Liguria

Liguria is a narrow, crescent shaped region in northwestern Italy, squeezed between the Mediterranean and the mountains that rise steeply behind it. Its coast, the Italian Riviera, is lined with colourful fishing villages, terraced hillsides, olive groves and old seaside resorts, and the mild climate draws visitors throughout the year.

Genoa, the capital, was once a powerful maritime republic, and its old town and the palaces of the Strade Nuove are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. East of the city, the Riviera di Levante includes Camogli, the Portofino peninsula with San Fruttuoso abbey, Santa Margherita Ligure and the five villages of the Cinque Terre. West of Genoa, the Riviera di Ponente has wide beaches, the medieval villages of Finale Ligure and Noli, and the flower town of Sanremo. Show more

The hiking trails of the Cinque Terre and Portofino, among the most famous coastal paths in Europe, link villages high above the sea. Liguria is the home of pesto, focaccia, farinata and trofie, and small vineyards on steep terraces produce wines such as Sciacchetrà. Inland, hill villages such as Dolceacqua and Apricale and the Ligurian Alps offer a quieter side.

Liguria is reached by train along the coast from Genoa, La Spezia and Ventimiglia, and Genoa has an airport. A week suits a trip along the coast. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, summer is the beach season, and the busiest villages fill up quickly in high season.