The Italian Riviera
Generally referring to the narrow coastal strip of Liguria adjoining France, the Italian Riviera stretches from Ventimiglia to Capo Corvo at the eastern end of the Gulf of La Spezia and offers a heady combination of blue seas, stately resorts, glamorous casinos and palm lined promenades.
Sheltered from northerly winds by the Maritime Alps, this attractive coastline enjoys a distinctly mild 'micro climate' with sunshine and equable temperatures all the year around and has been a popular destination for the discerning traveller since the time of Shelley and Byron.
In addition to beautiful scenery and pleasant weather, this region boasts some of Italy's finest cuisine - including the famous local speciality 'pesto' sauce and some of the finest seafood.
The Riviera dei Fiori is the section of the Liguria coast nearest to France. Running from Ventimiglia in the west to Cervo in the east, the coastline is famous for its blooms; and the most colourful and elegant resort of San Remo. Here you will find a harbour full of superyachts, plenty of boutiques and broad palm-lined streets where San Remo's exotic past visitors resided in luxury villas.
The Riviera delle Palme, includes the historic beach resort of Alassio and the popular destination of Finale Liguria, bustling with bars.
On the Riviera di Levante you will find the vibrant port of Genoa, the capital of the region, and travelling southwards down the coast brings you to three very varied resorts: Portofino, a small fishing port of unpretentious charm which, due to the simple beauty of its colourful buildings around the picturesque harbour, has become a 'jet set' and yachting haven; Santa Margherita Ligure - an elegant flower filled town, surrounded by luxuriant hills; and little Rapello, a sunny, gracious, seaside town and a shoppers' paradise. Other 'must see' locations are Portovenere with brightly coloured houses lining the harbour and narrow medieval streets leading up to a castle, and the famous Cinque Terre, five picture postcard villages clinging to near vertical vineyard and olive grove lined hillsides.
