Explore the Ligurian Riviera

Liguria stretches west in a narrow ribbon along the coast from France. Like so much of Italy, Liguria is a land of contrasts: home to the 'Belle Epoque' seaside towns, sandy beaches, rocky coves and some of Italy's most untouched stretches of coastline. The coast west of Genoa is characterised by sandy beaches, whilst the eastern part has a dramatic landscape of lemon trees, flowers, almond and pines, with terraced hillsides producing olives.

Genoa is the regional capital, famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Genoa is a typical bustling seaport, with steep alleyways leading up from a picturesque medieval town centre. For decades, Portofino was Italy's premier seaside resort, and this tiny multi-coloured village is still one of the most beautiful spots in Italy. The town of San Remo has a fascinating medieval quarter and a maze of winding streets; the buildings of which are joined together with arches, designed to protect from earthquakes.

No trip would be complete without visiting the 'Cinqueterre', which takes its name from the five small villages, which cling to the inhospitable and rugged coastline of the Piedmont area. For centuries these towns were virtually inaccessible by land, due to the harsh, steep terrain. Today, they are best accessed by the little train which runs between them, enabling one to hop from village to village. Ligurian cuisine is characterised by its connection to the sea, and fish soups are always on the menu. The famous pesto sauce originates from Ligurua and the region is also renowned for its olive oil. Small it may be, be we think Liguria is an elegant and very beautiful region of Italy.

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