Squeezed somewhere between the Ligurian Sea and the Maritime Alps, a narrow, sunny crescent-shaped coast has been attracting famous visitors for over 200 years. At this point where the Alps and the Apennine Mountains flow into the sea, luxury marries with local, more relaxed complexion to create the unique charm of the Italian Riviera.
The area is divided into two parts, with the sea horizon in the background. To the west lies the Riviera di Ponente, which means ‘the coast of the setting sun’, and to the east the Riviera di Levante, ‘the coast of the rising sun’.
Next to the region’s most beautiful natural harbour, the aristocratic Genoa has dropped anchor. The locals adore this city and call it La Superba, meaning The Magnificent. The other side is graced by the Portofino peninsula, the five famous Cinque Terre fishing villages and a few other rather lower-key seaside towns.
It is a greatly historical destination and a breathtakingly beautiful place that will offer you pleasurable experiences full of colours and aromas, moreover. Here you will visit both luxurious historic palazzi and stroll around humble but extremely picturesque villages adorned with charming little chapels. In addition, you will wine and dine, saunter, dive or just relax by the sea.
Portofino, an elegantly quaint fishing village on the Italian Riviera, will not only surprise you with its beauty, but also with its world-class visitors. The craggy cliffs of Santa Margherita, its charming harbour and its iconic castle are some of the elements that make this little Mediterranean gem unique.
While in the village, walk around the harbour, walk up the hill to St George’s Church, wander through the lush gardens of Brown Castle and enjoy the view from above. The Lighthouse and Punta Portofino also hold stunning views.
If you revel in the collection of striking visual imagery, Portofino is the perfect destination for you. The beautiful Portofino can become your base, where you can plan your excursions to the surrounding villages.
Best time for your travel
The Italian Riviera is famous for its mild climate throughout the year. However, summer is the ideal time to pay your visit as during the off-peak season –except during Easter vacations- most shops are closed. Spring and summer will also reward nature lovers, as flowers bloom -adding to the already vibrant colours of the Italian coast- and the sea has just the right temperature for swimming.
How to move around
The ideal mode of transport depends on exactly where you plan to go. For the Liguria area, it is best to get around by car, although in the summer it is difficult to find a parking space. The same is recommended for the western part of the Italian Riviera, towards France. If you are heading to Cinque Terre, a car is not a good idea due to the poor road network full of winding, uphill and downhill bends. Trains are more convenient and there are bus lines that connect all the villages and towns. When the weather is good, take a boat trip along the coast and get a different perspective of the wonderful Italian Riviera.
Italian Riviera weather
July is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 24°C. The coldest month is January with a temperature of 8°C.
Accommodation in the Italian Riviera
Melia Genova: This five-star design hotel is located in the heart of Genoa, in a boulevard full of trees. A 200-square-metre wellness centre awaits you here, with its magnificent indoor pool, gym, Turkish baths and Jacuzzis. You shall enjoy your breakfast and meals at the Blue Lounge & Restaurant, which serves innovative, Ligurian and international dishes and pairs them with fine wines. At the Blue Lounge & Terrace you shall enjoy your aperitif, Sunday brunch and special dinners. In addition, you can purchase tickets for the magnificent Genoa Aquarium –located just a 15-minute walk away- at the reception desk.
Excelsior Palace Hotel: A five-star hotel that offers panoramic views of Portofino Bay, two excellent restaurants, luxurious sunny terraces and spacious rooms with sea views. In Lord Byron restaurant you shall enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking Tigullio Bay. In summer, Eden Roc restaurant serves lunch on the Excelsior Palace’s private beach. The wellness centre offers a wide range of treatments and features an indoor pool and a gym, also overlooking the endless blue. In addition to the private beach, visitors shall enjoy Excelsior’s two infinity pools.
Golfo dei Poeti Relais & Spa: Offering an outdoor pool and spa centre, Golfo dei Poeti Relais is situated on the promontory of Montemarcello. Many of its elegant rooms, as well as the restaurant which serves local and international cuisine, overlook the sea. The hotel also features a spa where you can relax in the Jacuzzi, sauna or Turkish baths. The gardens, terrace and bar are at the visitors’ disposal as well.
Hotel De Paris Sanremo: This four-star boutique hotel in art nouveau design is situated in the heart of Riviera dei Fiori. Hotel De Paris Sanremo offers 29 spacious rooms with elegant furniture, wooden floors and white linen. There is also an associated private beach 500 metres away. You may also relax in one of the hotel’s two spas, just remember that you need to make a reservation in advance and pay an extra fee.
Restaurants and Bars
Paolo and Barbara: This is the best -Michelin-starred- restaurant in San Remo, owned by, as its name suggests, Paolo and Barbara. At Paolo & Barbara you will enjoy high-quality modern Ligurian cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for the signature dishes that Paolo has created, by enriching the local culinary tradition with details and touches that he picked up during his travels. This exceptional cuisine could not but be accompanied by an exceptional wine list built by Barbara, who is a talented and acclaimed sommelier.
La Terrazza: One of Portofino’s best restaurants, La Terrazza, is located inside the Belmond Hotel Splendido. Chef Corrado Corti’s stunning menu includes simple and sophisticated local dishes, such as his ligurian ravioli with walnut sauce, his quinoa pasta with pesto and tuna, and his lamb fillet with fresh herbs. As you wait for your order to arrive, enjoy an Aperol Spritz, the Italian specialty that will come to your table with olives, almonds and hazelnuts on the side. The historic monastery, which has been transformed into this five-star hotel and restaurant, promises the most spectacular panoramic views to accompany your dinner. La Terrazza’s excellent selection of drinks includes wines from Italy and the world.
Da Puny: You may have to compete with celebrities like Denzel Washington and Giorgio Armani for one of the 15 tables that Da Puny lays out in the heart of Portofino’s little piazzetta. Fortunately, there are 14 more inside. Reservations are essential for those who want to try the simple but scrumptious dishes at this restaurant, which also offers vegetarian and vegan options.
Phi Beach: An open air club that you will find on the road to Sardinia. Phi Beach is close to the military base of Forte Cappellini, but don’t let that detail put you off. If you visit the club you will find yourself in a wonderful environment. Phi Beach is particularly proud of its purple sunsets, and its cuisine that combines fresh seafood and modern European dishes. The club also hosts a range of events, from DJ sets to elegant white parties.
Hidden gems
Trekking in Cinque Terre: Five colourful villages, one of the most famous destinations in this part of Italy. The beautiful Cinque Terre is carved into the cliffs of the Italian Riviera. The villages are connected by hiking trails, trains and local ferries. Hiking is recommended in this wonderful location, as the trails take you through stepped vineyards overlooking the sea and the neighbouring picturesque villages. The most popular trail is Sentiero Azzurro, which connects all five hamlets. However, after the devastating floods of 2011, this trail requires great vigilance.
Ferry from San Fruttuoso: While in the area, take the ferry at least once and admire the colourful Italian Riviera from the sea. The short trip takes half an hour and will take you from San Fruttuoso to Rapallo. The views of picturesque Portofino and Santa Margherita from here are more than impressive.
Pesto experience in Genoa: Pesto is the product that represents Liguria to the world and now it can offer you an experience you will never forget. In Genoa, not only will you taste homemade pesto, but you can also make it yourself with your marble mortar and wooden pestle. This unique experience will last five hours. It will begin in the historic Genoese basil greenhouses and end at your table.
Historic olive groves in Genoa: The history of olive oil in Genoa dates back to the 14th century and is full of interesting facts and legends. You can discover all of these by visiting the city’s olive groves overlooking the Mediterranean. Taste this truly special olive oil and you will discover its refined fruity taste, a little sweeter if you are on the western side and slightly spicier on the eastern side.
Tips
- The Italian Riviera is among the top destinations in the world; however most of the beaches here are rocky and gather a lot of people fighting over the shade of an umbrella. Better choose the long and sandy Sestri Levante beach, which is considered one of the best in the region. A good alternative is San Fruttuoso, with its bright turquoise waters.
- Those of you who dream of a quiet holiday can stay in Camogli, a pretty village a little further away from the often noisy luxury of the Italian Riviera. Its downside is that in Camogli you will have fewer accommodation and dining options.
- Unfortunately, in this part of Italy, vegetarian or vegan options are extremely limited. Choose among the restaurants and cafes that offer some vegetarian dishes, as it is very difficult to find a purely vegan restaurant.
- It is good to know that the Italian Riviera is a favourite destination for package tours. Get ready to claim these tiny Italian alleys from tour groups, which you will surely see flooding the narrow streets even towards the end of September.
