Liguria is also called the Italian Riviera or the Flower Riviera because of the large export of flowers. The coastal region is one of the most narrow and smallest regions in Italy and borders on France in the west. As a matter of fact, there are only 52 km from Ventimiglia to the French Riviera and Nice!

Liguria has a wonderful coastal climate and a beautiful nature with a lot of mountains. But you can also go here if you want to go bathing. The region offers something to everyone’s liking; small, sandy beaches replaced by rocks; everything in a short distance of many of the idyllic towns of Liguria. The stretch of coast west of Genoa is characterised by sandy beaches while the eastern part is characterised by more dramatic landscapes with steep rocks and small mountains.

The landscape of Liguria

The landscape of Liguria bordering to Piedmont is mountainous with a very beautiful nature. The area Le Cinque Terre with its steep rocks is considered the most unique piece of nature of Liguria, which makes many people choose a stay in this area. 

Large cities in Liguria: Genoa, San Remo and Levanto

From Liguria you can take short trips to the neighbouring regions Piedmont or Tuscany. The nearest airports are in Genoa, Nice or Milan.

Genoa is the capital of Liguria and is a very interesting city to visit. Genoa has the largest harbour in Italy as well as one of Europe’s largest adjoining medieval districts. It is a beautifully situated city with a fantastic atmosphere. The best known son of the city may be Christopher Columbus. If you like shopping, you should try going to the impressive boulevard Via XX Settembre where you will find all the big designer shops.

Every year, San Remo hosts the big Italian music festival of the same name. But the city is also known as the flower city as a large number of flowers are grown here. Tourism is very important for the city’s economy and therefore you will find a lot of restaurants, shops, cafes, etc. in the city.

Levanto is situated in the Eastern part of Liguria and is known for its wonderful beach. The city is very child-friendly and is a nice place for those who prefer a large supply of restaurants and shops. Levanto is an old city with several attractions from the Middle Ages.

Tourist attractions in Liguria

One of the most famous areas of Liguria is Cinque Terre (the five cities) and is situated east of Genoa. In this area, you will find a nature reserve, which is perfect for hiking and exploring nature. The area is a unique experience of nature with steep rocks, small towns and areas with small sandy beaches. You will very quickly find yourself fascinated by the houses in pastel shades in the small towns surrounded by natural ledges on the steep rocky slopes where wine is being cultivated.

Genoa has a lot of different and exciting things to offer. E.g. try the Bigo elevator that will take you 40 metres up into the air where you will be rewarded with a fantastic view.
The Middle Age district is one of Europe’s largest and please do not miss it if you go to Genoa. The district has a lot of nice restaurants, cafes and small shops to offer.

Take a step inside the Palazzo Reale with a fantastic interior, which has hardly changed within the last 200 years.

Sports activities in Liguria

Trekking and mountain bike enthusiasts really get value for money when they go to Liguria. The whole family will have the opportunity to do some sports here.

Gastronomic characteristics of Liguria

The Liguria cuisine is characterised by its close connection to the sea, and fish soups are very wide-spread. But Liguria is also famous for the good Taggiasche olives and the good olive oil. The world-famous pesto also originates from Liguria and it is irresistible when it is prepared in the right way.

You will also find a lot of lamb on the menus in Liguria. On the borders to Piedmont, venison is more wide-spread. 

Liguria has not yet marked itself on the wine map. But there are a few good producers such as Buranco.

The climate of Liguria

Liguria has a mild climate all year round; the coolest months are December and January with an average temperature of 11 degrees.

Some of the photos are kindly lent out from the Italian Tourist Office. Photographer: Fototeca ENIT, Vito Arcomano.