Things to see in Liguria
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 19 November 2023
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The Italian north-western coastal region of Liguria, is sometimes referred to as the Italian Riviera. Despite being relatively small in size compared to the other 19 official regions of Italy, Liguria has an enviable array of riches waiting to be discovered.
Among its treasures are the famous Cinque Terre - the five fishing villages of Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia and Monterosso al Mare. The five villages offer some of the most breathtaking scenery that Italy can offer and they can best be enjoyed on foot with a series of hiking trails linking them all together. |
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The Ligurian coast is split into two halves known as the Riviera di Levante and the Riviera di Ponente, named after the east (levante) and west (ponente) winds.
The roll-call of seaside towns on the Riviera di Levante offers up some of the most evocative locations in Europe with the likes of Portofino and Portovenere, along with a whole host of Italian favourites such as Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Camogli, Levanto and Santa Margherita Ligure to name just a few.
The two rivieras are split by the region's capital: Genoa. Once a mighty maritime republic, it is still an important commercial and trading port. The historic centre contains a series of UNESCO World Heritage sites while to either side of the city centre you'll find some gorgeous little bays such including Nervi and Boccadasse.
Beyond Genoa lies the Riviera di Ponente which stretches all the way to the border with France. Head east from the border town of Ventimiglia and you'll find major resorts like Sanremo, Alassio and Finale Ligure while a personal favourite of mine is Laigueglia. Also not to be missed is the historic town of Albenga with its remarkable medieval centre that still functions in the same way as it has for hundreds of years. Further historical towns include Chiavari which lies back down on the Riviera di Levante, and Sarzana which is close to the regional border with neighbouring Tuscany.
Liguria is first and foremost a coastal region but there are further treasures to be found inland. Leave the coastal plains and you invariably find yourself on a steep, winding road that takes you up into the cooler mountain areas. Among the best of those hill towns are the likes of Vezzano Ligure, Apricale and Triora, each perched in awkward-looking hillside locations but offering fascinating village centres.
The name "Liguria" isn't one that usually rolls off the tongue of foreign visitors who are perhaps more familiar with the "Italian Riviera" moniker, but this is a region whose name should be on the lips of anyone planning a summer holiday to Italy. Aside from the places I've mentioned above, there are dozens of other gorgeous seaside towns where the sea is crystalline blue. Along with the sparkling colours emanating from the Ligurian Sea are the brightly-coloured buildings which are are part of the architectural fabric of the region and set it apart from most others.
The roll-call of seaside towns on the Riviera di Levante offers up some of the most evocative locations in Europe with the likes of Portofino and Portovenere, along with a whole host of Italian favourites such as Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Camogli, Levanto and Santa Margherita Ligure to name just a few.
The two rivieras are split by the region's capital: Genoa. Once a mighty maritime republic, it is still an important commercial and trading port. The historic centre contains a series of UNESCO World Heritage sites while to either side of the city centre you'll find some gorgeous little bays such including Nervi and Boccadasse.
Beyond Genoa lies the Riviera di Ponente which stretches all the way to the border with France. Head east from the border town of Ventimiglia and you'll find major resorts like Sanremo, Alassio and Finale Ligure while a personal favourite of mine is Laigueglia. Also not to be missed is the historic town of Albenga with its remarkable medieval centre that still functions in the same way as it has for hundreds of years. Further historical towns include Chiavari which lies back down on the Riviera di Levante, and Sarzana which is close to the regional border with neighbouring Tuscany.
Liguria is first and foremost a coastal region but there are further treasures to be found inland. Leave the coastal plains and you invariably find yourself on a steep, winding road that takes you up into the cooler mountain areas. Among the best of those hill towns are the likes of Vezzano Ligure, Apricale and Triora, each perched in awkward-looking hillside locations but offering fascinating village centres.
The name "Liguria" isn't one that usually rolls off the tongue of foreign visitors who are perhaps more familiar with the "Italian Riviera" moniker, but this is a region whose name should be on the lips of anyone planning a summer holiday to Italy. Aside from the places I've mentioned above, there are dozens of other gorgeous seaside towns where the sea is crystalline blue. Along with the sparkling colours emanating from the Ligurian Sea are the brightly-coloured buildings which are are part of the architectural fabric of the region and set it apart from most others.
Major Cities and Towns of Liguria
Chiavari, Liguria
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Cinque Terre
Vernazza, Cinque Terre
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Riviera di Levante
Sestri Levante, Riviera di Levante
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Riviera di Ponente
Celle Ligure, Riviera di Ponente
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Liguria's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Varese Ligure
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Orange Flag Towns of Liguria
Brugnato, Liguria
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Hill Towns of Liguria
Vezzano Ligure
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Palmaria
Palmaria, Liguria
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Hanbury Botanical Gardens
Hanbury Botanical Gardens, Liguria
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Provinces of Liguria
Sarzana, La Spezia Province
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