Discover Liguria
GRACEFUL LAND...
Cinque terre
Risen to the fore in the relatively recent past, they allegedly owe their fame to an American journalist who stayed by total chance in Monterosso in the 1990’s and wrote an article for the National Geographic, thereby unveiling to a worldwide audience destinations that until then were only known by few, selected trekking enthusiasts from Central Europe. The name says it all: Cinque Terre are 5 small fishing villages. Four of them are directly on the sea, while Corniglia rises on top of a promontory.
Full of multicoloured houses, picturesque views and “carruggi” (characteristically pokey alleys) climbing onto the hills, they are easily accessed by sea or bay train. Getting here by car, on the other hand, is very difficult because of arduous and narrow roads which are usually only appreciated by fans of slow tourism.
Portofino
A popular destination among the Italian jet set and celebrities from all over the world, as well as a hang-out spot for Hollywood stars from the 1970s, Portofino is as timeless as Capri and Taormina. A quintessential Italian icon right from the globally recognisable square.
The fastest and more convenient way to reach it is by boat from nearby Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. Although you could in principle drive there, very few actually do: parking spots are in extremely short supply and the road is both narrow and congested.
Once in Portofino, don’t miss the Passeggiata al faro and Castello Brown. Take in unbelievably spectacular views that open up through the Mediterranean scrub.
San Fruttuoso
The only destination in Liguria that can only be accessed by sea, this is a tiny fishing village with a listed XI century abbey right by the sea.
Board a boat from Portofino or Camogli and join the scuba divers who come here to see the Cristo degli Abissi statue.
The wonderful and scenic trail that passes through the Monte di Portofino Natural Reserve leads to tiny San Rocco up on the hills, from where you can get to Portofino,
Camogli
A unique coastal town, this is a true gem definitely worth visiting. Camogli is the birthplace of many seafarers that made the Repubblica di Genova great. Its name means “wives’ home”, because women had to stay at home and wait for their husbands to come back. The local nautical school is renowned for training multiple captains working for world-famous shipping companies.
House facades here are characteristically painted in the French trompe l’oeil technique, reproducing false capitals, decorations and windows.
The Fried Fish Festival takes place on the second Sunday of May. Throughout the day, cooks prepare 30.000 portions by using 3 tons of fresh fish and 3,000 litres of oil.
Genova
Few people know that Genoa has the vastest old town in Europe: the lovely “carruggi”, the narrow alleys lined with high-rising houses, offer thousands of fascinating itineraries. Every wall, dwelling, lane, palace, villa, park and fortification still has the ancient charm of Genoa’s maritime republic past. Often called “city of arms and trades“, its art treasures are kept in aristocratic manors: Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso, and Palazzo Ducale.
Genoa is the undisputed capital of “pesto” (basil sauce) and the local cuisine is still hugely based on traditional staples such as seafood and humble ingredients whose flavours are enhanced by herbs.
The trading, business and financial activities revolve around Piazza de Ferraris and Via XX Settembre. The old town and the port area, redeveloped by Renzo Piano for the 1992 Columbus Celebrations, on the other hand, embody the tourist-oriented and more typical side of the city.
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