beaches and lush landscapes. The eastern Riviera di Levante is more weathered and offers areas of wild and craggy drama. Go east for spectacular scenery and for glamour. But if you want great weather and beach action, head to the Riviera di Ponente. Hike the famous Cinque Terre trails past gravity-defying vineyards, rock-perched villages, and the deep blue sea. See the world through rose-tinted sunglasses at this glamorous little harbor village Portofino. From the palaces of Via Garibaldi to the labyrinthine backstreets of the old city to the world-class aquarium, Genoa is full of surprising delights. Giardini Botanici Hanbury is a spectacular natural setting harbors one of Italy's largest, most exotic botanical gardens.
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San Remo
Imperia Province, closer to France, is where begins the famous Riviera dei Fiori, or riviera of flowers. The most famous of the towns in the Imperia region is San Remo. A picturesque harbor lined with cafes and seafood restaurants, Sanremo is known for its casino, but there's much more to see. La Pigna, the Pinecone, is the oldest part of the city. La Pigna's tiny street and covered alleyways wind up the hill to the gardens and sanctuary at the top. The stunning Madonna della Costa Sanctuary, on the hilltop above la Pigna, can be seen from most places in Sanremo. A beautiful cobblestone mosaic, dating from 1651 leads the way to the sanctuary. The sanctuary dates from the 17th century, The Russian Orthodox Church was finished in 1913, when Sanremo was a popular winter destination of Russians. It's similar to the church of San Basilio in Moscow. The Gardens of Queen Elena are on top of the hill above La Pigna. The gardens of Villa Zirio, Villa Ormond, Villa Nobeland Palazzo Bellevue are on the east side of town, close to the Porto Sole. , The Casino. Sanremo is famous for its Italian Song Festival held in late February. There's also a European music festival in June, Rock festival in July, and Jazz in August. Sanremo is a good year-round destination. The Sanremo Flowers parade is held at the end of January. Summer can be very crowded and hotel prices may be higher than the rest of year. |
Genoa
The largest Liguria city & Italy's main port, also the site of EXPO 92 and 2004 European Culture Capital. Genoa has a fascinating aquarium, an interesting port, and a historic center said to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe. In 2006, Genoa's Rolli Palaces were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Genoa is famous for pesto usually served over trenette or trofia pasta cooked with potatoes and green beans. See the early 13th-century San Lorenzo Cathedral with black and white striped marble facade. Aquarium is the second largest in Europe. The National Gallery in the Palazzo Spinola has original furnishings from the 16th-18th centuries, frescoed ceiliings, and an excellent collection of art. Palazzo Reale, on Via Balbi, is a stunning mansion that's been turned into a museum with a collection of art. About 80 Rolli palaces were built in the 16th century. The 16th-century Palazzo Bianco great collection of paintings. The carruggi, narrow alleys, are interesting to wander around (take a map, you can get lost easily). There's a walking path along the scenic spruced-up port area. From Piazza Castello there are fabulous views of the port and city (take the public elevator). Get a bird's eye view in Genoa seen from the Bigo, the name of a panoramic elevator that takes tourists up for a higher vantage point from which to view the amazing port and the city of Genoa. A Photographer's delight. |
Portofino
The jewel of the Italian Riviera is the sumptuous fishing village of Portofino, east of Genoa. Amazingly little has changed from the Sixties when Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra were among those holidaying there. It sits on a rocky promontory, its cluster of ochre and pink buildings backed by hills clad in pines, palms, azaleas and cypresses. Dotted among this greenery are the beautifully positioned villas of many of northern Italy's wealthy elite. Yet although you'll find outlets of Gucci, Pucci, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, this is not a self-consciously showy place. Local residents (who number about 750) say that for most summer visitors see-and-be-seen considerations are usually eclipsed by the charm and the exquisite outlook here. You can even see dolphins, who frequently romp in the clear waters just beyond the village. Filled with summer yachts and the odd fishing boat and fringed with cafes and restaurants, the harbour is the little hub of village life. But despite Portofino's small size there are several other attractions. Brick-lined paths in the slopes above the harbour wind you through much flowery vegetation to the pretty church of San Giorgio, up to the Castello Brown, a fortress dating from the 16th century, and over to an old lighthouse. Best of all, though, is Museo del Parco, a terraced sculpture garden overlooking the harbour and filled with modern artworks. |
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, the five lands, are a group of five picturesque villages along the coast surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and woods. Spending the night in one of the villages is a good way to experience the charm. The five towns are: Monterosso al Mare (the largest), Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The Via dell'Amore, a walking path carved out of the rock, links the last two. Over centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. The Cinque Terre is a very popular tourist destination. Human activity and especially viticulture, have contributed to create a unique landscape in which development of the typical stone walls is so extensive as to equal that of the famous Great Wall of China. All this, combined with the characteristics of a crystal clear sea, of architecturally interesting locations, of a varied and extensive network of paths (one of the most enviable in the whole Mediterranean), makes the Cinque Terre an increasingly sought after location. The Cinque Terre, which already belonged to a list of protected areas and subsequently were defined Regional Park have now been made a National Park. UNESCO, has defined this territory as 'Humanity's World Heritage'. |
Rapallo
The largest Italian Riviera seaside resort town. There's a picturesque castle in the sea, small harbor, seaside promenade, pedestrian shopping streets in the historical center, and good seafood restaurants. Don't miss the funicular ride up the hill to Montallegro. The ride or cable railway, takes eight minutes. Ascends 600 meters to Montallegro where there are beautiful views of the gulf and the hills. At the top is the large Sanctuary of Montallegro, built in 1558 to commemorate a picture left by the Virgin when she appeared to a peasant. Its marble facade was added in 1896. On the walls inside are many offerings, mostly for miracles at sea.See Rapallo Castle, Historical Center, Basilica of Sts. Gervasius and Protasius, The clock tower, Church of Saint Francis, Oratorio dei Bianchi, Gaffoglio Museum, Lace Museum, Seaside Promenade - Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, a traditional red-brick promenade lined with palm trees, skirts the semi-circular harbor. |
Giardini Botanici Hanbury
Only 2 km from the French border, is the site of the world-famous Giardini Botanici Hanbury (Hanbury Botanical Gardens) also known as Villa Hanbury, one of the largest and most beautiful in Italy. Planned and planted in 1867 by a wealthy English merchant, Sir Thomas Hanbury, and his botanist brother, Daniel, the terraced gardens contain species from five continents, including many palms and succulents. There are panoramic views of the sea from the gardens. A classic Gardenesque Style estate on a promontory overlook the Mediterranean. The site is dramatic and the plant collection exotic. It is best understood as a coastal woodland garden of a type which is common in the Cornwall. It is very popular with plant-loving gardeners. There are flights of steps, paths, pools, fountains and garden structures. The garden is managed by the University of Genoa. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year. |
Portovenere
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. it's harbor is lined with brightly colored houses and narrow medieval streets lead up the hill to a castle. The main street of Portovenere, lined with shops, is entered through Portovenere's ancient city gate. There is a picturesque church on the promontory, once the site of a temple to Venus from which Portovenere gets its name. Nearby is Byron's Cave in a rocky area leading to the sea where the poet Byron used to swim. Portovenere has been occupied since prehistoric and Roman times. San Pietro Church sits on a site that is believed to have been a temple to Venus, Venere in Italian, from which Portovenere gets its name. Portovenere has three interesting islands just across the strait now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excursion boats from Portovenere circle take trips around the three islands. Palmaria is the largest island and has nice beaches. Tino is now a military zone is open to visitors. Tinetto holds a 6th century monastery. |
Savona Province
Albenga, on the Liguria coast, is a walled town with a picturesque old town center, many brick towers, and a Romanesque cathedral, and a 5th century baptistery. The Roman Shipping Museum has a good collection of amphora found by underwater archaeologists. Alassio, near Albegna, has about two miles of beach with very fine sand made of quartz. It's one of the most popular beaches and resorts in the area so its packed during summer. Finale Ligure, is resort town and picturesque old quarter. Nearby is an early Capuchin church and the Monastery of Santa Caterina with an archaeological museum. Savona is on the River Letimbro. Worth visiting are the Torre Pancaldo, the cathedral built in 1604, the church of San Giovanni Battista with 17th and 18th century paintings by local painters, and its art museum with pictures, sculptures, and majolica. Noli is a nicely situated fishing town and seaside resort. Noli has a castle, remains of town walls, an interesting old town, and a late Romanesque church. |