Riviera di Ponente
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Latest page update: 23 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Riviera di Ponente is a coastal area of north-western Italy in the region of Liguria. It covers the area between the city of Genoa, the regional capital to the east, and the French international border, close to the town of Ventimiglia to the west.
Beyond the Riviera di Ponente to the east is the Riviera di Levante with both coastal regions named after the east/west winds. |
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West of Genoa
When you look at a traditional Italian compass or wind rose, you'll see eight names, each one assigned its own place on the dial. Pointing to the east for example is the Levante, while on the opposite side we find the Ponente. Liguria's two rivieras are split, either side of the capital Genoa with everything to the west being the Riviera di Ponente.
Of the two coastal areas, the Riviera di Levante comes with the more glamorous names including the likes of Portofino, Portovenere, Rapallo and the Cinque Terre within its confines. Each of the aforementioned towns are among the most famous coastal resorts in Italy and would just about top the list were they on the opposite side of Genoa, but the Riviera di Ponente still packs its own powerful punch.
Of the two coastal areas, the Riviera di Levante comes with the more glamorous names including the likes of Portofino, Portovenere, Rapallo and the Cinque Terre within its confines. Each of the aforementioned towns are among the most famous coastal resorts in Italy and would just about top the list were they on the opposite side of Genoa, but the Riviera di Ponente still packs its own powerful punch.
Liberty Style coastal resorts
The main resort on the Riviera di Ponente is unquestionably Sanremo: one of the first international tourist locations on the Grand Tour, it's typified by its Art Nouveau/Liberty Style Architecture which includes the town's grand Casino among its number. Sanremo's sense of glamour is heightened by the fact that it hosts an annual music festival: one of the most watched television events of the year in Italy.
Beyond Sanremo, the resort names tend to be a little more unfamiliar to most international travellers but there are a number of larger towns to consider. Finale Ligure, Varazze and Alassio certainly come in to that category and while they don't quite have the cache of some of their Riviera di Levante counterparts, each in its turn offers much to admire along with some excellent accommodation facilities.
Beyond Sanremo, the resort names tend to be a little more unfamiliar to most international travellers but there are a number of larger towns to consider. Finale Ligure, Varazze and Alassio certainly come in to that category and while they don't quite have the cache of some of their Riviera di Levante counterparts, each in its turn offers much to admire along with some excellent accommodation facilities.
Savona and Imperia provinces
Of the two provincial capitals along the Riviera di Ponente, Savona has a wider range of attractions including a modernised port area and a Blue Flag beach, than Imperia which is smaller in scale but has an attractive port area of its own.
Most of the towns along the Riviera are well-equipped with shops, restaurants and other tourist related facilities and almost all of them have a long, sandy beach to offer.
Among the best of the smaller resorts are Laigueglia, Diano Marina and Arma di Taggia, while the town of Albenga is quite unique with its walled medieval town situated a short distance inland of its beach area.
Depending on which side of the Riviera you plan to visit, either Genoa's Christopher Columbus Airport to the east or Nice Airport across the border in France and to the west are the best entry points.
Most of the towns along the Riviera are well-equipped with shops, restaurants and other tourist related facilities and almost all of them have a long, sandy beach to offer.
Among the best of the smaller resorts are Laigueglia, Diano Marina and Arma di Taggia, while the town of Albenga is quite unique with its walled medieval town situated a short distance inland of its beach area.
Depending on which side of the Riviera you plan to visit, either Genoa's Christopher Columbus Airport to the east or Nice Airport across the border in France and to the west are the best entry points.
Riviera di Ponente
Sanremo
Sanremo, Riviera di Ponente
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Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure, Riviera di Ponente
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Savona
Savona, Riviera di Ponente
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Laigueglia
Laigueglia, Riviera di Ponente
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Diano Marina
Diano Marina, Liguria
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Bordighera
Bordighera, Liguria
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Celle Ligure
Celle Ligure
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Arma di Taggia
Arma di Taggia, Liguria
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Varigotti
Varigotti, Liguria
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San Lorenzo al Mare
San Lorenzo al Mare, Liguria
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Albissola Marina
Albissola Marina, Liguria
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Santo Stefano al Mare
Santo Stefano al Mare, Liguria
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Borghetto Santo Spirito
Borghetto Santo Spirito, Liguria
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Bergeggi
Bergeggi, Liguria
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Riva Ligure
Riva Ligure
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Ospedaletti
Ospedaletti, Liguria
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Pietra Ligure
Pietra Ligure
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Loano
Loano, Liguria
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Albisola Superiore
Albisola Superiore, Liguria
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Andora
Andora, Liguria
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San Bartolomeo al Mare
San Bartolomeo al Mare, Liguria
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Arenzano
Arenzano, Liguria
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