Liguria: The Italian Riviera & Genoa
Once considered a part of the Cote d’Azur, Liguria now stands on its own as the home of the Italian Riviera. Like its upmarket French neighbors, and with the dramatic coastlines to prove it, the region is a blend of glamour and simplicity. Travel to Genoa, the Ligurian capital, has long been the gateway to the northern provinces of Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna.
One of the 4 Maritime Republics during the mercantile age, Genoa ruled the Mediterranean for over 200 years. It’s no coincidence that Liguria’s most famous son, Cristopher Columbus was Genoese born and bred. But from fresh pesto to focaccia, Genoese accolades stretch beyond its UNESCO old town. Sticking to the Via Aurelia you’ll see it all as you travel through the Italian Riviera.
Cross the pastel-washed fishing villages of Portofino and Rapallo, and Santa Margherita Ligure. If that wasn’t enough, make way to the cliffside terraces of Cinqueterre and Ventimiglia before hitting the French border. From either end, meet your match with bundles of frutti di mare. Pair that with a glass of chilled Vermentino to wash it down and travel to the Italian Riviera is complete.
