Liguria overview
Also known as the Italian Riviera, the beautiful winding stretch of the Ligurian coast from the French border to Tuscany has long been famed for its gloriously mild climate, its luxurious vegetation and its abundance of picturesque fishing villages: the most famous of which is our delightful coastal resort of Portofino.
Liguria, or the Italian Riviera, is northwestern Italy's coastal region boasting beautiful beaches, picturesque towns and fantastic food: Italy's world famous pesto sauce hails originally from here!
Rapallo, formerly a favoured haunt of poets and writers, is now a larger and less sophisticated resort boasting a number of attractions including a cable car to Santuario di Montallegro proffering stunning views, and Santa Margherita is a wonderfully old-fashioned Riviera resort: its esplanade perfect for day strolls and evening promenades.
Portofino with its delightful harbour, central piazza perfect for al fresco dining, and quaint multi-coloured houses is one of Italy's premier resorts: managing to retain picturesque charm despite its popularity with jet-setters.
The central piazza is the popular for leisurely drinks and al fresco dining, and tiny winding streets lead to a plethora of designer boutiques and galleries.
Map
Climate
Liguria enjoys a long, hot summer, warm spring and autumn and, due to the mountains, an exceptionally mild winter.
Did you know?
One of the most famous Ligurian culinary creations is focaccia. Focaccia bread is 2,000 years older than pizza, even though the two doughs are nearly identical. Originally focaccia bread was unleavened since the salty air of the Ligurian coast hampered the action of the yeast and thus, the rising of the bread.
Liguria hotels
Excelsior Palace Hotel
In a wonderful location on the Italian Riveria, surrounded by the sea and boasting enchanting views of the Bay of Rapallo and Portofino's headland
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa
Grand Hotel Bristol is famed for its attention to detail, impeccable service and warm Italian welcome
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Grand Hotel Miramare
In an impressive position overlooking the Tigullio Gulf and surrounded by lush tropical gardens
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Hotel Splendido
Boasting stunning views from its wonderful location perched a ten minute walk above the picturesque town of Portofino
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Map
Climate
Liguria enjoys a long, hot summer, warm spring and autumn and, due to the mountains, an exceptionally mild winter.
Did you know?
One of the most famous Ligurian culinary creations is focaccia. Focaccia bread is 2,000 years older than pizza, even though the two doughs are nearly identical. Originally focaccia bread was unleavened since the salty air of the Ligurian coast hampered the action of the yeast and thus, the rising of the bread.
Liguria sightseeing
Camogli is an appealing little port on the edge of the Portofino promontory and visitors will delight in strolling along its promenade or indulging in a spot of sunbathing on the steeply shelving beach.
Although not as chic as Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure (Santa) is a fashionable and lively resort with numerous waterfront restaurants and bars.
Further afirled, Genoa is the largest seaport in Italy boasting a labyrinth of medieval alleyways, and numerous monuments, museums and galleries, in addition to San Lorenzo Cathedral with its dazzling façade, and an aquarium in the renovated port area.
To the northwest of La Spezia is the World Heritage Site of the Cinque Terre: five ancient former fishing villages each with their own Gothic church and cluster of pastel-coloured houses clinging to the rocky slopes. The Cinque Terre is one of Italy's major tourist sights and it's best to avoid the crowds by visiting either in the early morning or at sunset
For the walking enthusiasts there's a network of country footpaths and some delightful walks to San Fruttuoso cove with its stunning Abbey, and along the cliffs to the lighthouse via St George's Church. High above the harbour, our glamorous and suitably named hotel, Splendido, still entices royalty and film stars amongst its illustrious guests.
Map
Climate
Liguria enjoys a long, hot summer, warm spring and autumn and, due to the mountains, an exceptionally mild winter.
Did you know?
One of the most famous Ligurian culinary creations is focaccia. Focaccia bread is 2,000 years older than pizza, even though the two doughs are nearly identical. Originally focaccia bread was unleavened since the salty air of the Ligurian coast hampered the action of the yeast and thus, the rising of the bread.
Liguria cuisine
The simple ingredients of Ligurian cuisine are the very essence of the Mediterranean diet with abundant seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables and ample doses of local, delicate olive oil. Fresh herbs are grown everywhere and are used with fish, meat, pasta and, most famously, in pesto genovese which adorns many pasta dishes, or drizzled into minestrone.
Dining in a smart ristorante will be more expensive than in a less formal trattoria, especially if you opt for the whole menu including antipasto, primo, secondo and dolce (dessert).
Along the Ligurian coast, visitors will enjoy the wide choice of eateries including a plethora of pizzerias with authentic wood-fired ovens, wine-shops serving cheese and antipasto, and foccacerie and osteria for less formal dining. Ligurian wines are perfectly quaffable especially the whites which are great with seafood, but wines from neighbouring Piedmont are more popular with enthusiasts.
For culturally inclined visitors, there are seven museums in La Spezia including the excellent Museo Amedeo Lia featuring 13th to 18th century paintings and sculptures housed in a 17th century convent.
Map
Climate
Liguria enjoys a long, hot summer, warm spring and autumn and, due to the mountains, an exceptionally mild winter.
Did you know?
One of the most famous Ligurian culinary creations is focaccia. Focaccia bread is 2,000 years older than pizza, even though the two doughs are nearly identical. Originally focaccia bread was unleavened since the salty air of the Ligurian coast hampered the action of the yeast and thus, the rising of the bread.
Liguria offers
Excelsior Palace Hotel
In a wonderful location on the Italian Riveria, surrounded by the sea and boasting enchanting views of the Bay of Rapallo and Portofino's headland
4 offers
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa
Grand Hotel Bristol is famed for its attention to detail, impeccable service and warm Italian welcome
4 offers
-
-
Grand Hotel Miramare
In an impressive position overlooking the Tigullio Gulf and surrounded by lush tropical gardens
5 offers
-
Hotel Splendido
Boasting stunning views from its wonderful location perched a ten minute walk above the picturesque town of Portofino
1 offer
-
-
Map
Climate
Liguria enjoys a long, hot summer, warm spring and autumn and, due to the mountains, an exceptionally mild winter.
Did you know?
One of the most famous Ligurian culinary creations is focaccia. Focaccia bread is 2,000 years older than pizza, even though the two doughs are nearly identical. Originally focaccia bread was unleavened since the salty air of the Ligurian coast hampered the action of the yeast and thus, the rising of the bread.