A short view to the Italian Riviera
Some of the areas we will visit.
With its spectacular seaside and scenery, the Italian Riviera makes for one of the best destinations in Italy. But where exactly is the Italian Riviera and what does it include? Here’s what you need to know to plan a trip to this gorgeous stretch of coastline.
What is the Italian Riviera?
In short, the Italian Riviera is a stretch of coastline. It’s also an enchanting mix of history, pristine beaches, panoramic views, vibrantly colored homes and mouthwatering regional cuisine.
In fact, lovers of la dolce vita and artists, writers, celebrities and royalty have been flocking to this glamorous destination since the 1800's and it’s easy to see why! There’s something for everyone: picturesque hiking along the coast, open air markets in every village, natural parks on the blooming hills, and dozens of quaint waterfront towns along miles of clear blue water. The list goes on and on!
The most popular time to visit the Italian Riviera is during the summer, if you intend to enjoy the beaches. But there’s plenty to do in the off season, too. Winters are usually mild, and perfect for exploring the Italian Riviera’s stunning parks and museums.
Where is the Italian Riviera?
If we’ve sold you on the beauty of this spectacular corner of Italy, the next question is… where is it, exactly?
The Italian Riviera lies in the northwestern corner of Italy, in the region of Liguria. It stretches along the Ligurian sea from the Italian-French border to the Tuscan border.
The Italian Riviera itself is divided into two parts. West of Genoa, it’s the Riviera di Ponente (“the coast of the setting sun”). East of Liguria’s capital city of Genoa, it’s called the Riviera di Levante (“the coast of the rising sun”).
Luckily, depending on where your travels in Italy take you, getting to the Italian Riviera can be pretty easy. Genoa has an international airport, central train station (with lots of trains coming in from Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice), and port, with cruise ships docking from all over the world. Genoa makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the area.
Popular destinations along the Italian Riviera, West of Genoa, include Alassio, Laigueglia, Colla Micheri, Cervo, Albenga, Villanova d’Albenga, Zuccarello, Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, Verezzi, Finalborgo, Varigotti, Noli and Dolceacqua. Beauty can be found on just about every inch of this coast, but what makes it so fascinating is that every town, large or small, is unique and characteristic.
