#travel #Italy #Liguria #riviera
“There is much to love about Italy beyond the usual destinations such as that of Rome or Venice. In fact, if you want to enjoy crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, visiting the Italian Riviera cities is a must on your travel itinerary”–Paul Ebeling
Bordering the south of the French Riviera, it has been a famous getaway since the 1800s not only during the Summer but also during the off-season especially because most days are sunny and the winters are often mild.
Combine that with the Italian Riviera cities’ rich histories, picturesque hiking trails, timeless castles, and delectable food, then for sure, there is something to enjoy for just about any kind of traveler.
The Ligurian Riviera is a coastal strip in Italy found between the Ligurian Sea and the towering mountains of the Maritime Alps and the Apennines. It primarily crosses all 4 of the Ligurian provinces and their capitals namely, Geona, Imperia, La Spezia, and Savona, spanning a total length of about 350 kilometers.
As such, the Italian Riviera encompasses all of Liguria’s coastline and it is said to be divided into 2 parts: from the western side of Genoa called ‘Riviera di Ponente‘ and the eastern side called ‘Riviera di Levante’
Cinque Terre
Arguably the prized jewel of all the Italian Riviera cities, Cinque Terre is an area that encompasses 5 of the most dreamy coastal fishing villages that you will ever lay your eyes on!
As a part of the Cinque Terre National Park, the area has also been lauded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since Y 1997 thereby making it a favorite among tourists who seek an unforgettable staycation. Though cars are banned between the villages, a well-connected 19th-Century railway cuts through the mountains to connect one village to another, namely:
- Monterosso al Mare
- Vernazza
- Corniglia
- Manarola
- Riomaggiore
Noli is one of the lesser-known Italian Riviera cities but its beauty is something you must not miss!
Located on the coast of the Riviera di Ponente, Noli is a treasure chest of sandy beaches as well as picturesque structures and its name is said to have been derived from Neapolis, meaning ‘new city’ in Greek. It has also been one of the mighty maritime republics like that of Genoa, Pisa, and Venice.
Portofino is a favorite day trip amongst those who are exploring either Genoa or Cinque Terre, it is a great stop especially if you want to do some shopping or some great sightseeing.
As part of its allure, this coastal village is well-known for its harbor that is often filled with superyachts and backdropped by a line of pastel-colored buildings.
Sanremo founded in Roman times, the city is filled with a lot of attractions while also granting great panoramic views from different vantage points. Nowadays, Sanremo is also a hotspot for events such as that of the Sanremo Music Festival and the Milan-Sanremo Cycling.
Santa Marquitta is referred to as the gateway to Portofino, Santa Margherita Liguria might have less ‘bling’ than that of the former — however, it makes up for it with its wider waterfront, beach space, and affordable accommodations.
For a Top travel tip, drop by the tourist office and they can give you color-coded walking maps with points of interest.
Ventimiglia, what draws in most visitors to Ventimiglia is its interesting medieval district perched on top of a hill across the river from the modern center of the town.
If you want some great bargain finds, be like the French who flock to Ventimiglia’s popular street market along the seafront or ‘lungomare‘ every Friday.
Enjoy your travels, the chaos is over, Keep the Faith!
