Liguria

Liguria is a coastline of contrasts, where rugged cliffs give way to elegant promenades and ancient villages perch above the endless blue of the Mediterranean.

This slender arc of land stretching from the French border to Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s most breathtaking scenery. To the east, the wild beauty of the Cinque Terre showcases nature at its most dramatic, while the western coastline known as the Riviera di Ponente offers a mix of Belle Époque glamour, lush gardens and timeless seaside charm.

Between these two worlds lies Genoa, Liguria’s capital, a city steeped in maritime history with its labyrinth of narrow streets, grand palaces and a port that once rivalled Venice as the gateway to the Mediterranean.

Along the eastern stretch of Liguria, the Cinque Terre—five ancient fishing villages built into the cliffs—stand as a testament to the region’s resilience and beauty. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso each have their own character but all share the same breathtaking backdrop: steep terraces of vineyards and olive groves cascading down to the turquoise sea. The villages are linked by scenic footpaths, offering some of the most stunning coastal hikes in Italy where every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view.

Just beyond the Cinque Terre lies Portovenere, a lesser-known but equally enchanting harbour town. Sitting at the entrance to the Gulf of Poets, this stretch of coastline has long been a retreat for writers and dreamers—Lord Byron and Percy Shelley both found inspiration in its rugged beauty. With its medieval castle, colourful houses and the dramatic cliffs of the Church of San Pietro overlooking the sea, Portovenere feels like stepping into a painting.

Across the bay, La Spezia, Liguria’s second-largest city, blends naval heritage with an elegant waterfront. Its tree-lined promenade, lively café culture and easy access to the surrounding coastline make it a perfect gateway to the Cinque Terre and beyond.

As Liguria stretches westward, the landscape softens, giving way to the Riviera di Ponente, where palm trees line promenades, Art Nouveau villas recall the golden age of travel and the scent of citrus groves fills the air. This region, known as the Riviera dei Fiori (Riviera of Flowers), is home to some of Liguria’s most elegant seaside towns.

Sanremo, the Riviera’s most famous resort, is a place of old-world charm with grand hotels, lush parks and a historic casino that has drawn visitors since the 19th century. It is also Italy’s City of Flowers, hosting the country’s most prestigious music festival and a world-renowned flower market. Just inland, Dolceacqua offers a glimpse into Liguria’s medieval past with its stone houses, winding alleys and the striking arched bridge immortalised by Monet.

Beyond Sanremo, Liguria’s coastline leads effortlessly into France, where the Côte d’Azur begins. The transition is almost seamless as Italian charm blends into French sophistication. The coastal road winds past Menton, a sun-drenched town famous for its lemon groves and pastel-coloured façades, before reaching the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, where Belle Époque architecture meets the world’s most famous casino. Further along, Nice and Cannes continue the Riviera’s story with their palm-lined boulevards and dazzling Mediterranean views.

Liguria is a region that never stops revealing itself. From the wild cliffs of the Cinque Terre to the refined elegance of the Riviera dei Fiori, every stretch of coastline tells its own story. Here, time seems to slow, whether you’re wandering through ancient alleyways, gazing out at the sea from a sun-drenched terrace or breathing in the scent of citrus groves and salty air.

With Italy to one side and France to the other, Liguria is a meeting place of cultures, landscapes and histories—a place where the beauty of the Mediterranean is at its most captivating.