Locality

Liguria is Italy's foremost coastal strip, backing onto vine-clad mountains. It is home to some of Europe's smartest tourist resorts with dramatic cliffs with pastel-coloured villas and the bustling port of Genoa.

It is one of Italy's smallest regions. Several of the Maritime Alps peak over 2,000 metres. On the western coast there are many stunning beaches while the eastern coast has precarious cliffs. These cliffs have many stone terraces covered in vineyards.

The coastline has been given the stylish name the Italian Riveria. It is made up of the Riviera di Ponente in the west and the Riviera di Levante in the east. The town of Genoa is located in the middle. The area is traditionally the favourite resort of several of Europe's aristocracy. The resort offers an all year round climate: mild winters and warm summers.

History

Genoa was once a strategic trading port when the Greeks and Phoenicians settled in the area. The city became a very important maritime power during the 16th century. The French invaded in 1668 causing the city's decline until the 19th century when the wealthy Europeans discovered it as a warm haven from the cold winters.

Attractions

Many of the region's towns boast fine churches and palaces dating back to the medieval times. The majority have elegant 19th villas and San Remo in particular is well known for it's stunning exotic botanical garden and casino.

Food and Drink

The area is famous for the fresh, locally caught fish and seafood. Pesto is very popular; made from the local basil. Cheese pizza and panettone (a sweet bread stuffed with raisins) are also traditional.

Liguria's wine, mainly whites, are not well know outside the area but are very palatable.

Major airports in the Liguria region

Genoa has it's own airport - Cristoforo Colombo airport.

Pisa airport best serves eastern Liguria.

Nice airport is only 20km from the border and is good for Western Liguria.