Situated in the Northwest of Italy, Liguria is a region which stretches from Tuscany to the border of southern France. The unspoiled countryside is bounteous with rolling hillside and gorgeous vineyards for as far as the eye can see and the many picturesque towns in this region could most aptly be characterised by their shadowed alleyways and medieval centre squares. The rugged coastline is internationally renowned and although there are numerous picture perfect beaches, a trip up to the cliffs will really give you something oceanic to glance at. There are plenty of coves dotted along the coastal part of Liguria and a sunset is not to be missed. The region of Liguria offers plenty of interesting town and villages to drop by and if you head to the most northern town of Ventimiglia, you will be able to mingle with the French and Italians during the weekly market. The hiking trail of Via dell'Amore offers a wonderful excursion along the cliffs which overlook the beautiful ocean and towns such as Portofino and Rapallo are well worth looking at too. Italy's largest marine harbour of Genoa is located in the Liguria region, however if you're looking for something magically picturesque, a visit to the flower city of San Remo should definitely be scribbled into your itinerary. This region offers numerous intriguing towns like Riomaggiore and Corniglia and although they are difficult to access due to their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, they are well worth the effort.
With a dramatic backdrop of mountainous scenery which stretches from Tuscany to Ventimiglia, the coastal region of Liguria offers something really special for visitors. Although there are many places in this region which offer some of the most enjoyable coastal views in the country, Luguria can be largely noted for its contribution towards to arts and Italian culture. Surprisingly this region is one of the least visited in the country, however contrary to its popularity, Liguria offers a rustic charm which wont be matched anywhere else. The main city of Genoa encapsulates everything which is beautiful about this region and is an interesting gateway to many of the smaller surrounding towns. Once one of Europe's wealthiest cities, the legacy of Genoa still remains today. Enchanting palaces originally built to house the powerful elite are but a glimpse of the magical architecture present here and can now be observed by the public on a daily basis. The Five Villages are one of the highlights of many trips to this region and will give you a real insight into the culture that has paved its history. As you meander down the coast from Genoa, you will be introduced to another slice of Ligurian culture at every stop. Santa Margherita Ligure will place you within proximity of the Five Villages and the resplendent Palazzo Durazzo renaissance palace will give you plenty of chances to take a few snaps. You could also visit Museo del Tesoro too view timeless pieces of art returned from the crusades.
Liguria is a paradise for foodies and for wine-loving travellers. Visitors to the scenic coastal northern Italian region can choose from a variety of milieus, culinary activities and cultural highlights to savour to the full. Coming from Tuscany, La Spezia is the first port of call-here visitors can enjoy a typical local soup of cereals and grains slow cooked in the famous local olive oil. Regional capital Genoa is the birthplace of the most famous pasta sauce ever: pesto. This exquisite concoction of pine nuts, basil, cheese and olive oil can be enjoyed in several trattorias and small restaurants in this vibrant city. The small town of Recco in the province of Genoa, further West towards France, is the home of the cheese focaccia: rosemary, olive oil and local cheeses make this fluffy flat bread a delectable snack any time of day. The hilly hinterland of Varese Ligure, meanwhile, has been recently re-branded as organic valley: here visitors can visit organic agriturismos and dairies producing delicious local artisan cheeses but also offering cured meat and wine tasting sessions. Wine aficionados can enjoy a variety of red and white qualities in Liguria: the astonishingly picturesque Cinque Terre district is the hotspot for viticulture and offers local wines such as Cinque Terre DOC and the rare Sciacchetrà, a fortified wine obtained from the best grapes of the Bosco Albarola and Vermentino varieties, let to brew on trellises in traditional wine cellars. Other DOC wines of the Ligurian riviera include the hearty Rossese and delicate rosé Ormeasco, available to taste in the best Enoteca wine bars in the region.
If you want to spend your holidays going with your family, Liguria offers its visitors not only beach and sea. The advice is to pass up the beach on super crowded weekends in July and August, and to explore fascinating local beauties and offer general. Varigotti beach, Finale Ligure, close to Savona, looks like a long sandy beach, a short distance from the town of Finale Ligure. Surrounded by rock walls, it is lapped by the clean water and can be reached by car or by boat. Nearby there is the tower of Saracens, that you must visit. Extended for about 4 km, the beach of Cavi di Lavagna, close to Genoa, alternates pebbles and sand and qualifies as one of the longest stretches of coast of the Ligurian coast, in the east side. Awarded the Blue Flag, it is easily accessible and is contained away from the picturesque fishing village of Cavi, marked by colorful houses, shops and streets. In the chic district of Portofino, the Paraggi Beach is a small and beautiful bay, which offers a haven of peace in the silence of the surrounding greenery. The colors of the sea are spectacular, as well as the seabed arouse a great attraction for those who practice diving. A unique place! One of the most beautiful bays of the Ligurian coast is, undoubtedly, the Gulf of Poets with the beautiful town of Lerici and the enchanting Porto Venere. You can also see the performance of Cinque Terre, with small villages perched on the rock, the marinas, the many coves of crystalline water. The best way to visit the area is definitely planning a cruise in that day from La Spezia or Lerici runs through the protected marine area of Cinque Terre to Monterosso. Along the way, during which the children will be fascinated by the ships of the team, as they are called frigates and cruisers of the Navy, you can stop at any time to visit the area. Mom and dad surely enjoy eating the amazing anchovies in a restaurant of Monterosso. The Adventure Park in Val di Vara, the first to open its doors in Liguria, offers the possibility of an exciting day of adventure and nature. Featuring of the longest cable-way in Europe and 30 platforms positioned at different heights, it is suitable for both children and adults, with increasing levels of difficulty depending on personal skills and abilities. Besides the acrobatic courses through the trees, the park allows you to organize picnic on the grass or take advantage of hiking trails or mountain bike.
Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Liguria is one of Italy's top travel destinations. Liguria is a natural paradise surrounded by the Alps and the Apennines. Punta Marguareis is the highest mountain in Liguria, about 8,698 feet, followed by Monte Mongioie, 8,626 feet high, Cima del Saline, around 8,567 feet, and Pizzo d'Ormea, which is high 8,121 feet. Nearly 65 per cent of Liguria's territory is mountainous, so mountain lovers will feel at home in this Italian region. The pretty mountain village of Masone is the starting point for some great excursions, such as the 10-mile loop through La Crocetta and Monte Dente, perfect for beginner, the 12-mile hike to Paso dell Scisa, Monte Poggio, Vesolina, and Fontana della Singra, or the 24-mile long hike to Bric del Dente, Reisa, Begua, and Cogoleto, for experienced hikers only. The Cinque Terre area is home to some of Europe's most beautiful trails, where the mountains meet the sea creating spectacular landscapes. Mercantour National Park is also highly recommended. The mountains in Liguria are perfect for the practice of adventure sports, like rafting, bungee jumping, canyoning, and paragliding. During the winter, ski resorts like Limone Piemonte or Monesi di Triora attract winter sports lovers. Other popular activities during a mountain holiday in Liguria include horseback riding and mountain biking.
Liguria is a land that, for its natural characteristics and territory, is perfectly suited to host golf courses. The influence of the sea makes golf clubs suitable for a sporting holiday at any time of year. Golf is a way of life and it’s golf is a real praise of the slow, exploring in a soft and relaxing way. There are 11 golf clubs in Liguria. The four 18-hole courses in Sanremo, Garlenda, Cogoleto and Rapallo are the green flagships of the region. But also the 9-holes courses in the extreme west of the region, Castellaro, Albisola, Arenzano, and Lerici, located on the green hills just above the sea give to the players the chance to show their ability with some of hole-in-one! For those who want to improve their swing or putt ability there are practice-courses in Genova, Quarto Alto e Sarzana. It is easy to a golf holiday in Liguria with a complete offer of courses, restaurants, club house where you can play and relax all year round under the soft light of the Mediterranean sun.
Liguria is one of the famous tourist attraction centers located in the coastal region, north-western Italy. It owns wonderful picturesque towns, beautiful beaches and appealing arts and monuments. THE ART AND CULTURE OF LIGURIA A visitor can easily learn the culture of the Ligurians by visiting the cultural and architectural sites found in the place. These sites include: The findings of the necropolis of Chiavari clearly demonstrate how the ancient society of Liguria was divided into social classes. It also indicates how the Romans traded in form of exchanges with Phoenicians, Greeks and the Etruscans. The Roman site of Luni that is located in this region was used for the export of marble Apuan. It dates back to 177 BC when it was founded. The Parish of Finale Ligure is a testimony of the religious practices of the early people. Romans lived in the Liguria region. A visit to this place will allow you see fascinating features that are associated with Romans. The sacred buildings present here are a clear indication of their existence. The Gothic art in Liguria - This saw the expansion of Genoa and the autonomy. It signifies the work of foreigners from Spain, Flanders and Toscan. It is a clear indication of the trade which took place across the county’s territorial boundaries during the ancient times. There are other more architectural sites like the School of Louis Brea which is expressed in an elegant Gothic painting. The above description clearly indicates the culture of the Ligurian residents. A visit to this place will allow you to learn much more about the people and some cultures will stimulate your nerves because they are unbelievable. THE TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS IN THE LIGURIAN REGION Museum Amedeo Lia This is a wonderful monument that is located at La Spezia in Italy. It houses a large number of artistic works. It is found in a restored 17th century convent. A lot of works are found here and they include the Titian, Tintoreretto, and Bellini. The place will give one a lifetime experience of seeing wonderful exhibitions that are housed in this great museum. It has been ranked as the number one thing which any tourist who tours Liguria should do first, that is, touring this museum. The Cinque Terre "the 5 lands" It is located on the Mediterranean and comprises of 5 terraced villages namely Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These five villages are unreachable hence no modern developments have taken place. The main activity in this place is fishing. What links these five villages is a popular trails system. The Cinque Terre will give you a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea. GenoaThis is a very historic city that is located in the Mediterranean. It is the capital city of Liguria. It will be a total sin if you miss visiting this town during your tour in Liguria. A lot of Liguria’s historical significance is evident in Genoa. You will see historical landmarks like Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Grimaldi, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo del Principe which are all found in Via Garibaldi district. Throughout the town are stunning grounds and gardens that should be explored. Portofino This is a small fishing village located on the north-west coast of Italy. If you like fishing, you will enjoy this activity in the small boats that are available. A lot of beautiful pastel houses are built along the shore which are wonderful to look at. Other activities available here include diving, swimming, sports and many others. Museum Navale InternazionaleIt is located in Imperia, Piazza Duomo. This museum houses historical documents of the Merchant Navy and War in its historical archives. The museum is divided into many rooms with each having its own exhibitions. It has a specialized library rich in historical journals. Many researchers tour this museum from all over the world because of the assurance of getting the particular information they are in search of. Other specialized rooms are dedicated to divers’ ports, the merchant ships and military uniforms of the navy, navigation sail to Cape Horn. If you like modelling, this is the right place to be because there is a room with all kinds of fittings for modellers. Pinacoteca CivicaIn Savona, the Renaissance period works are all housed in this fine artistic museum that is located in the medieval Palazzo Pozzobonello. It is an Italian artistic gallery that exhibits Livio Agresti, Beato Angelico, and many other artistic features. Found here are the local ceramic displays. Museo dell’OlivoLocated in imperia. There are great exhibitions that depict the symbol of the Mediterranean area. Wonderful encounters with unique features housed in this museum will be a great experience. Palazzo Rosso It is located in Via Garibaldi in Genoa, a picturesque gallery in the city. Great decorations and architectural designs are present here. Works of Guido Reni, Van Dyck and Mattia Pretti are found in this museum. Palazzo Bianco If you want to know more about the Italian pictorial art bridging of the 15th and 18th centuries this is the right place to visit. There are other fascinating arts that are present in this monument in Genoa. Lanterna di Genova The first Genovese lighthouse, a magnificent symbol of the city of Genoa, dates back to 1128, and it is on the hill San Begnini. It is believed that in 1449 it was been guarded by Antonio Colombo, uncle of Christopher Columbus.