When people think of Italy’s Ligurian coast, generally two things come to mind: Pesto and the Cinque Terre. However, this region is so much more than that!
Liguria is the north western coastal region of Italy that extends from the French boarder to just after La Spezia, and is known as the Italian Riviera. The capital city of this region is Genoa, which is a great starting out point to explore this unique section of beautiful Italy. It is easy to arrive by airplane, and is also a short 1.5 hour train ride from Milan.
Genoa is less of a tourist hub than most of the major cities in Italy. As a port city, it maintains its multiculturalism and a bit of grit, but surprisingly, English is not widely spoken. Most people do speak a small bit, however it is not as easy to get around here as it is in other cities like Rome and Florence, where English is widely spoken. That being said, you can still do everything you want and get everything you need. Menus are still in English, and they have a few specialities from this region that you absolutely must try! The first is Pesto, the basil based pasta sauce consisting of basil, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese. The second, lesser know, is Salsa di Noci, which is basically a creamy sauce made using walnuts as a base. I recommend going to I Tre Merli Ristorante in the harbour. You get a delicious meal and a great view!
The true beauty in Ligura lies outside of the city. This is a steep, mountainous region with dramatic cliffs, beautiful mountain villages and lovely seaside towns. One of my favourite towns is Sanremo. Located very close to the French border and less than an hour from Nice, this amazing resort town has been the host to celebrities, famous families and the wealthy the world over. It is best known for its Casino, and I highly recommend you see it if you are in town. However, more than that, it is a stunning town. Most of the town is built on a hillside, and the small, windy streets ascend very quickly. Take a walk up the cobblestone alleys and discover the most romantic and hidden walkways you have ever seen. Ascend to the top to see the Madonna Della Costa Sanctuarium, which has been a beacon to sailors for centuries. This town is an Instagram paradise. Not only that, but it also has great shopping! There are large shopping streets complete with cute little cafes and restaurants to suit any taste. Spend at least one day here enjoying this luxurious gem of the Coast.
Another must-see is Portofino. This gem is famous for its picturesque harbour and pastel coloured houses. Many people take a harbour cruise into Portofino, since the best way to see this stunning place is from the water. Streets are lined with little boutiques and cafes, and it is a lively ambiance. Very touristy though, as most cruise ship passengers do day trips here, so it can feel a little overwhelming. However, it is beautiful enough to deal with the tourists, and no visit to this region is complete without a stop here.
Finally, an off-the-beaten path favourite of mine is Sestri Levante. It is located halfway between Genoa and La Spezia and is a favourite beach destination among Italians. Here you will find real Italy. Locals going about their day, a beautiful boardwalk, stunning bay and many shops and restaurants. Many lovely hotels and great nightlife. Take in a pesto making class while you’re here!
Transit between these coastal towns can take awhile, as you will generally take a regional Italian train, or have to drive. I recommend a full guided tour experience through this area, in order to make the most of it and see the hidden gems. As I am very familiar with this area and work with a lot of great tour operators, I would be happy to help you plan your next trip here. Contact me today for details!
