Liguria

Liguria Travel Guide

Located in Northwest Italy against the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, Liguria is a stretch of coastline that boasts stunning cliff-side views, fertile lands with lush flora, unspoiled beaches, and charming coastal villages characterized by colorful architecture and welcoming locals.

Known worldwide as the Italian Riviera, Liguria is Italy’s third smallest region – yet it is the fourth most dense in terms of population. The people of Liguria – known as Liguri – are often known for their strong dialect. For those not born in Liguria, Italians from all over flock to live in this spectacular area because of the region’s status as a major commercial port and the depth of beauty the natural landscape provides. The narrow roads of the region stretch from the coast of the Mediterranean up through quaint, medieval villages atop terraced cliffs and all the way to the top of hills which are rife with lemon groves, wildflowers, almond trees, and pine filled forests.

With the picturesque geography, it is no wonder why Liguria has so often been the source of inspiration for poets, songwriters, authors, and filmmakers. Famous creatives such as Ernest Hemingway, Lord Byron, and Ezra Pound all felt deep affection for this region of Italy and allowed it to influence their work. In addition, the one of a kind, panoramic views of Liguria’s seaside resorts have been the backdrop to famous films thanks to the area’s luxuriousness and elegance.

Liguria offers a variety of activities, from simply enjoying the charming villages, to hiking and exploring the mountainous woods, to water sports and fishing. Brilliantly fusing luxe with charm, rustic natural views with five-star accommodations, and cosmopolitan vibes with small-town comfort, this region offers a bit of everything. With cities to enjoy such as Imperia, La Spezia, Savona, and the region’s capital Genoa, as well as popular destinations such as Portovenere, legendary Cinque Terre, and the island of Palmaria, Liguria sets the stage for the perfect Italian getaway with its atmosphere of romance, adventure, and escape.

Geography and Climate

Liguria is so well-loved and admired primarily because of its splendid geography. Nestled right along the coastline of the sapphire Mediterranean Sea, the region boasts everything from sandy beaches, to coastal cliffs, to mountains and hills.

Sharing its border with France and the Italian regions of Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, and Tuscany, Liguria’s mountains are sections of the Apennine mountain range and Italian Alps. The mountains of the area butted against the sea make for exceptional terraced cliffs on which the local villages are perched.

Because of the mountainous geography, the rivers that occupy Liguria – the Magra, Scrivia, and Trebbia – only have their delta in the area, but not the source.

Liguria is split into two halves – Riviera di Ponente on the west and Riviera di Levante on the east, with Genoa marking the central point of the region. Each half of Liguria is characterized by unique geographical features. Riviera di Ponente boasts a coastline of rocky cliffs, lush greenery and nature, while Riviera di Levante is known for its iconic areas such as Cinque Terre and gulfs such as the Gulf of Tigullio and the Gulf of Poets. Its many sandy beaches make it an ideal spot for ocean lovers and beach goers.

The section of the Mediterranean Sea that Liguria is located on is called Mar Ligure. The shores, inlets, and grottos created by the meeting of the area’s rocky coast with the sea create some of the most fascinating excursions. Whether exploring by boat, snorkeling, or diving, the many bays – the Bay of Silence, the Bay of Saracens, the Blue Bay of Lerici – and unparalleled grottos – Toirano, Basura, Santa Lucia Inferiore, and Borgio Verezzi – offer photo worthy views and once in a lifetime oceanic experiences.

The region’s combination of hills and mountains meeting cliffside coasts creates a climate that is mild.

No matter what time of year one visits Liguria, expect comfortable temperatures with cool Winters and warm Summers. Fall and Winter in the more inland sections of Liguria can become quite cold, but the coastal sections usually stay temperate but often windy.

Those who visit or reside in Liguria experience a unique weather phenomenon called Maccaja. The term describes a time in which specific atmospheric conditions – Scirocco wind, high humidity, and clouds – create heavy, muggy air and a fog that floats just above the sea, giving the illusion that the cliffside terraces and lands above sea level are suspended in mid-air. It’s a very surreal and mysterious event to witness, and one worth capturing photos of.

When in Liguria

With so much to see and do, it’s understandable why the Italian Riviera is a famed hotspot for celebrity vacations, adventurous getaways, and elegant holidays. With its wide array of geographical wonders and overwhelming amount of unique culture, Liguria offers something for everyone.

For outdoor enthusiasts or those just looking for a walk through nature, there is nothing quite like hiking the trails of Cinque Terre – named after the five quaint fishing villages that sit atop the terraced sea cliffs. Hiking paths of extraordinary proportions connect the five towns, and each route offers something unique to see along the way. Whether one is looking for rugged wilderness trails, romantic secluded spots, or enchanting scenic views of the sea, there are endless possibilities for moments of reflection among nature, and many chances for capturing one of a kind photos.

To taste the essence of Liguria, one must enjoy the region’s most famous dish – pasta with pesto sauce.

Pesto is the most highly regarded sauce in the region, and the city of Genoa offers the most authentic version of it. Made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, pesto is a versatile sauce that is traditionally served with trofie, a Ligurian pasta that is short, thin, and twisted.

One of the most characteristic features of the Ligurian region of Italy are the tiny sea towns that dot the coastline. Known for their colorful architecture, small town feel, and wide variety, towns along the Ligurian coast offer some of the world’s most incredible views. To enjoy the region to its fullest, explore the many villages along the coast, such as Camogli, Tellaro, Laigueglia, Noli, and Apricale and bask in the beauty of the seaside scenery.

No matter how one chooses to enjoy Liguria, a trip to this region of Italy promises a relaxing seaside escape filled with sparkling blue waters, local village charm, and views unlike any other.