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T H E P E O P L E
T H E L A N D
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Agenzia Regionaleper la Promozione Turistica inLiguriaVia D’Annunzio 2/78 Genova
www.lamialiguria.it
A P R O J E C T B Y
THE PEOPLE
THE LAND
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CETAC E A N S A N C T UA R Y
T H E B E A C H E S
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can be seen from the beaches of both towns. You
can take in this spectacle as you relax on Laigueglia
beach, one of Liguria’s sandiest. Punta Crena beach
in Varigotti is one of the region’s most beautiful:
wild and not fully accessible, it features small coves
and promontories, with clear waters and a beautiful
seabed. In Bergeggi you can relax and soak up the
sun at the Lido delle Sirene, overlooking the famous
island offshore: a true corner of paradise. Alassio
beach offers fine, white sand, extending for around
4 kilometres, with the sea floor gently sloping, one
of the characteristics that makes Alassio the ideal
choice for families with children, who will find a
wealth of beach resorts to welcome them. Continuing
towards Genoa, you will find the beautiful, large and
sandy Albissola, Celle Ligure and Varazze.
To the east you’ll find the Tigullio with its coves,
Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo and Zoagli,
before arriving in Sestri Levante, and here you
have two options, right beside each other: the town
is divided into half between two bays, “Silenzio”
and “Favole”. One bay one beach is the rule for
Moneglia, Deiva, Bonassola, Framura and Levanto:
beautiful hamlets and true paradise for those who
love the sea. Monterosso is home to Fegina beach,
the largest of the Cinque Terre, and also the only
sandy one. Crystalline waters in varying shades of
blue, in a stunning setting but also easily accessible
from the village. Perfect for a quick dip before you
head off to explore the five hamlets that make up
this wonderful tourist spot. Here the coast is steep,
beautiful, sometimes inaccessible by land. Truly
unique and spectacular. In the Gulf of Poets, Lerici
in the area of San Terenzo is striking with its clean,
transparent sea that has enchanted the poets and
artists of every era. ●
A stone’s throw from the
border with France, first
in line is the Spiaggia
delle Uova (Beach of
Eggs) in Ventimiglia, so
called because of the
characteristic shape of
its stones. A fairy-tale
place that introduces Bordighera with its highly popular
beaches and little lidos. Then come Arma di Taggia,
Ospedaletti, Sanremo, Diano Marina: all wonderfully
welcoming, with outstanding facilities. The coastline
continues towards Laigueglia and Andora, where you’ll
find the Capo Mele promontory, whose steep rocks
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Paraggi, a bay of dreams in the Tigullio Gulf
Punta Crena, Varigotti: transparencies
Finale Ligure, sand and rock
Lerici, the Eco del Mare lido
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TAKE A DIP IN THE BLUEST SEA
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E X P L O R E T H E H A M L E T ’ S S T R E E T S
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In Liguria, when they say
“go down to the beach”,
they really mean down. To
reach the coast and cliffs
you often have to go downhill, along
the roads the locals call “crose”.
Because this narrow land between
sea and mountains is made up of
hamlets built over the centuries on
hills or perched directly between
slopes and cliffs. This is the land
of the seaside villages, unique in
the Mediterranean. Enchanting
places like Cervo on the Western
hamlet, and Lerici, the regional
capital, are part of the same
Municipality: spectacular and
ancient, they overlook the
Gulf of Poets. In Tellaro, don’t
miss the hamlet marina, and
in Lerici be sure to visit the
famous castle. ●
Riviera, a true Ligurian gem that
has preserved its medieval aspect
over the centuries, dominated by
the Clavesana castle; or Laigueglia
with its alleys, the little seaside
squares, and the pastel-coloured
houses in the shadow of the church
of San Matteo. Varigotti is a
picture-postcard Ligurian village, in
the Finale area, rich in history and
architecture: worth a visit in every
season with its sunny beaches, and
not to be missed at sunset, when
the buildings on the sea change
colour and become magical. Noli,
the ancient monumental and
medieval Maritime Republic, ancient
and rich in history, is mentioned
Dante’s Purgatory, “San Leo can be
climbed, one can descend to Noli”.
Also in Genoa, “La Superba”, the
stunning fishermen’s quarter of
Boccadasse is a celebrated place,
where restaurants and bars offer
timeless nightlife. Camogli, which
is thought to mean “house of the
wives”, is one of the symbols of the
symbiotic relationship between land
and sea: its coloured houses on the
beach, the small port from which
ferry boats leave for the marine
park of Portofino, the “crose”, all of
this makes it truly unique. Tellaro,
The sea, the pastel-coloured houses, the beauty: from Varigotti to Camogli, Liguria is a place of seaside hamlets
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S H E E R C L A S S
The red carpet rolled out in
front of the Ariston theatre
in Sanremo, the Innamorati
on the wall in Alassio, the
nightlife of Santa Margherita and of
course the piazzetta, or little square,
in Portofino. There are some symbolic
Riviera locations that have made
tourism and international jet-set
history. Making the paparazzi happy
and an extra inspiration for those
looking for a holiday that blends sun,
sea and glamour.
Glamour and beauty, fiction and
reality are confused here. Think of that
little square in Portofino. At the tables
overlooking the gulf at sunset, the
Duke of Windsor and his wife, Wallis
Simpson, the cause of royal scandal
at the time, sipped unforgettable
cocktails here. Clark Gable, Kim
Novak, Ingrid Bergman, Liz Taylor and
Richard Burton, Sofia Loren and other
The very definition of
enchanting, the “Cinque
Terre” has been one of
Italy’s finest coastal
resorts for many years, as well as
the first place in Liguria to be listed
as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. This place, with its 6,729
kilometres of dry stone walls, is
something unique in the world. The
immense work of the inhabitants of
Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia,
Riomaggiore and Vernazza has been
a thing of renown.
The beautiful, wild nature remains
unspoilt, as does the heroic
viticulture that gave life to
Sciacchetrà, a passito wine known
since Roman times... Since the first
century of the late Middle Ages to
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Hollywood stars and starlets have all
frequented the piazzetta. Beyond
beauty, the square is a magical place,
nestled in a true seaside village where
time seems to have stood still under
the shade of the Castello Brown.
Charm and beauty in “Santa” too,
where the night life begins before
sunset on the beach or on the pier
made famous by a Martini advert
featuring Santa Margherita and
Charlize Theron’s derrière.
Sanremo is enchanting and unique.
Home to Italy’s most stylish casino,
the famous Teatro Ariston hosts
the Sanremo Music Festival each
year, enjoyed by TV viewers all
over the world. Also to the west is
Alassio, beloved and unique, with its
“budello”, the high-end street for
shopping and “strutting”; the wall
designed by Ernest Hemingway
with Mario Berrino, owner of
Caffè Roma. ●
the present day, this paradise has
been all about beauty. Today it is
a unique tourist destination in the
world. Beautiful places to visit at
all hours: during the day you can
explore the hamlets, take a dip in
the spectacular sea or trek along the
paths of the hills that characterise
this beautiful landscape; at sunset
you can relax with a “sea view
aperitif” and enjoy the Cinque
Terre’s evening entertainment. For
hassle-free exploring of the Park,
the Cinque Terre Trekking Card and
Cinque Terre Card Treno are multi-
service passes which offer train and
bus access, as well as Wi-Fi and
guided tours. ●
L I G U R I A ’ S “ F I V E L A N D S ”
T H E T E N D R I L S O F T H E L O W V I N E S H A N G D O W N O N U S F R O M T H E T E R R A C E S . T H E R E T H E G L E A N E R S S I N G T H E I R S O N G S W I T H I N H U M A N V O I C E S . O H, T H E S U M M E R H A R V E S T I N G , T H E S W E R V E I N T H E S TA R S ’ C O U R S E A N D F R O M T H E M C O M E S D O W N T O U S A S T U P O R C O L O U R E D W I T H R E M O R S E ….
Eugenio Montale
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A S O N A N I S L A N D
There are real islands,
like Palmaria with its
archipelago, Bergeggi
and Gallinara. And there
are hamlets that are hard to reach
and sometimes inaccessible, such
as San Fruttuoso di Camogli and
Corniglia in the Cinque Terre.
Places that are the very essence
of Liguria: beautiful, difficult and
unforgettable.
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Protected Marine Area, stands the
island of Bergeggi, a small cone
of rock just 250 meters from the
coast, only accessible as part of a
guided tour. The island of Gallinara
cannot be visited, but it is worth
taking a boat tour and admiring its
superb Mediterranean vegetation.
There are departures available
from Alassio and Laigueglia. Not
an island, but an isolated hamlet,
only accessible by sea or on foot
from Camogli, San Fruttuoso is
one of the most beautiful places
in Liguria. The beach beneath the
famous Abbey, today protected by
the FAI (the Italian Environment
Fund), is truly enchanting. It is also
a paradise for divers who descend
to admire the famous Christ of the
Abyss. A visit to Corniglia, the least
accessible village of the Cinque
Terre, is certainly a must: a little
gem perched on a cliff that offers
truly unique scenery and beauty. ●
T H E S H O R E A P P E A R S T O T H O S E A R R I V I N G B Y S E A : P O R T O V E N E R E I S
H E R E , O N T H E H I L L S C O V E R E D B Y O L I V E T R E E S , A N D S U C H S W E E T N E S S M A D E M I N E R VA F O R G E T A B O U T H E R
H O M E L A N D, AT H E N S . . .
San Fruttuoso di Camogli, the island of Palmaria: wild places, accessible by sea, like nowhere else on earth
To the far east, in the Gulf of Poets,
you’ll find “the island of the caves”:
the ancient Ligurian people’s name
for Palmaria: accessible by one of
the many boats from Porto Venere.
To the west, at the heart of the
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U N D E R T H E B E A C H U M B R E L L A
Liguria is the family
destination par
excellence, with its
bathing establishments
perfectly equipped with umbrellas,
sunbeds and outstanding facilities,
for carefree days by the sea! Diano
Marina is famous for the width of
its beach: while the parents relax,
the children will be entertained by
the babysitting service, have fun
in the play areas, enjoy a game of
beach volleyball or splash in the
pool, where there are swimming
and aquafit classes too. Your little
ones will especially love Alassio,
for its long beach of fine sand an
... the sandcastle contest! Spread
over around 4 kilometres, the
beach of Cavi di Lavagna in Tigullio
is a great choice for families and
young people. And these are just
some examples, because in Liguria
there are beaches and bathing
establishments located everywhere.
Cities included. ●
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From the east to the west, many beaches are equipped with facilities for disabled bathers: barrier-free access, access ramps in compliance with the relevant standards or other systems for overcoming barriers, as well as accessible toilets.
Liguria is one of the regions most attentive to the needs of those who like to holiday with their four-legged friends. There are plenty of pet-accessible beaches.
Genoa’s Porto Antico
The dolphins who live in the Cetacean Sanctuary
A sailing boat skirts around Liguria’s marinas
T H E R E S H E B L O W S
Discovering Liguria as
you approach from
the sea: unimaginable
beauty. Coves, little
inlets and small gulfs dot Liguria’s
coastline. Portofino, the Cinque
Terre, the Riviera di Ponente, but
also the Porto Antico in Genoa:
every symbolic place can be reached
by the famous boats, thanks to the
numerous connections that allow
you to explore Liguria’s coastal
towns. ●
A must for those who choose a boat trip is the whale watching experience: the thrill of spotting a whale or a dolphin in the waves, accompanied by a marine biologist. Liguria lies at the heart of the Cetacean
Sanctuary, a protected international marine area that combines the French Riviera, Liguria, Corsica and Tuscany, where sightings of dolphins and sperm whales are frequent.
Liguria is also a sailor’s paradise and it is no coincidence that the region hosts many regattas. Every port or harbour offers wonderful boat trips, and there are many opportunities for those who want to enjoy the sea from every aspect. Moreover, every boat trip you take offers outstanding opportunities to savour the local cuisine. For those who love to sail, visit www.beactiveliguria.it for information on the Via della Vela that unites the entire arc of the Ligurian Sea. ●
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M E M O
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FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE SEA, HERE YOU’LL FIND A 3.5 KM BEACH, THE PERFECT PLACE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN TO SPEND RELAXING DAYS ON THE COAST.
DIANO MARINA
LONG SANDY BEACHES, A MILD CLIMATE AND STUNNING SEASIDE WALKS TO ENJOY ALL YEAR ROUND.
PIETRA LIGURE
FINE SANDY BEACHES AND RESORTS WITH OUTSTANDING FACILITIES, OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND.
ALASSIO
FROM VIBRANT AND LIVELY BEACH RESORTS TO QUIETER, MORE SECLUDED FREE BEACHES, YOU’LL BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE.
ARENZANO AND COGOLETO
BAYS AND COVES OFFER PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY, SURROUNDED BY GREEN COUNTRYSIDE. THE COLOURS OF THE WATER ARE AS SPECTACULAR AS THE SEABED.
PORTOFINO
GREEN AND BLUE COME TOGETHER BETWEEN BOGLIASCO AND CAMOGLI; SAN FRUTTUOSO BAY IS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD, AND A PARTICULAR FAVOURITE OF DIVING ENTHUSIASTS.
GOLFO PARADISOSOMETHING RARE IN THE CINQUE TERRE, A BEACH OF GOLDEN SAND AND CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS, A STONE’S THROW FROM THE TOWN.
MONTEROSSO
IN SANTO STEFANO AL MARE, A BEACH OF GOLDEN SAND, SURROUNDED BY PALM TREES AND BLUE SEA.
MARINA AREGAI
THE MARINA IS LOCATED IN THE UNIQUE NATURAL SETTING OF A NARROW STRIP OF LAND CREATING A BORDER BETWEEN THE APUAN ALPS AND THE TYRRHENIAN SEA
BOCCA DI MAGRA
CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS, SAND AND PEBBLE BEACHES ALTERNATING WITH CLIFFS: THE DEIVA COAST OFFERS UNSPOILT SEA.
DEIVA MARINA
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T H E L A N D
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THE H
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W I T H A N AT I O N A L PA R K , N I N E R E G I O N A L PA R K S, P R O T E C T E D A R E A S A N D B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S, I F YO U L O V E N AT U R E , T H E N I N L I G U R I A YO U’L L B E S P O I LT F O R C H O I C E . W I T H O N E A D D E D A D VA N TA G E C O M PA R E D T O O T H E R R E G I O N S - I N L I G U R I A YO U C A N E N J OY B E AU T I F U L N AT U R E A L L Y E A R R O U N D, T H A N K S T O T H E M I L D C L I M AT E .
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Liguria’s most famous and popular
park is the Cinque Terre: here,
over more than a thousand
years, man has “modified” the
natural environment by dividing
the steep slopes of the hills to
create strips of cultivable land;
the only setting of its kind in the
world, the park is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.
A stunning location where the mountains meet the
sea, the Parco di Portofino that occupies the famous
promontory offers unforgettable excursions, among
the Mediterranean vegetation that surrounds
Portofino’s many seaside resorts. ●
A S T O N E ’S T H R O W F R O M T H E C I T Y●Just outside Genoa, the Parco dell’Antola offers wonderful views, a new mountain “rifugio” - a typical Alpine hut offering typical mountain cuisine and accommodation, and an astronomy observatory. There is a wealth of trekking trails to choose from: head up to the Rifugio, along the shores of Lake Brugneto, or photograph the daffodils on the Cavalla Plain. Parks close to the city also include the Beigua Regional Nature Park, where you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Geopark, a birdwatchers’ paradise.
Liguria offers thousands of kilometres of pathways to explore on foot or by bicycle
Pian della Cavalla, the daffodil kingdom on Monte Antola
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reach the summit, with views
stretching from Corsica up to the
highest alpine peaks.
Less well known but equally as
extraordinary is the path that leads
to Monte Caucaso, accessible from
Val Fontanabuona or from the little
hamlet of Barbagelata, near the
Tigullio Gulf: the spectacular views
on offer at the summit make the
challenging climb more than worth
it. The Apuan Alps, the Ligurian
Alps are visible in all their beauty
and enrich the natural spectacle,
drawing your gaze towards the
horizon, the Ligurian coast from East
to West. The Monte Caucaso hiker’s
refuge serves delicious polenta, with
overnight accommodation available
if you want to wait for the sunrise in
this truly magical setting.
The Parco di Portofino is an
authentic concentrate of all the
scenery that makes Liguria so
fascinating. The Park will amaze
you, whichever route you decide to
explore. From Portofino Vetta to
Portofino Mare, the views are truly
incredible, but you simply must stop
off at Agririfugio Molini, where the
view of San Fruttuoso bay is truly
astounding.
The scenery offered from the Alta
Via delle Cinque Terre is truly
enthralling, with sea views to take
your breath away... From the
Telegrafo above Portovenere you
can admire the Gulf of La Spezia,
Palmaria and Gorgona, while from
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3 6 0 - D E G R E E V I E W
panoramas: Arenzano and Cogoleto
below, to the west a large section
of the coast up to Capo Mele, the
Ligurian Alps and the Maritime
Alps, and to the east the Portofino
Promontory and La Spezia. There
are many scenic overviews, including
those from the park’s two refuges,
Argentea and Belli Venti, truly a
sight to behold.
From Casa del Romano in the Parco
dell’Antola, continuing towards
Monte Antola, on beautiful May
days, you’ll run the “risk” of falling
under the spell of the panoramic
balcony that opens up once you
Liguria: a long arc of
land which bridges the
sea and the mountains,
offering breathtaking
views and unique scenery. These are
the destinations of the “experience
seekers”: travellers who love to
walk, even in winter, to explore off
the beaten track and take in the
endless natural beauty. Liguria is
full of breath-taking landscapes,
best experienced along the scenic
trails which run parallel to the sea,
but at high altitude.
The Parco del Beigua is a place of
fascinating contrasts, where the
mountains overlook the sea, with
views stretching across unique
Discovering the heroic viticulture of the Cinque Terre
Punta Mesco, accessible along a pretty path
from Levanto, the view that takes in the entire
Cinque Terre, is spectacular to behold.
And to conclude, to the far west of the
majestic Ligurian Alps you’ll find Liguria’s
highest mountain, the 2,200 metre Saccarello,
accessible along a trail from Monesi di Triora,
along the slope of the Valle Argentina.
The panorama stretches 360 degrees, from the
sea to the Alps. Liguria, Piedmont, France...
you’ll feel on top of the world, in every sense. ●
The Portofino promontory, home to 80 km of
pathways to explore
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L I G U R I A N V I L L A G E L I F E :T H E R E G I O N ’ S M O S T B E A U T I F U L H A M L E T SA N D I T S O R A N G E F L A G S
T H E M O S T B E AU T I F U L H A M L E T S●
Land of beauty and “borghi” (the Italian word for “hamlet”), Italy has a second classification dedicated to precisely that, which also includes seaside hamlets: “Italy’s Most Beautiful Borghi”. Here are Liguria’s most beautiful hamlets: Apricale, Brugnato, Campo Ligure, Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, Cervo, Colletta, Finalborgo, Framura, Laigueglia, Lingueglietta, Millesimo, Moneglia, Montemarcello, Noli, Seborga, Taggia, Tellaro, Triora, Varese Ligure, Verezzi, Vernazza, Zuccarello.
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Orange Flag is a
mark of hinterland
environmental tourism
quality, and the
western hinterland holds the record!
Italy’s oldest flag belongs to Sassello,
in the province of Savona. This is the
land of the famous amaretti biscuits,
still produced using the classic
ingredients, made with almonds. There
is also an entire gastronomic industry
based around porcini mushrooms.
Also in Savona, Castelvecchio di
Rocca Barbena and Toirano are
known for their famous caves. If you
continue west to Val Nervia, you’ll
find a wealth of flags waving: Airole,
Apricale - an enchanting little town
which winds uphill along typical
streets, or “crose”, Dolceacqua,
Perinaldo, Pigna - a stunning hamlet
rich in art and culture, and Seborga,
which in the past proclaimed itself a
“Principality”. And Triora, too.
F L A G S T O T H E E A S T
On the other Riviera, a long and
fascinating road leads to Santo
Stefano D’Aveto, which was built
around the castle of the Malaspina
T H E O L I V E O I L H A M L E T S●
There are seven towns where, during a guided tour followed by a dinner of authentic flavours, you can discover the richness of this corner of Liguria close to Imperia. Starting from Pietrabruna, you’ll pass through Borgomaro, Villa Faraldi, Vasia, Caravonica, Aurigo and finish up in Lucinasco. Ancient places just waiting to be discovered, where mass tourism has not yet taken root. Towns where, still today, the olive and its cultivation represent a primary resource.
A N D T H E R E WA S T H AT L I G U R I A O F R O C K , M O R E S E V E R E , J U S T A L I T T L E FA R T H E R AWAY, W H I C H C A R R I E D T R A C E S O F C O U N T R Y S I D E A N D O L I V E G R O V E S , O F W O O D L A N D, H O L M O A K S A N D C H E S T N U T T R E E S . S U S P E N D E D T O W N S , R O C K F L O W E R S , A P R I C A L E , TA G G I A , P I G N A , T R I O R A , P E R I N A L D O, C O N S E C R AT E D I N T H E S U N O F T H E B E L L T O W E R S A N D T H E H U M I D C A R U G G I A L L E Y S . . .
Nico Orengo
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family in the 1200s, then the home
of the Fieschi and Doria families.
In the La Spezia region, you’ll find
Castelnuovo Magra, a charming,
traditional hamlet in a scenic spot on
Monte Bastione, with a view of the
Gulf of Poets. Brugnato, Pignone
and Varese Ligure are three wonderful
opportunities to discover the hinterland
just outside the Cinque Terre.
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The road that leads from the placid sea of Arma di Taggia into the gorge of the Valle Argentina before climbing up to Triora, the town of the “bagiue” witches, certainly isn’t an easy one. But the legend of sorceresses and black magic attracts visitors as never before, curious and quite prepared to travel the thirty kilometres of winding road. The history of Triora’s witches began
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The Val di Vara is Italy’s leading
organic farming region. And Varese
Ligure is one of La Spezia’s oldest
and best preserved historic towns.
Be sure to visit the Borgo Rotondo,
developed in the Middle Ages as a
defence system. The Fieschi family
who had their stronghold in Varese
designed the construction. In its
typology, the hamlet recalls the
structure of other local medieval
settlements, gathered around a
square surrounded by arcades, under
which there were the warehouses
with their characteristic elliptical
structure. The ancient Captain’s
House is also beautifully preserved,
M O N E T ’ SD R E A M : D O L C E A C Q U A“The place is superb, there is a bridge that is a
jewel of lightness”. These are the words written
by Claude Monet early in 1884. Like so many
travellers in the late Nineteenth Century,
Monet reached Dolceacqua, at the heart of Val
Nervia and the beautiful “rock village” complex,
after spending some time by the sea. And like
many others, he was spellbound by this stunning
medieval hamlet. Monet created spectacular
canvases dedicated to the beauty of this place.
And today, visitors cannot leave without having
photographed the Castello dei Doria, the
famous bridge and the alleys that are an emblem
of medieval Liguria and of the life that still
continues today within the ancient walls. There
is so much to explore; a surprise around every
corner, even the portals of the private homes
are true works of art in wood and slate. ●
ORGANIC LIVING: VA R E S E L I G U R E
B E W I T C H E D B Y T H E M O O N : T R I O R A
while the Castle is not to be missed,
on the northern side of the hamlet,
at the start of Via dei Portici, which
from 1547, when Varese passed
from the Fieschi to the Republic
of Genoa, became the residence
of the Podestà, or High Officials.
The variety of cuisine on offer in
the hamlet’s little restaurants is
remarkable, made with the few
ingredients available: from leek
lasagne to tagliatelle with beans “in
zimino”, corzetti pasta and tomaxelle
stuffed veal rolls to cuculletti (potato
croquettes). Chestnut flour is used
extensively, in the local chestnut
cake and the tagliatelle. ●
with the 1588 trials, Liguria’s only major witchcraft trials. Targeted by the Inquisition was a group of women who would gather together on dark nights in the “Cabotina”, an isolated place just outside the town, today marked by a marble plaque. Today Triora is a beautiful hamlet to visit. A town dominated by its castle. A trip to Cabotina is a must, the place where the witches used to meet. Do not forget to sample the famous Triora bread, with its magical flavour: cooked on wooden slabs sprinkled with bran, it is fragrant on the outside and soft on the inside. ●
. . . T H E P L A C E I S S U P E R B, T H E R E I S A B R I D G E T H AT I S A J E W E L O F L I G H T N E S S . . .
Claude Monet
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FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TREKKING AND BREATH-TAKING VIEWS, IT IS WELL WORTH TAKING A WALK AROUND THIS HEAVEN OF PEACE AND BEAUTY, EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY CAR.
CINQUE TERRE SOVIORE SANCTUARY
ONE OF THE WONDERS OFFERED BY THE LIGURIAN COUNTRYSIDE, THE WATERFALLS ARE THUNDEROUS AND SPECTACULAR, AT THE HEART OF THE WESTERN RIVIERA NEAR MENDATICA AND THE HAMLET OF POILAROCCA.
THE ARROSCIA FALLS
THIS IS THE LIGURIAN TREKKING “HIGHWAY”, OVER 400 KILOMETRES RUNNING FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END OF THIS WONDERFUL REGION.
THE ALTA VIADEI MONTI LIGURI
AN ANCIENT, HISTORIC NETWORK OF PATHS THAT CONNECTED THE EXISTING HAMLETS FROM PORTOVENERE TO BOCCA DI MAGRA.
MONTEMARCELLOALTA VIA DEL GOLFO
A FREE AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPALITY, WHICH EVEN HAS A PRIVY COUNCIL. THE HAMLET IS WELL WORTH A VISIT, WITH THE PALAZZO DEI MONACI, THE ZECCA SEBORGHINA AND THE OLD PRISON.
SEBORGA
THE PLATEAU IS A FAVOURITE WITH HIKERS. JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM FINALE LIGURE, IT IS HOME TO A WEALTH OF NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA. IT WAS NOT BY CHANCE THAT NEANDERTHAL MAN LIVED HERE.
MANIE
FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING FANS, EXPLORING THE PARK BY BIKE IS A MUST: UNFORGETTABLE AND CHALLENGING ROUTES, ENHANCED BY SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES AND INCREDIBLE VIEWS.
ANTOLA MOUNTAIN BIKING
THIS IS THE VALLEY OF THE “ROCK VILLAGES”, LITTLE HAMLETS BUILT INTO THE SLOPES AND FORTIFIED: ISOLABONA, ROCCHETTA NERVINA, PIGNA AND APRICALE. MAGICAL PLACES.
VAL NERVIAAPRICALE-PIGNA
AN EXCURSION THROUGH THE FOREST IN THE AVETO PARK, GUARDIAN OF PRECIOUS LAKES OF GLACIAL ORIGIN WHERE RARE PLANTS AND ANIMALS LIVE, IS LIKE TAKING A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME.
THE AGORAIE FOREST
THE PROVINCE OF SAVONA IS ITALY’S GREENEST BY PERCENTAGE. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO, BUT WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CALIZZANO AND BARDINETO, TWO LITTLE TOWNS ALSO FAMOUS FOR THEIR MUSHROOMS.
CALIZZANO-BARDINETO
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T H E L A N D
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S A N R E M O
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Maybe even more. Because the
city of Christopher Columbus, of
the powerful and rich Maritime
Republic, beloved throughout
the Renaissance and home of
contemporary singer-songwriters
and poets, is a truly magical place.
Palazzo Ducale remains the building that symbolises the power
of the Genoese Maritime Republic. A prestigious venue for major
art exhibitions and cultural events, located opposite the famous
fountain on Piazza De Ferrari, the Palazzo is the city’s cultural heart
and well worth a visit. Don’t miss the grand Salone del Maggior
Consiglio (the Great Council Hall), once home to the power of
the Doges and the Grimaldina Tower, previously the city prison.
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F U N, E L E G A N T, MULTICULTURAL, MARITIME, T H E AT R I C A L , M U S I C A L , C U L I N A R Y, H I S T O R I C A L , A R T I S T I C . . . G E N O A H A S A T H O U S A N D S O U L S .
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F R O M ATO Z E N A
Overlooking the magic circle of Piazza De Ferrari, the Palazzo Ducale and the Carlo Felice Theatre
Frescoed vault with the Allegory of Summer by Gregorio de Ferrari at Palazzo Rosso
A R T I S T I C T R E A S U R E S
A N D J E W E L S
● Between Piazza De Ferrari and
the sea, you’ll find the spectacular
churches of Genoa’s old town.
Starting with San Lorenzo Cathedral,
which marks the heart of a real
chessboard of unmissable churches,
nestled within the largest medieval
historic centre in Europe. Inside, the
marble urn with the ashes of John
the Baptist and the passageway to
the Treasury of San Lorenzo, home to
the “Sacro Catino” which according
to some theories is the authentic
Holy Grail. A little further on you’ll
find the Chiesa di San Matteo, on
the piazza of the same name, which
was the Church of the Doria Family,
founded in 1125. The third point of
this triangle of buildings is absolutely
a must-see, the Chiesa del Gesù,
testimony of the presence in Genoa
of the Jesuits and a real treasure
trove of works of art, from Rubens to
Guido Reni, Andrea Pozzo and Simon
Vouet. Equally spectacular is the
Chiesa di San Donato, which houses
one of the most beautiful works of
Flemish art, the stunning triptych
by Joos van Cleve depicting the
Adoration of the Magi.
T H E P A L A Z Z I D E I R O L L I
● Following the new architectural models,
the Genoese nobles had many splendid
palazzos designed and built within the old
town. Today, 42 of these buildings have been
designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The area included in the Unesco designation
has at its centre Via Garibaldi, also known as
Strada Nuova, and also extends to a part of
the city’s historic centre.
culturecultureculture
A L O N G T H E C I T Y ’ S N A R R O W S T R E E T S
●
As you explore the Genoa’s unique
narrow streets, or caruggi, as they
are known here, you will come to the
churches of San Luca, Santa Maria
delle Vigne, San Giorgio and San
Torpete. Worthy of a mention in its
own right, the Chiesa di Santa Maria
di Castello stands on the hill that
was the first inhabited part of Genoa
in antiquity. This part of the city is
also home to the Botteghe Storiche,
the charmingly typical historic shops
of which Genoa is extremely proud.
On Via San Bernardo, the famous
Drogheria Torielli stocks all kinds of
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M O D E R N ,
C O N T E M P O R A R Y,
O R I E N T A L
●
In a city with so much to offer by
way of art, the Musei di Nervi, in
a beautiful park leading down to
the sea, are worthy of individual
mention. The Gam, the Frugone
Collection, the Wolfsoniana
and the Luxoro Museum offer
a fascinating cross-section of
nineteenth and twentieth century
art. Also in a park - the centrally-
located Villetta Di Negro, is the
Museum of Oriental Art, one of
the largest and most comprehensive
of its kind in Europe.
F R O M R U B E N ST O C A R A V A G G I O
●
Amidst the Palazzi dei Rolli you
will also find the Strada Nuova,
Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso
museums, the Palazzo Spinola di
of Dürer’s paintings to works by
Veronese; from the masterpieces
of Caravaggio and Rubens to pieces
by Guercino, Guido Reni and Van
Dyck. Palazzo Reale houses works
by some of the biggest artists of
the Baroque and Rococo eras, such
as Jacopo Bassano, Tintoretto, Luca
Giordano and Anton Van Dyck.
spices, chocolate and delicious candied
fruits. Then comes the Barberia, or
Barber Shop on Vico Caprettari, with
its beautiful Liberty furniture. Be sure
to pop into Viganotti, the famous
artisan chocolate shop, located near
Piazza Matteotti: here everything is
produced using tools and machinery
from the last century, still fully
functional. The itinerary ends with
Soziglia, where the Pietro Romanengo
fu Stefano confectioner has stood since
1780, with its delightful furnishings.
Chocolates and high confectionery
have become a true flag of the city.
Genoa’s caruggi are home to the treasures of ancient artisan workshops
The Museums of Strada Nuova, a Unesco World Heritage Site
The Nervi Museums, treasure trove of art and nature
Pellicceria gallery and the Palazzo
Reale. Municipal and national
museums home to many incredible
works of art. The Palazzo Spinola
national gallery exhibits works by
great artists such as Antonello
da Messina, Peter Paul Rubens,
Orazio Gentileschi and Van
Dyck. On Via Garibaldi, Palazzo
Rosso and Palazzo Bianco house
a series of breath-taking frescoes
and collections. From a gallery
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To be experienced all year
round, a gift of never-
ending emotions. This
is the secret that makes
the gardens created by Sir Thomas
Hanbury beautiful, and truly one
of a kind, worldwide: 18 hectares
of immeasurable value and beauty,
located on the Mortola promontory,
in Ventimiglia. The gardens date
back to 1867. That year Sir Hanbury,
a rich English traveller, visited Capo
Mortola during a holiday and was
struck by the beauty of the steep,
light-bathed terrain, consisting of
terraces of orange groves and olive
groves overlooking the azure sea.
Hanbury purchased a large area of
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A N I N V I T A T I O NF R O M S I RH A N B U R Y
land with the idea of gathering, in
a completely new garden, exotic
plants that would have struggled to
acclimatise elsewhere.
Today the gardens remain a
paradise. Winding pathways, rest
areas, ancient oil mills, the elegant
Palazzo Orengo, plus pergolas,
wells, terraces, greenhouses:
everything is beautiful and
surrounded by lush vegetation.
There are fountains (of the herons,
of the dragon, of the papyrus, of
the faun, of the mermaid), the
lion’s bath, the temples, the slave
cave. Spectacular gardens. A
delight for the eyes and the nose.●
I M P E R I A , B A R O Q U E D R E A M
● Imperia, with its two souls, Oneglia and
Porto Maurizio, is one of Italy’s baroque
capitals. Starting in Oneglia from the Chiesa
di San Giovanni Battista, built in 1742, going
on to the Chiesa di San Biagio Martire, at the
city’s heart. In Porto Maurizio the baroque
abounds, in the church and in the Loggias of
Santa Chiara, with the San Pietro Oratory not
too far away. Also exuding all that is baroque,
Palazzo Gastaldi and Palazzo Guarnieri, in the
historic Parasio district.
C I T Y B E A U T I E S
L A S P E Z I A , B L E N D I N G H I S T O R Y
A N D M O D E R N I T Y
● La Spezia is a city which has seen much
change over recent years. You will find a
restored, pedestrianised old town, an elegant
promenade and much to offer in the way of
shopping. With gems such as the Arsenale
Naval Base and its museum to explore. A trip
to La Spezia is not complete without a visit to
Castello San Giorgio. The regional capital also
boasts some remarkable museum heritage,
with the Museo Lia which houses a wonderful
collection of ancient art.
S A V O N A , C I T Y O F P O P E S
● Savona is a city just waiting to be
discovered. From the imposing Priamar
fortress, home to the city’s art gallery, to
the famous Leon Pancaldo Tower which the
Savonesi call the Torretta, or Little Tower.
“City of Popes” thanks to the cultural
and artistic legacy left by two great popes
of the Renaissance, Sixtus IV and Julius
II, Savona boasts a Cathedral, a Sistine
Chapel, the Oratory of Santa Maria di
Castello and the Episcopal Palace.
T H E H O U S E S TA N D S O N A P R O M O N T O R Y, J U T T I N G O U T I N T O T H E S E A , S U R R O U N D E D
B Y A G A R D E N P L A N T E D W I T H T H E M O S T W O N D E R F U L C O L L E C T I O N O F F L O W E R S
A N D S H R U B S , A N D P L A N T S F R O M E V E R Y PA R T O F T H E W O R L D …
Queen Victoria
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Italy boasts a total of
three ceramic capitals,
since alongside Savona,
an international
ceramic production centre
since back in the seventeenth
century, Albissola Marina and
Albisola Superiore also play the
same role.
In Savona, at the city’s historic
heart, you’ll find the Musa, one
of the world’s oldest ceramic
museums. The Museum is
spread over four levels in the
halls of the Palazzo del Monte
di Pietà. The museum’s rich
portfolio, which totals over a
thousand pieces, is organised
into individual collections,
alternating sections sorted by
chronology and type.
In the 1900s, Albisola Superiore
and Albissola Marina were the
ceramic capitals of Europe.
All of the great ceramic artists
visited. A visit to the Giuseppe
Mazzotti Ceramics Factory is a
must, with the spectacular life-
size crocodile by Lucio Fontana.
Don’t miss the Promenade
of the Artists, a world first
spanning almost a kilometre,
featuring the drawings of great
artists. At the centre of the
town, near the underpass, you’ll
find Piazza della Concordia with
drawings by Agenore Fabbri
and Mario Rossello, the Muro
Raku and the Antica Fornace
Alba Docilia (an ancient
furnace dating back to 1641).
The hamlet of Pozzo Garitta is
home to cultural associations
and art studios. ●
S H O C K I N G B L U E
P O R T O V E N E R E
● A paradise of nature and
architecture, Porto Venere is a
hamlet not to be missed. In the
town, the stunning San Pietro
church stands on a large square,
with beautiful views of Byron’s
Grotto. The Doria castle, built by
the Genoese, is truly majestic. Porto
Venere is also home to a Romanesque
door dating back to 1160, inscribed
“Colonia Ianuensis 1113”.
T H E S E C R E T I S L A N D
● There is an island that opens once
a year and reveals in one day its wild
beauty and its legendary being. Its
name is Isola del Tino. The fateful,
unmissable date for those who
love nature and ancient history is
September 13th. The archaeological
area, located near the landing, with
Roman remains and the ruins of a
medieval monastery, is testimony of
the ancient monastic settlements.
A R A T H E R P O E T I C G U L F
The very name of this
segment of Liguria
conveys its spirit. The
Shelleys spent much
time here, and it was here that their
poignant love affair ended: Percy
B. Shelley drowned near the Tuscan
coast, while Mary, the author of
“Frankenstein”, was waiting for him
in their San Terenzo seafront villa.
Lord Byron spent several days here,
D.H.Lawrence made his home here,
and Virginia Woolf visited it. The
writer Mario Soldati lived in Tellaro.
The Antico Savona or Bianco Blu decoration was first introduced by the Guidobono family, whose progenitor Giovanni Antonio (1631-1685) introduced the chiaroscuro definition of the turquoise monochrome
THE PL ACE IS CL ASSIC FOR ALL ENGLISH TRAVELLERS, FOR IN THE
MIDDLE OF THE CURVING SHORE IS THE NOW DESOL ATE LIT TLE VILL A
IN WHICH SHELLEY SPENT THE L AST MONTHS OF HIS SHORT LIFE...
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O N E R E G I O N , M A N Y P A R K S
Imagination and a love of
nature. But art too, and a
mild climate all year round.
These are the elements that
have made possible a true botanical
miracle: the creation of great and
unforgettable parks in a place like
Liguria, squeezed between the sea
and the mountains.
G E N O A
● The Villa Durazzo Pallavicini
park is a unique place, theatrical
in style, designed by Michele
Canzio in the mid-Nineteenth
century. The park was conceived
as a stage for a philosophical-
fairytale production seamlessly
W E S T E R N R I V I E R A
● In Imperia you’ll find Villa Grock, splendid
and legendary, a rediscovered pearl of the
western Ligurian Riviera. It was built and
then inhabited by the famous Swiss clown,
Adrien Wettach. In Sanremo, the gardens of
Villa Ormond offer an extraordinary example
of green space design. They are divided into
“rooms” with different , highly characterised
plant environments: palm grove, cedars, ficus
zone. The central section is dedicated to
the typical Italian garden. In Alassio there is
Villa Pergola: the park covers 22,000 square
meters and is famous for the richness of its
Mediterranean and exotic evergreen flora.
E A S T E R N R I V I E R A
● In La Spezia, Villa Marigola is a
place of unique charm: the variety of
viewpoints, the dense and variegated
plant life and the scent of the
Mediterranean scrub blend with the
delicious sea breeze. A wonderful
natural balcony over the sea, the
Cervara Abbey in Santa Margherita
boasts thriving green grounds. The
first inhabitants were the Benedictine
monks, and it is to those monks, over
the course of the following centuries,
that we owe the abbey’s enormous
prestige throughout Europe.
Cervara in Santa Margherita, a sea of wisteria looking on to the Tigullio Gulf
Villa Ormond in Sanremo
The initiation journey of Villa Durazzo Pallavicini
in Genoa
Villa Pergola in Alassio
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slotted into the canons of literary
romanticism. More traditional,
rich in exotic plants, palm trees
and home to three monumental
trees are the Parks of Nervi,
overlooking the sea, which
recently hosted Euroflora.
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M E M O
O N M A P
BUILT BY THE ADMIRAL PRINCE ANDREA DORIA IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY, OUTSIDE THE CITY WALLS, THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN HISTORIC VILLAS OF GENOA “LA SUPERBA”.
GENOA IL PALAZZO DEL PRINCIPE
TAGGIA’S OLD TOWN, WITH ITS ANCIENT MONUMENTS, VAULTS AND ARCHES AMONG TRADITIONAL HOUSES WITH SLATE PORTALS, IS LIGURIA’S SECOND LARGEST, IN IMPORTANCE AND EXTENSION, AFTER THAT OF GENOA.
TAGGIA
LOCATED AT THE HEART OF THE CITY, ITS SUMPTUOUS INTERIOR CONTAINS WORKS BY RUBENS, RENI AND SOME OF THE GREATEST ARTISTS OF THE GENOESE BAROQUE.
GENOA CHIESA DEL GESÙ
KNOWN WORLDWIDE, THE CHIAVARI CHAIR, WOODEN, LIGHTWEIGHT BUT ROBUST AT THE SAME TIME, WAS CREATED IN 1807 BY GAETANO DESCALZI AND IS STILL PRODUCED BY LOCAL ARTISANS TODAY.
SEDIA CHIAVARINA
A SYMBOL OF GENOA, THE “LANTERNA” STANDS AT 77 METRES, THE TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. ITS LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED THE CITY’S GULF SINCE THE XII CENTURY.
THE LIGHTHOUSE OF GENOA
CREATED IN OIL ON CANVAS AROUND 1605, THE FAMOUS PAINTING IS HOUSED IN THE PALAZZO BIANCO MUSEUM, ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS PALAZZI DEI ROLLI.
GENOA CARAVAGGIO ECCE HOMO
THE FILIGREE JEWELS, DELICATE, FINE WORKS THAT IMITATE THE ARABESQUE, CRAFTED FROM VERY THIN GOLD OR SILVER THREADS, HAVE BEEN CREATED BY MASTER GOLDSMITHS FOR CENTURIES.
CAMPO LIGURE FILIGREE
THE ANCIENT ART OF DAMASK PRODUCTION, WHICH DATES BACK TO THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY, IS STILL PRACTISED IN THIS LITTLE LIGURIAN HAMLET, WHERE YOU’LL ALSO FIND A MUSEUM DEDICATED TO THESE WONDERFUL TEXTILE WORKS.
LORSICA DAMASK
LOCATED AT THE HAMLET’S HEART, THE BATTISTERO IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST KNOWN EARLY CHRISTIAN MONUMENTS OF NORTHERN ITALY.
ALBENGA
THE COMPLEX OF SANTA CATERINA BUILT IN 1359, ON BEHALF OF THE DEL CARRETTO FAMILY, HOUSES FINALE LIGURE’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, A CONFERENCE HALL, DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITIONS.
FINALBORGO
A MEDIEVAL TOWN AT THE HEART OF THE LUNIGIANA, DEFENDED BY TWO POWERFUL FORTRESSES: ONE AT THE CENTRE OF THE TOWN, THE FORTEZZA FIRMAFEDE, AND THE OTHER A LITTLE FURTHER NORTH, THE FORTEZZA DI SARZANELLO.
THE SARZANA FORTRESSES
THE ABBEY OF SANTA MARIA ALLA CROCE, BETTER KNOWN AS THE BADIA DI TIGLIETO, IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN WORSHIP DATING BACK TO THE XII CENTURY.
BADIA TIGLIETO
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Pansoti, corzetti and testaroli: three examples of fresh pasta, Ligurian style
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B A S I L (T H E N A M E D E R I V E S F R O M “B A S I L I KO N” I N G R E E K , M E A N I N G “R E G A L , M A J E S T I C P L A N T ”) I S T R U LY L I G U R I A’S O L FA C T O R Y C O R N E R S T O N E , B E C AU S E I T I S P R O D U C E D E XC L U S I V E LY O N LY H E R E .T
his explains the great
interest in the European
protection designation, and
the existence of spontaneous
associations to protect basil
and its most famous culinary
derivative: pesto.
Around Genoa, the
undisputed motherland of the basil is certainly
Prà, whose hills a few metres from the sea enjoy
the ideal climate for the plant’s growth. The
“Genoese” definition of basil originates from
Prà. In the Western Riviera, PDO seedlings are
cultivated in the surroundings of Andora, Diano,
Ceriale, Ortonovo and on the Albenga plain, which
is perhaps the area with the highest production
density. In the Eastern Riviera, PDO seedlings
come from Sori, Recco, and in small amounts from
all across the Tigullio hinterland. In the area of La
Spezia, outstanding basil is produced in the Lower
Val di Magra and in the Sarzana area.
T H E M O R T A R
● PDO basil meets its natural end in the mortar
(strictly made of marble with a wooden pestle).
This is what tradition dictates, in a process which
has survived modernization and the development
of domestic appliances. Into the mortar, according
to the traditional recipe, must go: Ligurian basil,
Parmesan cheese, mature Sardinian cheese, pine
nuts, peeled garlic, a glass of extra virgin olive oil,
salt. Then it’s just a question of “pounding”.
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T H E G R E E N E M P E R O R
L I G U R I A ’ S F AV O U R I T E S A U C E
● There isn’t any restaurant,
trattoria, osteria or agriturismo
in the region that does not offer
at least one pesto-based dish.
Pesto’s natural destiny is to dress
fresh pasta and for this reason,
rigorously Ligurian forms of pasta
have emerged over the centuries,
such as trofie, universally considered
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the best choice with pesto. But
trenette, testaroli to the East and
corzetti in the Genoese valleys are
all perfect pastas to marry with
pesto. A little less typical, but
no less delicious are gnocchi and
lasagne too. The sauce also brings
something unique to “minestrone
alla genovese”, a wonderful
vegetable soup with pesto.
O T H E R S A U C E S
● Among the sauces that
characterize Ligurian cooking, the
walnut sauce that accompanies
pansoti, filled fresh pasta that is
produced only here, is also popular,
while “tocco” is a meat sauce
cooked slowly over several hours,
perfect for ravioli.
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C E R T I F I C A T I O N S A R E B O R N
S A L T E D A N C H O V I E S
● Another PGI product is Acciughe Sotto Sale del
Mar Ligure (Ligurian Sea-Salted Anchovies), sold in
traditional glass mason jars. An authentic, tricky-to-
find product that can be used as a base for starters,
first and second courses.
Liguria, “a poor tongue of
land bordering the sea”,
in the words of the poet
Camillo Sbarbaro. Yet on
this small strip of land, the Ligurians
have managed to create some
unique and exceptional products.
With European certification.
Besides pesto, the most famous is
the Riviera Ligure extra virgin olive
oil, the ideal base of the typical
Focaccia Genovese.
T H E M A G N I F I C E N T 3
● PDO oil can indicate one
of three destinations of origin:
“Riviera dei Fiori”, “Riviera del
Ponente Savonese” or “Riviera di
Levante”. To visit Liguria without
sampling its extra virgin olive oil
would be unforgivable, and to
leave without taking a bottle with
you, a true shame. The advice
is to go in search of the olive
presses themselves, a wonderful
way to learn more about this
region. Of course, the Ligurian oil
is also the basis of many dishes,
but it is especially used with
vegetables and fish.
R E C C O F O C A C C I A W I T H C H E E S E
● The product has become a flag of Ligurian cuisine
and according to the strict PGI regulations, only
the restaurants and focaccia producers of the
municipalities included in the area (beyond Recco,
Avegno, Sori and Camogli) can boast the designation.
So, if you want to taste a delicious certified focaccia,
then head to the Golfo Paradiso, to the east of Genoa.
Genoese focaccia: for breakfast with a cappuccino, or as an aperitif with a glass of white wine
S T O C K F I S H A N D S A L T C O D
● The aroma (calling it a perfume
would be going a little too far),
unequivocal and intense, spreads
through Genoa’s alleyways. The large
dried cods, scary, slightly monstrous
creatures in the eyes of generations
of Ligurian children, peep out from
the shops, spreading their smell and
reminding us, like the leaves that fall,
that autumn is with us.
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Noble and ancient, but
only really valued
for around twenty
years, Rossese (or
Rossese di Dolceacqua) is perhaps
the most famous of Liguria’s red
wines. The native vine was born
and is cultivated exclusively on the
Western Riviera, in particular in the
regions of Camporosso, Dolceacqua,
Perinaldo, San Biagio della Cima,
Soldano, Vallecrosia and Ventimiglia.
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The Dolceacqua region gave rise to the eponymous Rossese wine
R O S S E S E A N D H I S B R O T H E R S
A N D R E A D O R I A
A N D N A P O L E O N
● It is above all in Val Nervia, near
Dolceacqua, that discovering the
unique beauty of the territory of the
“rock villages” and tasting a glass of
Rossese are a must. This exceptional
wine was chosen by Andrea Doria
himself as the ideal festive wine for
his fleet; even Napoleon Bonaparte
had the pleasure of tasting it, as a
guest of the Marchesa Doria at the
end of the eighteenth century. He
liked it so much, he sent several
barrels to Paris.
O T H E R D O C W I N E S
● A challenging land, impervious
and wild, the hinterland of the
Western Riviera has rewarded those
who believed in the territory by
offering some great DOC wines, to
be enjoyed locally. Little but good
is the ideal definition for the PDO
Riviera di Ponente which originates
in Pigato and Vermentino, as well as
in Ormeasco, which also produces
a “Superiore” version. The region’s
most recently certified wines include
the outstanding Granaccia.
O T H E R E A S T E R N L I G U R I A N W I N E S
● The province of La Spezia produces the majority of
Liguria’s wine. Colli di Luni wines such as Vermentino,
Luni Rosso and Luni Bianco are the most famous.
Vermentino is the perfect accompaniment to a wide
range of traditional dishes such as cheese focaccia,
whitebait frittata, sea cicada soup and pesto troffiette
pasta. The DOC Colline di Levanto label also produces a
Vermentino and a Red and is home to a famous winery.
The Cinque Terre and Golfo del Tigullio labels also
produce DOC wines, with Ciliegiolo a highly unique rosé.
A H E R O I C W I N E : S C I A C C H E T R À S
ciacchetrà is a passito wine,
sweet and liqueur-like,
produced in the Cinque
Terre from grapes that come
from the region’s famous terraces,
developed through centuries of effort
by courageous, heroic farmers. The
etymology of the word is uncertain.
It is thought to derive from the verb
“sciacàa” (to crush). Sciacchetrà is
produced with the same grapes as dry
white, dried on special racks for at least
two months, using a system that makes
it unique and famous worldwide. It goes
well with desserts such as the Genoese
pandolce and the Siena panforte. And
it goes without saying that sipping a
glass of this exceptional passito whilst
watching the sea in front of the Cinque
Terre is an unrivalled experience.
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T H E W I N E O F T H E C I N Q U E T E R R E S E E M S P R E S S E D I N D R O P S A N D I N F U S E D W I T H A L L T H E D I O N Y S I A N P E R F U M E S A N D B E AU T I E S
Giosuè Carducci
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F A R I N A T A , A W O N D E R F U L
W I N T E R D I S H
● Hot and steaming “a fainà” is
one of the gastronomic symbols of
Liguria. A peasant dish by tradition,
farinata is quick to prepare (cooking
in wood-burning oven in around
seven minutes) and offers an
almost complete meal at a low
price. You can also enjoy it with
rosemary, onion or whatever takes
your fancy. This historic food was
invented centuries ago in the shops
in the old towns of Genoa and
Savona, where farinata bianca has
also become popular.
M Y K I N G D O M F O R A B E A N
The beans of Badalucco, Conio and Pigna,
in the Western Ligurian inland, are
celebrated worldwide. These delicious
beans are traditionally used in a wide
variety of recipes, and each town has a typical dish:
Pigna is known for its goat with beans, Conio for its
“Zemin” (a soup of beans, vegetables and meat) and
Badalucco for its “Friscioi” (fritters).
V E R D I A N D P U C C I N I ’ S T R I P E
● Tripe, especially stewed, is a
traditional Genoese dish. And like
other traditional dishes, tripe also
has its own “temple”: the tripperia
at 3 Rosso di Vico Casana in
Genoa’s old town. It is here that, for
two hundred years, the oldest tripe
producer in Italy has been located.
Over those years, the tripperia
has served some of history’s great
names - Mazzini, Verdi and then
Puccini were all regular customers.
Pigna beans are a Slow Food presidium
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Chickpea farinata, hot, steaming and delicious. Legend has it this dish dates back to the Battle of Meloria in 1284: on the Genoese
galleys, sacks of chickpeas and barrels of oil were spilled and mixed with seawater, taken on by the ship due to bad weather.
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Every coastal town or village has its
dish, its restaurants and a thousand
opportunities to discover the richness
of a region which has given so much
to Italy’s cuisine... With delicious delicacies,
already internationally renowned or just
waiting to be discovered.
A T A S T E O F T H E S E A
F I S H I N G T O U R I S M A N D A L L I T I N V O LV E S
● Fishing alongside the professionals, eating freshly
caught and prepared fish on the boat: this is the
meaning of fishing tourism. To be a part of all of this
is a truly special experience: Liguria has much to
offer in the way of fishing tourism and all it involves,
with restaurants offering fresh local fish, in the most
beautiful parts of Liguria, set right on the sand.
G O U R M E T
S E A F O O D
● A seafood dinner at one of the
many restaurants overlooking
the sea of Tigullio, from Rapallo
to Santa and Portofino, is never
complete without the red prawn,
a particularly prized, super fresh
proposal. Equally famous is the
Sanremo red shrimp, vibrant red
with extremely tasty flesh, often
eaten raw, cooked in salt or just
seared.
L A S P E Z I A M U S S E L S
● Liguria’s delicacies also include La Spezia mussels,
which are considered some of the very finest. The
Italian for mussels is “cozze”, but in Liguria they call
them “muscoli” too, so don’t be surprised if you see
both names on the menus. La Spezia also produces
delicious oysters, to be served with a good glass of
Vermentino.
In Liguria you can head out with the fishermen on their fishing boats to discover the sea
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A T T H E T A B L E
● Big, fat, boiled in plenty of water,
dressed with extra virgin olive oil and
accompanied by boiled potatoes. Simple
and instant, the key to any successful
formula, and to the fortune of boiled
octopus, a must-try dish, typically
served as a starter. In the extreme west
of Liguria, between Porto Venere and
Lerici, there are also festivals dedicated
to the octopus. But this delicious dish is
available everywhere.
C U L I N A R Y
G L O R Y
● Fish “alla ligure” is one of the
region’s most celebrated and
tasty dishes. Simple, zero-mile
food, just like the chefs of the
Riviera’s restaurants love. It is
baked in the oven and the basic
ingredient must be fresh. Sea
bass or sea bream, either will do.
The basic ingredients, taggiasca
olives and extra virgin olive oil,
must be local.
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BASIL IS PRIZED AND CULTIVATED RIGHT ACROSS LIGURIA, BUT THE MOST CELEBRATED WAS BORN IN THE HILLS OF PRÀ, ON THE PLAINS ABOVE GENOA. YOU CAN EVEN FIND IT IN LITTLE POTS IN THE BEST SHOPS.
PRÀ PESTO
SAVONA FARINATA IS WHITE, BECAUSE IT IS MADE USING STANDARD FLOUR RATHER THAN CHICKPEA. IN THE OLD TOWN, THERE ARE SOME BAKERS WHO STILL PREPARE THEIR FARINATA AS TRADITION DICTATES.
SAVONA FARINATA
KNOWN AS “FÜGASSA” IN THE LOCAL DIALECT, FOCACCIA IS A LIGURIAN SPECIALTY AVAILABLE FROM ALMOST EVERY BAKERY, STREET FOOD STALL OR CAFÉ. THE “CLASSICA” IS THE FAVOURITE OF MANY, BUT YOU’LL ALSO FIND ONION, ROSEMARY AND OLIVE VERSIONS.
FOCACCIA GENOVESE
PANSOTTI - THE HUGELY POPULAR FRESH STUFFED PASTA BORN IN EASTERN LIGURIA, ALSO A FAVOURITE OF VEGANS, WITH ITS “PREBOGGION” STUFFING, A MIXTURE OF WILD HERBS. PERFECT WITH A WALNUT SAUCE.
PANSOTTI WITH WALNUT SAUCE
IPG RECCO FOCACCIA WITH CHEESE IS FLYING THE FLAG FOR THE GENOESE MUNICIPALITY’S CUISINE. ACCORDING TO ITS EUROPEAN SPECIFICATION, YOU’LL ONLY FIND IT IN RECCO, SORI, AVEGNO AND CAMOGLI.
FOCACCIA DI RECCO
PISSALANDREA, OR PISSALADIÈRE, IS A LEAVENED DOUGH, LIKE THAT OF FOCACCIA, SPREAD WITH A THIN LAYER OF TOMATO, AND TOPPED WITH TAGGIASCA OLIVES IN BRINE, INTERSPERSED WITH CLOVES OF RAW GARLIC, CAPERS AND ANCHOVIES IN OIL.
SARDENAIRA PISSALANDREA
THE PANDOLCE GENOVESE, OR GENOA CAKE, FEATURES ON ALMOST EVERY GENOESE AND LIGURIAN TABLE AT CHRISTMAS. MADE WITH RAISINS, PINE NUTS, CANDIED PEEL AND LOTS OF LOVE, IT IS AN EXCEPTIONAL AND UNIQUE DESSERT.
PANDOLCE GENOVESE
IN LIGURIA, “OLIVE” IS ALMOST SYNONYMOUS WITH “TAGGIASCA”, THE MOST FAMOUS VARIETY, HARVESTED IN THE AREA AROUND IMPERIA AND USED TO PRODUCE A WONDERFUL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL.
TAGGIASCA OLIVES
A TRUE PASSION, THE PERFECT WINTER DISH. CHICKPEA FLOUR, WATER, A WOOD BURNING OVEN AND A BIG TIN-PLATED COPPER BAKING PAN: THAT’S ALL YOU NEED. SIMPLE AND TASTY.
GENOA FARINATA
A SOFT, SWEET TREAT, MADE ACCORDING TO THE TRADITIONAL RECIPE, WITH ALMONDS, EGG WHITE AND SUGAR. THESE ARE THE AMARETTI OF SASSELLO, A LITTLE HAMLET IN THE BEIGUA REGIONAL PARK.
SASSELLO AMARETTI
THE SWEET TREAT WITH THE HOLE AT ITS CENTRE. AND SUCH AN INTOXICATING AROMA - TORRIGLIA’S CANESTRELLI. THIS RICH AND SIMPLE LITTLE EGG BISCUIT HAS MADE THE TOWN FAMOUS.
TORRIGLIA CANESTRELLI
STUFFED MUSSELS ARE ONE OF THE LIGURIAN TOWN OF LA SPEZIA’S TYPICAL DISHES. VERY EASY AND PACKED WITH FLAVOUR, THEY MAKE THE IDEAL DINNER PARTY DISH.
LA SPEZIA STUFFED MUSSELS
MADE WITH CHESTNUT FLOUR, CASTAGNACCIO IS A DELICIOUS BAKED DESSERT. IN THE LUNIGIANA THERE ARE SEVERAL VERSIONS, BUT THEY MUST ALL BE PACKED WITH PINE NUTS AND RAISINS.
CASTAGNACCIO DI LUNIGIANA
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T H E P E O P L E
N AT U R A L M O V E M E N T
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Thanks to its shape, its continuous
ascents and descents, between the
mountains and the sea, Liguria is a true
paradise for those who love hiking and
mountain biking. Visit the website:
www.beactiveliguria.it for all the
information and contact details you
need for your “active” Liguria holiday.
T H E C I N Q U E T E R R E O N F O O T
For centuries the paths of the Cinque
Terre were the only link between one
town and the next, and between the
towns and the hinterland. One of
the region’s must-explore routes is
the Sanctuary trail: it starts from the
village of Monterosso and winds along
pathway 509 towards the Santuario
di Nostra Signora di Soviore. Another
unmissable route is the Vineyard
trail, which starts from Riomaggiore
- Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre’s
most “overhanging” locations.
A N T O L A , A D R E A M L I K E S E T T I N G J U S T A S T O N E ’ S T H R O W F R O M T H E C I T Y
The Antola Regional Nature Park’s
network of trails showcases different
environments and landscapes,
crossed by paths and mule tracks
for all ages and abilities, from
walking lovers to occasional or less
experienced hikers.
B E I G U A F O L I A G E
From the end of September until
early November, the green forests
of Beigua are transformed into a
kaleidoscope of warm, yellow hues,
then orange, dark reds and every
shade of brown: this is the foliage
season. Venturing into the Deiva
Forest in Sassello or following the
Archaeological Trail that starts
from Alpicella (Varazze) through
a wonderful beech forest is truly a
sight to behold.
N A T U R E B Y B I K E
Some of Liguria’s most beautiful
nature lies in the Aveto Park,
where there is a Bike Park in Rocca
d’Aveto for lovers of Free Riding,
Downhill Mountain Biking and
Enduro, with a chairlift equipped
for the transporting of bicycles.
The Foresta delle Lame and the
glacial lakes are truly spectacular,
and they mark the beginning of
some wonderful mountain biking
trails, climbing up the easy forest
dirt roads before thrilling single
track descents.
2 0 0 0 K I L O M E T R E S I N T H E M A R I T I M E A L P S
The Maritime Alps offer mountain
bike and road bike enthusiasts a
wide choice of exciting and scenic
routes, to discover the valleys, the
ancient hamlets and the beautiful
nature of the Park.
M O L I N I D I T R I O R AE - B I K E T O U R S
The area around Molini di Triora
is well worth exploring by bike.
The commune marks the start
of a cross-country route of
around 30 km, the perfect
choice for those who want to
push themselves and go full pelt,
and for those who want to take a
relaxing tour to discover the area.
Breathtaking views: the reward for those who go trekking in the Beigua Park
D O W N H I L L I N F I N A L E L I G U R E A R E A
This outdoor capital is a paradise
for mountain biking, with hundreds
of kilometres of off-road trails,
from easy to super-challenging.
MTB enthusiasts, from free
riding to downhill, from enduro
to cross-country, will find various
Bike Shuttle services, guide
associations and a wide variety
of trails, where they can test
their skills in the saddle.
L E T ’ S G E T P A D D L I N GT
he Alta Via dei Monti Liguri
is the most spectacular
scenic route, a chance
to explore the region
along its entire mountain ridge from
Ventimiglia, at the very end of the
Riviera di Ponente on the border with
France, to Ceparana, a town in the
Province of La Spezia, near Tuscany.
The trail is divided into 43 stages, for
a total of 422 km, of various lengths
and difficulties, and is marked with
red-white-red trail signposts, with
the inscription AV in the white part.
The trail can be explored on foot,
but mountain bikers can also cycle
the entire length along the cycle
path. The Alta Via is connected to
the main urban centres and towns
along the valley floor by a network of
connecting paths; it is also part of the
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European network of hiking trails
connecting the Mediterranean to
Central Europe.
Each stretch of road guarantees
unforgettable views for
experienced and amateur hikers:
greenery alternates with marine
landscapes where you can see the
profile of Corsica, the east and west
coast and also Monte Viso and the
Monte Rosa massif.
The trail also crosses the Beigua
Regional Nature Park, the Ligurian
Alps Regional Nature Park, the
Capanne di Marcarolo Nature Park
and the Aveto Regional Nature
Park. The highest point on the Alta
Via trail is Monte Saccarello (2,201
metres above sea level).
For more information see: www.beactiveliguria.it ●
400 km long, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is a trekking must
In Liguria you can paddle all year round, with something new to discover in every season
E C O K A Y A K &
G O U R M E T - K A Y A K T O U R S
Are you handy with
a paddle, or do you
fancy giving it a go?
Then you’re in the
right place. Because in every
corner of the Riviera there is
the opportunity to rent a kayak,
sign up for a lesson or simply
take to the sea in your own boat.
The possibilities are endless, the
places are unique. In the true
sense of the word because in
your kayak, you will be among
the few to venture into the
protected marine areas, such as
Cala dell’Oro in Portofino, the
beautiful coasts of the Cinque
Terre, the island of Bergeggi in
the West Riviera, or Tino and
Tinetto islands in the Gulf of
Poets in the East Riviera.
La Via del Mare by kayak on the
Ligurian Sea is a route divided
into 16 blue stages, which are
connected to the berths most
suitable for kayaking: to find out
more visit: www.beactiveliguria.it M
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historic Abbey of San Fruttuoso
by canoe or sailing boat, with the
guides of Outdoor Portofino,
spend a night in the Park and
return the following day to
Portofino. The kayak gourmet is
a trip by kayak to the Mulino del
Gassetta - a restaurant located
in the Park where you can enjoy
typical local produce.
● Between the sea and the
promontory, Portofino has a
wealth of activities to offer.
And it is certainly a kayaker’s
paradise. For the more
adventurous, there is a two day
kayak and trek through the Park,
the chance to get up close with
nature, while those looking for
an original break can head to the
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The sea in Liguria also
has an active, dynamic,
adrenaline-filled side that
appeals to the younger
audience in particular. In addition
to the classic seaside activities,
in Liguria you can also enjoy the
more on-trend sports, such as
surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing,
wakeboarding and SUP (stand up
paddle boarding).
R I D I N G T H E W A V E S
A H O L E I N O N E . . .A N Y T I M E O F Y E A R
Surfing is certainly strong in
Liguria, with the most famous
spots located on the Western
Riviera, in Sanremo, Varazze,
Finale Ligure, Andora and Diano
Marina and on the Eastern Riviera
in Lerici, Levanto, Moneglia,
Recco and Bogliasco. When:
from October to April is the ideal
surfing season, when the highest
and most beautiful waves are
formed, highly sought after by the
more experienced surfers. Liguria
also offers the ideal conditions
for windsurfing, kitesurfing and
wakeboarding, especially in the
resorts with the largest beaches.
SUP, or “stand up paddle boarding”,
is paddling standing on a long,
wide board. In Liguria almost
every resort or beach now offers
SUP excursions. In Portofino,
the Cinque Terre and Bergeggi in
particular, there are guided tours
for all abilities. ●
With winter waves reaching over two metres, Liguria is a surfing favourite D
iscovering Liguria
through its golf
courses means
savouring its nuances
on 11 outstanding regional courses.
Thanks to the mild climate and
the opportunity to play a different
course every day, Liguria is the
ideal destination to enjoy golf all
year round.
The oldest course is the Circolo
Golf e Tennis Rapallo, 18 holes
nestled in stunning nature, enriched
by fascinating views of the ruins of
the thirteenth-century Valle Christi
monastery.
In Cogoleto, to the west of Genoa,
set in around 65 hectares, the
St. Anna Golf Club is a beautiful
18-hole course, designed by the
famous architect Robert Von Hagge.
The Golf Club Garlenda is a
vast 18-hole golf course located
between Alassio and Albenga,
surrounded by ancient olive and
pine groves.
The historic Circolo Golf degli
Ulivi di Sanremo welcomes golf
enthusiasts in a unique natural
setting, with 18 holes on different
levels along terraces created on the
side of a mountain.
There are many other opportunities
to play, right across the Riviera,
with 9-hole courses in Albisola,
Arenzano, Lerici and Castellaro
and driving ranges in Genoa and
Sarzana. ●
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Rio Prialunga is without a doubt
the most beautiful gorge of the
Beigua Park mountains, ideal for
canyoning: a nice mix of vertical
descents and fun, condensed in a
route of around three hours, with
stunning sea views. To the west
you’ll find around thirty canyons,
internationally renowned for their
beauty. Rio Barbaira and the Buggio
canyon in Val Nervia, the Argentina
creek in the valley of the same
name, and Rio Santa Lucia in Valle
Arroscia are all worthy of mention.
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The majestic, pure beauty
of the snow-capped
mountains, the fun
winter sports (from
those guaranteed to deliver an
adrenaline rush, to the more sedate
options) and the lunches in the
warmth of the mountain refuges:
Liguria offers the perfect package -
the ideal blend of physical activity
H I T T H E S L O P E S
In Val d’Aveto, winter offers the ideal conditions for the formation of spectacular icefalls! To reach these wonderful crystallized structures, such as the Cascata delle Donne and the Fantasia Falls, there are tours available with qualified Alpine Guides.
in the snow and pampering in the
warmth, the optimum mix to purify
and regenerate body and mind, away
from the daily toil. To fully enjoy the
beauty of nature, be sure to try a
snowshoe excursion - you can explore
the snowy peaks of the Aveto and
Antola Parks, discover pathways with
breathtaking sea views in the Beigua
Park, or head deep into the larch
woods of the Ligurian Alps.
For those who prefer to ski, there
are family resorts such as Santo
Stefano d’Aveto, also extremely
popular for off-piste skiing and ski
mountaineering. And finally, the Colle
Melosa cross-country ski circuit, in
the Imperia area, a trail through woods
of larch trees and firs, surrounded by
typical winter landscape but looking
towards the sea. ●
F R E S H WAT E R F U N
With a wealth of waterways that
flow into the sea after just a few
kilometres, crossing very narrow
gorges, Liguria is the ideal place
for canyoning and rafting, offering
breathtaking views in all seasons.
The undisputed capital of both
disciplines is the Val di Vara, in
La Spezia, with specialist sports
associations in Brugnato and Arcola.
The Lavagna creek, near the Tigullio
Gulf, is great for canyoning too,
adrenaline rush guaranteed.
L I G U R I A N T H R I L L S
H A N G I N G O N A R O C K
Suspended on a wall with the sun
in front of you and the sea in the
background. The unique experience
awaiting free climbers in Liguria.
Finale Ligure is legendary for
free climbing, with much to offer.
Always a favourite destination,
today Finale Ligure is visited by
thousands of free climbers, 12
months of the year. Also to the
west, rocky walls and spectacular
climbing in Val Pennavaire too, and
in Val Varatella close to the Toirano
Caves. To the East, not far from
Portovenere, the Muzzerone rocks
stand tall, with climbing facilities
also available in Riva Trigoso,
Moneglia and at the Rocche di
Riopasso in Antola.
Liguria’s parks are ideal for snowshoeing in winter
From the gorges of the Beigua Park to the River Magra: a wealth of fresh water to explore
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TREKKING THROUGH THIS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE PARK IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. WITH ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS NETWORKS OF TRAILS.
CINQUE TERRE TREKKING
SANREMO’S BEACH IS IDEAL FOR SURFING, IN PARTICULAR THE “TRE PONTI” AREA WHERE SURFERS OFTEN GATHER.
SANREMO SURFING
ALONG THE STRETCH OF COAST IN FRONT OF THE PROMONTORY YOU CAN GO CANOEING ALL YEAR ROUND, DISCOVERING CAMOGLI, SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE AND PORTOFINO’S PIAZZETTA FROM THE SEA.
CANOEING IN PORTOFINO
RAPALLO IS KNOWN WORLDWIDE FOR ITS EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES. OVER NINETY YEARS OF HISTORY AND A UNIQUE LOCATION MAKE THE TOWN A FAVOURITE DESTINATION FOR VISITING GOLFERS.
GOLF IN RAPALLO
BEAUTIFUL PATHWAYS ENCIRCLE THIS LAKE IN THE ANTOLA NATURE PARK. WITH PLENTY OF PICNIC SPOTS. IN RECENT YEARS, VISITORS HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO EXPLORE THE LAKE BY CANOE OR GO SAILING.
LAGO DEL BRUGNETO
FOR FANS OF FREE CLIMBING, FINALE LIGURE HAS MUCH TO OFFER: CLIMBING ALL YEAR ROUND, BREATHTAKING VIEWS AND OUTSTANDING FACILITIES.
FREE CLIMBING IN FINALE LIGURE
IN THE PARK IN AUTUMN, NATURE OFFERS SOME TRULY SPECTACULAR FOLIAGE, THE PERFECT PLACE TO TREK THROUGH THE WOODS, THROUGH DOZENS UPON DOZENS OF BEAUTIFULLY COLOURED LEAVES. RED, YELLOW, ORANGE, BROWN.
FANTASTIC FOLIAGEIN THE BEIGUA PARK
IT STARTS FROM VENTIMIGLIA AND ENDS IN LUNI: A GREEN-BLUE RIBBON RUNNING ALONG THE COAST, JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM SANDY BEACHES OR SHEER CLIFFS.
THE SENTIERO LIGURIA TRAIL
FOR ALL THOSE WHO LOVE THE SEA, THIS SWIMMING COMPETITION RETURNS AT THE END OF AUGUST. A THRILLING SWIM THROUGH THE PORTOFINO MARINE RESERVE, ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR PLACES IN ITALY.
THE MIGLIO BLU IN PORTOFINO
SEA AND MAINLAND, THE IDEAL CLIMATE. ALASSIO IS A FAVOURITE DESTINATION OF SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS. IN SUMMER THERE’S SCUBA DIVING, SUP AND BEACH VOLLEYBALL FOR THOSE WHO’VE HAD ENOUGH OF TOPPING UP THEIR TAN.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
THE MOST FAMOUS LOCATION IN THE WORLD FOR DIVING FANS: CHRIST OF THE ABYSS, DEEP IN THE SEA OFF SAN FRUTTUOSO DI CAMOGLI.
DIVE TO CHRIST OF THE ABYSS
SANREMO, SAINT TROPEZ AND GENOA. THE THREE VERTICES OF THE GIRAGLIA ROLEX, THE MEDITERRANEAN’S MOST FAMOUS REGATTA, HELD EVERY YEAR IN JUNE.
THE GIRAGLIA REGATTA
SURFING FOR THE MORE ACTIVE, AND SUP, OR STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING, FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO BOARD AT A MORE RELAXED PACE: LEVANTO, ONE OF THE CAPITALS OF THE WAVES, HAS MUCH TO OFFER FANS OF BOTH DISCIPLINES.
SUP IN LEVANTO
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COCKTA I LBY NIG H T
Do you love
to party?
For you,
is summer
all about
aperitifs
on the
beach and
dancing until dawn? Liguria is sure to
surprise you, with its high-end venues
and lounge bars for unforgettable
aperitifs by the sea, and its many
places to go dancing, including trendy
clubs perched on the rocks or the
most exclusive VIP haunts.
In some places in Liguria you can also have your own magical, unforgettable beach wedding! The beaches of Alassio, Albisola Superiore, Sestri Levante, Loano and Pietra Ligure are currently authorised for weddings, and civil ceremonies are permitted to take place by the sea...
G E N O A , T H E S Q U A R E
B E N E A T H T H E S T A R S
● “We walk in the teeming life of these
deep paths like in a sea, in the black
bottom of a strangely populated ocean”.
A description of Genoa’s old town by
French poet Paul Valéry: tailor-made for
Piazza delle Erbe, the heart of the city’s
nightlife, home to a succession of bars,
restaurants and artisan shops. Art, history
and culture, through the characters of the
square now known by regulars, students and
people of all ages, who give life and colour
to this corner of heaven and history. A
heterogeneous public united by the desire
to have fun, meandering through the tables
and in front of the windows, which for years
have lit up the very heart of the square that
blooms in September, when the crowds
return to the city, the evenings are still hot
and people love to get together...
There are seaside nightclubs aplenty,
and establishments that transform by
evening to offer music and cocktails
for tourists. Santa Margherita is one
of Liguria’s most popular nightlife
destinations. Its pretty coves or
the beautiful Paraggi bay provide
the perfect setting for a dj set on
the beach. Or there’s the famous
Silent Disco, which takes place every
summer in the Baia del Silenzio, in
Sestri Levante. For the romantics,
here you’ll find the Camogli trail, the
perfect spot to walk hand in hand
before sitting down to sip an aperitif.
To the west, the most glamorous
evenings are in Albisola Superiore,
Bergeggi where you can enjoy a sea
view aperitif inside a spectacular
old quarry, Laigueglia, Albenga or
Alassio. Or simply enjoy the freedom
to wander the streets of Finalborgo
in your flip-flops and enjoy fresh air
and relaxation. Then, for those who
love to have fun, every beach has
its own little bars, with a wealth of
evening events: Bordighera, Arma di
Taggia, Camporosso, Ventimiglia and
of course Sanremo.
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U N D E R T H E S U M M E R S T A R S T O T H E W E S T
● The region has much to offer for theatre fans,
including world-famous events such as the Festival
Teatrale di Borgio Verezzi, which takes place every
year between July and August with big-name actors
and directors. In Cervo the Festival di Musica da
Camera, or Chamber Music Festival, takes place in
the uniquely beautiful Sagrato dei Corallini. In August,
Apricale plays host to a now historic event at the
Teatro della Tosse, while the Priamar fortress in Savona
offers concerts throughout the summer. Over the
last few years, Alassio has provided the venue for pop
concerts by major Italian and international artists.
I N T H E L I G H T O F T H E M O O N T O T H E E A S T
● For those who love classical music, the Festival
Amfiteatrof takes place in Levanto every summer and
features great performers from all over the world.
Rapallo too, with the Festival di Valle Christi, offers
pleasant evenings of music and theatre, while in
Sestri Levante the summer is all about pop music with
treats such as the Silent Disco on the beach, which
has become a global event. There’s summer theatre in
Porto Venere, Chiavari and Santa Margherita too, as
well as the famous theatre of Portofino.
M A J O R E V E N T S
For those who love theatre, Liguria has much to offer. Starting with the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, one of Italy’s great cultural institutions, which provides the stage for wonderful opera, ballet, classical and even popular music performances. For those who prefer drama, there are half a dozen venues in Genoa alone. Other theatres are located in the various regional capitals and on the Riviera.
G E N O A , C R E A T I V E C I T Y
● The Genoese summer always begins with two
initiatives that take place in June: the Suq-Festival delle
Culture and the International Poetry Festival held at the
Palazzo Ducale. Then, from the beginning of July, the
great concerts and cabaret shows of Porto Antico, with
their international stars, commence. In the beautiful
little Piazza San Matteo, in the city’s old town, there is
a theatre festival hosted by Lunaria.
In summer, every piazza is filled with music and theatre
Even from the very heart of Genoa’s Palazzo Ducale, you can still see the stars
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Fireworks are an ancient
tradition in many parts of
Liguria, where shots by
“mascoli”, the dialect name
for the famous Ligurian mortars, are
added to the classic fireworks shows.
In Rapallo, for example, the pyrotechnic
festival in honour of the Madonna di
Montallegro, organised by the city’s
districts, lasts three days, from 1st to
3rd July. Each year, on the 7th and
8th September, the seven Districts of
Recco host an extravagant celebration,
with some of the most famous fireworks
in Italy, and “mascoli” shots in honour
of the Madonna del Suffragio. The
inauguration of the Manarola Nativity is
a true spectacle: on 8th December each
year, fireworks illuminate the Cinque
Terre hill, marking the start of an event
that continues until the end of January.
Liguria and its flavours are just waiting
to be discovered at the region’s
famous village festivals, where you
can enjoy delicious food outdoors.
The most famous of these events is the Fish
Festival in Camogli: it takes place on the
second Sunday of May, on the port square,
in a picturesque and exclusive natural setting:
the world’s largest frying pan will fry around
2 tonnes of fish in a thousand litres of oil, for
guests and holidaymakers experiencing Liguria’s
most typical festival.
F U N A N D F I R E W O R K S
W H A T ’ S C O O K I N G ?
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O L I V E O I L I N I M P E R I A
In early November, in Oneglia’s stunning city centre,
three days of full immersion in the local food tradition:
an exhibition/market dedicated to “olio nuovo”, or new
oil - the first-pressed extra-virgin olive oil of the season.
Oneglia’s old town is filled with stands and stalls
offering typical food products, along with music and
entertainment aplenty.
T H E F R I E D A N C H O V Y F E S T I VA L I N M O N T E R O S S O
Around mid-June, the Cinque Terre hamlet celebrates
the queen of bluefish, cooked in one of its most inviting
forms: on Piazza Garibaldi the food counter with the
oversized frying pan.
T H E R E C C O F O C A C C I A F E S T I V A L
At the end of May, a grand celebration for a dish which
is now a European food favourite. With music and
entertainment, the streets of the city are dotted with
stands offering free focaccia to enjoy in its most typical
variations: normal, onion, and Recco-style.
T H E F U R G A R I D I T A G G I A
●
The “Festa dei Furgari” in Taggia
is an event not to be missed. It is
celebrated in Taggia on the Saturday
evening closest to 12th February.
The “furgari” are rods filled with
gunpowder. The results are truly
spectacular.
T H E P A L I O I N T H E
L A S P E Z I A G U L F
●
In this city in Eastern Liguria,
fireworks mark the conclusion of the
Palio at the beginning of August,
a beautiful popular festival which
centres around a sea challenge by
the crews of the Gulf of Poets. The
fireworks show is always outstanding.
Camogli’s giant frying pan weighs 28 quintals, has a diameter of 4 metres and a 6 - metre handle. It fries 30,000 plates of fish, using 2 tonnes of fresh fish and 3,000 litres of oil
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R E C O R D - B R E A K I N G G E N O A
T H E M A G I C O F E U R O F L O R A●
For the first time in 2018 the Parks of Nervi hosted
this major exhibition, providing an undisputedly exciting
stage. The event will return over the coming years.
Euroflora is primarily a kind of “green” Olympics. Italian
and international flower growers, nursery owners,
horticulturists, fruit growers, florists, flower arrangers
and landscapers will compete with their own productions
and creations in technical competitions, designed to
showcase and reward excellence achieved in the fields
of greenery and landscape.
S L O W F I S H●
It takes place every other (odd) year and is a fantastic
showcase dedicated to the environment and food. The
event is always held in May (9 - 12 May 2019) and
combines the pleasure of socialising with scientific
knowledge and good practice, taste education and
commitment to the protection of biodiversity.
A T R U LY W O N D E R F U L S H O W●
Every year in Genoa, in the second half of September (19th to 24th
September 2019), the Boat Show is held, the Mediterranean’s biggest
nautical event. Between the wharves of the Marina della Fiera and the large
Expo pavilions, including Jean Nouvel’s creation, mega yachts and fishing
boats, dinghies and sailing boats are on display. Shows and spectacular
performances take place in the stadium on the water. The exhibition
area can be explored in a circular way thanks to an ingenious system
of connections between bridges and moorings.
Genoa’s Boat Show is the biggest in the Mediterranean
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“SEE YOU ON PIAZZA DELLE ERBE”. A MEETING PLACE FOR THE GENOESE AND TOURISTS ALIKE: FROM THE “ORA DELL’APERITIVO”, OR “APERITIF O’CLOCK” ONWARDS, THE PIAZZA IN GENOA’S OLD TOWN IS BUSTLING ALL YEAR ROUND.
AN APERITIF IN GENOA
IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER, THE TOWN OF LAIGUEGLIA COMES ALIVE WITH THIS WONDERFUL COSTUMED HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENT, A TIME OF MUSIC AND JOY. PLUS BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS ON THE PIER.
THE LANDING OF THE SARACENS IN LAIGUEGLIA
BIG BRANDS, DESIGNER NAMES, STYLE. VIA ROMA IS THE PLACE TO GO FOR FASHION. CLOSE BY, YOU’LL FIND GALLERIA MAZZINI, A FAVOURITE FOR AN AFTERNOON STROLL, A TEA, A COFFEE OR AN APERITIF.
SHOPPING IN GENOA
THE 14TH OF AUGUST SEES THE STAGING OF THE “TORTA DEI FIESCHI”, A RE-ENACTMENT OF THE LAVISH 1230 WEDDING OF OPIZZO FIESCO, COUNT OF LAVAGNA, AND BIANCA DE’ BIANCHI.
TORTA DEI FIESCHIIN LAVAGNA
THE PIAZZETTA IN PORTOFINO IS FAMOUS ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL VIEWS, ITS TRADITIONS AND ITS LUXURY BOUTIQUES. AND WHEN YOU’RE FINISHED SHOPPING? A SEA VIEW COCKTAIL.
SHOPPING IN PORTOFINO
IN JULY AND AUGUST IN GENOA, ALMOST EVERY EVENING BRINGS A CONCERT OR A MUSICAL EVENT IN THE NEW DISTRICT DESIGNED BY RENZO PIANO.
SUMMER CONCERTS IN PORTO ANTICO
HOME TO PELLINI’S ICONIC BRONZE STATUE, “GLI INNAMORATI”, THE LOVERS, THE WALL IS COVERED WITH AROUND A THOUSAND CERAMIC TILES SIGNED BY FAMOUS PEOPLE.
THE MURETTO DI ALASSIO
THE CORPUS DOMINI INFIORATA FLOWER FESTIVAL IS A TRADITION THAT COMBINES FAITH AND FOLKLORE, WITH LARGE CARPETS MADE OF FLOWERS.
FLOWER FESTIVALS IN DIANO MARINA AND RANZI
IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER, ONE OF LIGURIA’S MOST POPULAR EVENTS. FANTASTIC FUN IN A STUNNING SETTING - DANCE ON THE SHORE IN THE BAIA DEL SILENZIO, TAKING A DIP IN THE SEA BETWEEN TRACKS.
SILENT DISCO IN SESTRI LEVANTE
IN NOVEMBER, THE TOWN COMES TO LIFE WITH OLIOLIVA, A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF THE “OLIO NUOVO”, THE FIRST OIL OF THE SEASON. STALLS, TASTING, FOOD WORKSHOPS, A MUST FOR ANY FOODIE.
OLIOLIVA IN IMPERIA
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T H E P E O P L E
does not stop at “Pirates”, in fact
the galleon was also used for the TV
miniseries “Neverland” in 2011.
Inaugurated in 2004, when Genoa
was elected European Capital of
Culture, the Galata Museo del
Mare maritime museum takes
its name from a historic district
of Istanbul, home to one of the
largest Genoese communities in
the Mediterranean. The Galata
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four floors. You can explore 28
large halls including one dedicated
to Christopher Columbus, which
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The Genoa Aquarium
is today one of the
most visited sites ever,
a unique place to get
lost among a thousand
wonders and all the
charm of the sea and
nature. Stroll among
dolphin and shark pools, have fun watching the
penguins or admire the exotic aquatic species:
this place is truly unique, truly exciting for all
who visit, somewhere to see the eyes of your
little ones light up. The huge Cetacean Pavilion,
with its 70 tanks and 400 different species
totalling over 15,000 animals, is one of a kind,
and visitors to the large district of Porto Antico,
designed by Renzo Piano, are sure to be amazed.
Renowned all across Italy and a source of pride
for the city, the Aquarium hosts the most
extensive range of aquatic biodiversity in Europe.
If you are one of the few who have never been
there, be prepared to be amazed.
A stone’s throw away is the Città
dei Bambini e dei Ragazzi (the city
of children and young people), an
educational play area for children
and teenagers from 2 to 13 years
old, where your children can play
and discover science and technology
while having fun. In over 2000
square metres, with 50 multimedia
and interactive exhibits, young
visitors can touch, observe and
experiment with different subjects,
putting themselves to the test to
share an educational experience for
all the family.
The fascinating Galeone is perhaps
one of Genoa’s most photographed
attractions, the beautiful galleon
moored at Porto Antico next to
the Aquarium. Remember the film
“Pirates” by Roman Polanski with
Walter Matthau? Well, Genoa’s
galleon is the very Galeone Neptune
used for the shooting of the film in
question. And its artistic “career”
Porto Antico, where Genoa’s new tourist heart beats
In its 70 tanks, the Genoa Aquarium offers an incredible display of aquatic biodiversity: from tropical
fish, to jellyfish, from amphibians to plants that survive deep, deep down in the ocean
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The province of Savona is
home to a particularly
large number of caves,
including the Grotte di
Toirano, a complex of large karst
caves with a remarkable variety of
stalactites and stalagmites, traces
of the Neanderthals dating back
over 12,000 years and remains
of the Ursus spelaeus cave bear
from around 25,000 years ago.
The Niphargus, a small prehistoric
crustacean, also lives here.
In the Caves of Borgio Verezzi
you’ll find lakes with still,
Liguria from a brand
new, privileged point
of view: the top of the
trees. A huge choice of
adventure parks, right by the beach.
Maliarda in Rossiglione is an
adventure park in green
surroundings, amidst chestnut
trees, oak trees and towering
pines, with views of the Alps.
Parco Avventura in Genoa Pegli:
three junior courses (minimum 6
years, minimum height 110 cm)
and one advanced course (minimum
height 150 cm).
Parco Avventura in Genoa-Righi:
a few minutes from the centre of
Genoa, “Lucciole per lanterne”,
or “fireflies for lanterns” is the
title given to the night-time trails,
surrounded by the beauty of the
illuminated Park.
Parco Avventura Val di Vara: trees
with wooden platforms at different
heights connected with rope bridges
and ropeways.
Parco Avventura Solleone in Alassio:
rope bridges, suspended pathways,
with breath-taking views of the
Alassio Gulf, just a stone’s throw
from the green trail and from the
Alta Via Baia del Sole.
Parco Avventura in Mendatica:
nestled in the green Ligurian Alps,
bridges and walkways, nets, tunnels
and obstacles of all kinds suspended
up to 12 metres in height provide all
you need for guaranteed fun. ●
F R O M C A V E S T O M I N E S :
H I D D E N L I G U R I A
T H R I L L S E E K I N G S P O R T S F A N S : A D R E N A L I N E R U S H E S A N D F U N , G U A R A N T E E D !
transparent waters and an
800-metre trail through large
chambers filled with spectacular
stalactites and stalagmites.
If you like mines, here in the
Eastern Riviera inland you will find
those of Monte Loreto with an
exhibition trail spanning 270 square
metres with windows, panels and
set-ups that trace the history and
activity of this place used for over
two millennia.
Near Lavagna, Val Graveglia is a
valley with an ancient history; here
you’ll find the Gambatesa Mine, the
largest manganese mine in Europe:
venture into the mine on the miners’
wagon train, and then continue on
foot in a guided tour along the main
gallery. Guaranteed fun for children
and adults alike! ●
The caves of Toirano are well known for their beauty and for the richness of their stalactites and stalagmites
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Green space, good food,
time with family and
friends: these are the
ingredients for the
perfect picnic, and Liguria has a
wealth of wonderful picnic spots to
offer, magical settings for beautiful
moments with loved ones.
Among the most famous is certainly
the Curlo di Arenzano: a beautiful
location on high ground in Arenzano,
Curlo is the perfect picnic spot,
with tables, a barbecue area with
an unusually shaped hut, for
unforgettable outdoor dining, and a
small fountain, all to the backdrop of
the breath-taking Western Riviera.
A good alternative not too far from
the city is the beautiful municipal
park of Arenzano, home to the Villa
Negrotto Cambiaso, with plentiful
green space, play areas and even
animals - the ideal choice for a
family picnic to remember.
P I C N I C S A N D M O R E
In Pratorotondo, there are excellent
facilities and beautiful picnic spots
where tourists and hikers can stop
for a refreshing break.
Bricco Falò di Sciarborasca: on
this small hill, in the hamlet of
Cogoleto, shade is guaranteed by
the many trees, and there is an area
with tables and chairs, perfect for
picnicking. There are also grills for
barbecuing tasty meat or vegetables,
and even a fountain for water.
A stone’s throw from Genoa, the
Parco delle Mura is one of the best
local spots for history, culture and
nature. The area owes its name to
the Mura Nuove, the “New Wall”,
built in the seventeenth century to
defend the city and its port basin.
It starts from the upper part of
Genoa, on Via del Peralto: you can
start to explore from the upper
end of the Righi funicular and
continue towards the Castellaccio
and Sperone forts. You’ll find
picnic facilities and a children’s
playground too. ●
In the 10 parks of Liguria there are many picnic areas
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Thanks to the mild
Ligurian climate,
travelling by bike is
actually a wonderful
way to explore the coast and
inland. Each of the two Rivieras
offers a wealth of wonderful cycle
paths, accessible all year round,
through breath-taking scenery
and unspoilt nature!
C Y C L E A L L Y E A R R O U N D
T R A I N S A N D M O R E
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● E A S T E R N R I V I E R A
The Maremonti cycle path runs
between Levanto, Bonassola and
Framura: suitable for all abilities,
the track is flat and enjoys sea views.
It links three hamlets on an area
recovered from the old railway, just
a few metres above sea level. The
Ciclovia dell’Ardesia cycle track
starts from Lavagna and leads to
Val Fontanabuona along the Entella
River and its creeks, part of a 35 km
route that stretches from Lavagna,
on the coast, to Tribogna, inland.
● W E S T E R N R I V I E R A
From Arenzano to Varazze via
Cogoleto, there is a beautiful cycle
track that runs along a path between
rocky crags overlooking the sea in
a succession of tunnels and large
openings on the coast up to the
beautiful Villa Araba in Varazze.
The Ponente Coastal Park cycle
track runs for 24 km along the
seafront, between Ospedaletti and
San Lorenzo al Mare, via Sanremo.
The Pelagos cycle track, Liguria’s
newest, connects Ventimiglia and
Camporosso along a pathway that
crosses the Nervia wildlife oasis
and a cycle path of just under two
kilometres, which runs from the
seafront of the next town up to
the Nervia valley.
The Montallegro cable car, in Rapallo: a 600 - metre elevation in just 7 minutes
Liguria, more than 160 km of cycle tracks
Ventimiglia, in the far west,
is the perfect starting
point for a trip through
the Val Roya. Take a trip
on the Cuneo-Limone-Ventimiglia
railway and travel through time on a
train journey considered among the
ten most beautiful in the world.
To discover the most evocative
corners of Genoese inland, the
Casella narrow gauge railway is an
experience not to be missed. The
route, just over 24 km kilometres,
connects the city centre of Genoa
with its inland, stretching right to
the town of Casella. From green
nature to ancient towns, romantic
and unique, like the carriages that
still possess their 1930s charm.
A must for those who love heights
is the Montallegro cable car in
Rapallo, the only one of its kind
in Liguria: in seven minutes you’ll
reach the famous Sanctuary along
a 2,390-meter cableway at 600
metres altitude, offering spectacular
views of the Tigullio Gulf. ●
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EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SLEEPING IN FRONT OF THE SHARK TANK! ONE OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES THAT AWAIT YOUR LITTLE ONES AT THE AQUARIUM OF GENOA.
THE AQUARIUM AT NIGHT
THE REGIONAL NATURE PARK, LIGURIA’S LARGEST PROTECTED NATURAL AREA, PRESERVES AN EXCEPTIONAL GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE RECOGNISED AS A UNESCO SITE.
BEIGUA GEOPARK
THE CITY CAN ALSO BE EXPLORED VIA AN IMPRESSIVE VERTICAL ROUTE, USING THE FUNICULAR RAILWAY AND LIFTS FOR A SUPER SCENIC URBAN TREK.
GENOESE HEIGHTS
A TOURIST BOAT TRIP, AROUND THE TIGULLIO GULF OR TO ONE OF THE MANY OTHER BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS IN THE LIGURIAN SEA, ALLOWS YOU TO DISCOVER THE COAST FROM THE PERFECT PERSPECTIVE.
TIGULLIO’S BOATS
THE MOST TRADITIONAL BEACH PASTIME HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF THE SUMMER: THE SANDCASTLE CONTEST THAT TAKES PLACE IN MID-JULY.
SANDCASTLES IN ALASSIOTHE 6 KM LONG COASTAL TRACK CONNECTS LEVANTO BONASSOLA AND FRAMURA, ALONG AN OLD RAILWAY TRACK, A ROUTE TO BE EXPLORED AT A LEISURELY PACE.
THE MAREMONTI CYCLE TRACK
IT’S LIGURIA’S BIGGEST CARNIVAL. A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION, WITH FLOATS AND ALLEGORICAL PARADES, MASKS, FUN AND FROLICS, MUSIC AND NOISE, WITH MASKED LIGURIANS PLAYING HOST.
CARNEVALOA IN LOANO
HUNDREDS OF RARE SUCCULENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. A GARDEN WHERE YOU CAN TOUCH A ONE HUNDRED YEAR OLD CACTUS AND LEARN ITS HISTORY.
GIARDINO PALLANCAIN BORDIGHERA
A LARGE COMPLEX DEDICATED TO PLAY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 12, OPEN TO FAMILIES, GROUPS AND SCHOOLS.
CITTÀ DEI BAMBINI, PORTO ANTICO
M E M O
O N M A P
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LIGURIA BY AIRGenoa’s “Cristoforo Colombo” Airport connects Liguria with the main Italian and European cities, offering scheduled flights with national and international airlines.
LIGURIA. THERE, BETWEEN SEA AND STARS
LIGURIA BY MOTORWAYA 15 La Spezia-ParmaA 10 (E 80) Genoa-VentimigliaA 12 (E 80) Genoa-La SpeziaA 7 (E 25) Genoa-MilanA 6 (E 717) Turin-SavonaA 26 Alessandria-Genoa
LIGURIA BY TRAINA rail network serves the whole of Liguria, linking the main towns of the two Western and Eastern Rivieras and of the hinterland. Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole offer connections with the main Italian cities and with France.
LIGURIA BY SEAThe Port of Genoa is Italy’s main port, with traffic of 6 million ship and cruise passengers per year. It provides links to the main Italian and foreign ports.
To organise your Liguria holiday
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Agenzia Regionale per la promozione turistica “in Liguria”
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