Liguria

Thanks to its strategic position, Genoa established close relations with the Greek, Etruscan and Punic worlds, but the city's great expansion began after the year 1000. As a powerful maritime republic, Genoa was the protagonist of a public aristocratic residential project to build a system of new streets and palaces. The historic centre was already densely populated and limited by the conformation of the urban area, the sea on one side and the Apennine mountains on the other. The solution found was ingenious and destined to influence urban architecture for centuries: the new palaces were articulated on several levels, with loggias, courtyards of honour and a tendency towards vertical architectural development. This was how Palazzi dei Rolli was conceived, built along the Strade Nuove that still today make Genoa a true architectural jewel to be admired. Are you ready for the journey into Renaissance and Baroque luxury that only Genoa can offer?

Via di Scurreria, between Piazza San Lorenzo and Piazza Campetto in the heart of historic Genoa, once housed workshops of gilders, silk-makers and shield-makers. From the latter, the so-called name of “contrada scutariae”. Today, some of the oldest textile shops in the city are found here, along with old, authentic old-world haberdasheries.

Whether you’re looking for an antique, an artisan gem or simply the liveliest atmosphere in Genoa, they’re all in the same place: take a stroll along Via Orefici and Via Luccoli in the historic centre to enjoy its shops, craft workshops and antique shops. Not only tourists, but also genuine Genoese like to come here and do business.

Overlooking the Ligurian Sea, it was the capital of one of the maritime republics from 1099 to 1797, becoming one of the greatest naval powers on the continent. Still a major economic centre, a university, scientific, cultural, musical and artistic hub, it boasts a historical centre that unravels through the enchanting caruggi, the narrow alleys lined by the high outer walls of the houses. The palaces, villas, parks and fortresses tell of the charm of the ancient maritime republic. The capital of delicious pesto and good food, it is home to numerous industrial activities as well as some of the most important tourism and trade fair events in the country. The port is among the leading Mediterranean and European ports.

A typical, romantic seaside village characterized by highly-stacked and vivaciously-painted houses, Camogli is part of a magnificent natural setting that has enchanted tourists the world over, for centuries. It is the calling for those wanting to enjoy a mix of relaxation, culture, seaside fun and great food. This originally-maritime and commercial locality has developed strong artisanal activity over the course of time, particularly yarn-spinning, weaving and textile-dying.

The Gulf of Poets, a deep amphitheatre of rock and sea, alternating breathtaking views with ravines and small inlets, with villages that still retain their traditional pastel-coloured architecture. This charming corner of Liguria was loved by many poets and artists, such as Shelley, who stayed there with his wife Mary, Byron and Lawrence, as well as Petrarch and Montale. A popular tourist destination, not just for the uniqueness of its coastline, but also for its artistic beauty, numerous nature trails and abundant food and wine. The classic focaccia and varieties of pesto share the stage with ingredients typical of the sea – such as oysters and mussels, here strictly referred to as muscoli, farmed in the nurseries of the gulf. Wine is another distinctive product of this region, which features terraces carved out of the rocks with vineyards overlooking the sea, where salt, sun and wind impart an unmistakable character to the grapes and wine. Three denominations are available: Cinque Terre DOC, Colli di Luni DOC and Liguria di Levante IGT, with native grape varieties reigning supreme, most notably Vermentino. Olive growing is also well established and of high quality, with the Razzola and Pignola varieties producing an extra virgin olive oil of great finesse and sweet taste, perfect with a cuisine that reflects both the rural hinterland and the sea coast, composed of dishes such as mesciua, the soup par excellence of La Spezia, made with chickpeas and beans, or the classic bagnun, a fish soup made with anchovies, tomatoes and bread, sometimes cooked directly on fishing boats.

There are no fewer than 18 kilometres of marvellous rocky Ligurian coast line overlooked by a chain of mountains parallel to the shoreline and enriched by beaches, bays and deep seabeds, as well as terraced vineyards and olive groves with typical old dry stone walls. The Cinque Terre offer a natural heritage of great variety: together with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, they have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a significant example of how mankind can shape the environment, respecting it.

Enchanted, fairytale-like sceneries await all along the Riviera Ligure di Levante. Beloved by the writers that have told their story to the world, Portofino, Cinque Terre, and the Gulf of Poets greet us one after the other, as we work our way down the coast from Genoa to magical Versilia.

The Via Francigena in Liguria winds its way through the Val di Magra, in the heart of the Lunigiana area, oscillating between testimonies of ancient history and environments dominated by nature: here are 5 places for discovering all its most diverse faces.

Although struggling with problems of overcrowding and traffic restrictions, and not immune to large-scale and not always high-quality construction, the resort retains some of the atmosphere that once made it a destination for romantic tourism. Particularly fascinating are the alleys and the stairways that characterise the layout of the oldest district and the imposing castle. There are two main religious buildings. The Oratory of San Rocco, in Largo Marconi - beside Piazza Garibaldi, accessible from the marina - with a 14th-century bell tower with two bas-reliefs from the 16th century and, inside, on the high altar, a beautiful 16th-century panel of Saints Martin bishop, Christopher, Sebastian and Rocco; in the left aisle, Our Lady Health of the Sick, an original painting on slate (16th century). The 17th-century church of San Francesco, in Via Cavour, has remarkable altarpieces, almost all by the Genoese school; the sacristy leads to the oratory of San Bernardino, where, according to tradition, Bernardino of Siena preached from the small black slate pulpit. Along the road that leads to Tellaro, a stretch of coastline of considerable environmental value is bordered, with a clear seabed rich in vegetation. Located between the points of Maramozza and Maralunga, the Caletta Underwater Archaeological Park is an ideal place for diving to discover the remains of a Roman merchant ship. On the stretch of craggy coastline between the headland of Maralunga and Fiascherino, there are enchanting little beaches with a steep descent.

Jagged-edge coasts, enormous cliffs that go on for miles, enchanting, characteristic sea villages: each one is different from the other, yet each one is a reflection of the setting that is the Italian Riviera (also known as the Ligurian Riviera). The Riviera is subdivided into the Riviera di Ponente (Coast of the Setting Sun) and the Riviera di Levante (Coast of the Rising Sun).

Ponzano Superiore: a mediaeval village amid artistic treasures and panoramas If you have a passion for medieval villages far from time, the place you should visit is Ponzano Superiore, a magical place with old-world charm along the Via Francigena, which unfolds in a maze of cobbled streets and, thanks to its strategic position, dominates the area from Meloria to the Gulf of La Spezia. Ready to join us on our 1-day itinerary of artistic treasures and local beauty? Along the ancient Via Francigena, but without haste We should take example from the pilgrims who, on their way down from the Alpine passes and on their way to Rome and the Holy Land, lingered here in Ponzano Superiore: even today, the best way to enjoy this centre of the Via Francigena is not to be in a hurry. Take a look at the landscape and breathe deeply: you are in the beautiful Val di Magra, near Santo Stefano di Magra, in Lunigiana, a land that holds religious works of art of great value. The Parish Church of San Michele and its 5 altars One of the symbols of Ponzano Superiore is the Pieve di San Michele Arcangelo, an important place of Catholic worship in which there are no fewer than five altars and several paintings on canvas that have not yet been attributed. The church was repeatedly enriched with details between the 16th and 17th centuries and today has a Baroque and Rococo style. Also worth your time is Palazzo Remedi, whose splendid building, probably dating back to the 17th century, displays interesting sculptural reliefs. Pay attention to the remarkable coats of arms on the walls of the village that testify to the passage of different dominations over the centuries. The castle that is not there A quirk you won't find in the guidebooks: a castle once stood proudly here, of which no trace remains today. During the tour you will also encounter the Immaculate Conception Column, similar to the one on the Spanish Steps in Rome, and you can take a break or end the tour on the city's Belvedere. Ponzano as Caius Pontius Ponzano Superiore is a curious name, but what is it related to and how has it been maintained over the centuries? Its toponym is of Roman origin, probably referring to the consul Caius Pontius Ligo. Little is known of its history before 986; it was certainly the possession of the bishops of Luni, then passed to the Malaspina and in the 16th century to the Banco di San Giorgio. A priceless view Like a small jewel set on a hillock some 303 metres above sea level, Ponzano Superiore allows the eye to literally lose itself in the horizon. No archaeological digging has been carried out, but it appears to preserve the remains of a settlement in ancient and early medieval times. It was once inhabited by Ligurian peoples, such as the Apuanians who had founded the town of Luni. Once upon a time there was a manor Around the year 1000, Ponzano passed to the Este family, becoming a "castrum" with a fortress surrounded by walls, in which a gate with a drawbridge opened. Those who passed it found a chapel and a keep, while just below the castle there was a small inhabited village. Please don't think of it as a romantic place, though: due to its location, it had above all strategic and military significance.

We suggest a list of five spots, the places where the best waves break, scattered along the entire Ligurian coastline. Some can only be reached on foot, after a rather rugged walk among the rocks, others are easier to find. All of them unmissable.

In Europe's largest aquarium, inaugurated on the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in Genoa's Old Port, habitats from all continents are reproduced to house more than 12,000 animals from all over the world. The spectacle of the underwater world is housed in a series of buildings designed by the Genoese architect Renzo Piano, where you can have memorable experiences face to face with the animals.

The Bay of San Fruttuoso amid nature, sea and religion It's a small beach of white pebbles dominated by an ancient abbey, and all around is the dense Mediterranean scrub of Liguria. We are between Camogli and Portofino, on the Riviera di Levante. Emerald green waters mirror the vegetation amid the cliffs. The Bay of San Fruttuoso is tucked away in an impervious place, which has helped it to preserve its unspoilt beauty. A gem among the Ligurian Mountains Typically, one arrives at San Fruttuoso Bay by boat, embarking from nearby places or from Genoa. The moment you catch sight of the cove is marvellous. The water is crystal-clear, allowing glimpses of the pebbles, and gently laps the shore. The greenery behind shimmers; the abbey adds a sacred and solemn atmosphere to this sanctuary of nature. We are in the Portofino Regional Natural Park, in a protected marine area. Here, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas while on the beach, or walk on the nearby rocks and linger. Take a dip, or make arrangements for snorkelling. The pleasures of the table and a special stay There is a small bar perched on the rocks, where a sunset aperitif is a marvellous experience. There is also a restaurant offering refreshments, which is open for lunch and dinner, right next to the church. Tables overlook the sea, enhancing the pleasure of a plate of trofie al pesto, the region's most famous recipe, or spaghetti with seafood. A few rooms allow you to stay for several nights, from May until October. The Abbey and the Monastery The difficult access, as well as the presence of a freshwater spring, made the site suitable for the foundation of a sacred building in the 8th century. The church and monastery have undergone a series of restorations since then, and today are owned by FAI, the Italian Environmental Fund. The complex is well worth a visit, especially the cloisters and the tombs of the Doria family, a very powerful Genoese lineage. Stop to admire the archaeological finds, then take a stroll through the tiny village. You will not find shops and boutiques, but only a handful of houses, in an authentic atmosphere. A statue anchored to the seabed The sea of San Fruttuoso Bay conceals a surprise in its depths: the Christ of the Abyss. 300 metres from the beach and 15 metres deep, the statue was laid, or rather sunk, in 1954. 2.50 metres high and the work of sculptor Guido Galletti, it depicts Christ with his arms pointing upwards. Diving to admire it up close is also suitable for those of average experience, given the shallow depth, but can only be undertaken under the supervision of certified guides. If you are an experienced swimmer, you can also swim there, but be careful of the boats navigating the sea. The water is crystal clear and the view is also clear even just from the surface. An alternative? Reaching the work of art by kayak or paddle-board. Scenic trekking San Fruttuoso Bay can also be reached via numerous paths, starting from San Rocco or Portofino, in about two hours. But you will fall in love with the landscape, set between mountains and sea, to the point that you will want to continue exploring. We are in Portofino Park, a protected area with 80 kilometres of trails, perfect for an amazing nature trek. As the coast opens up to you from above, revealing the intricate geography of gulfs, inlets, bays, harbours and promontories, you will wander through chestnut and olive trees, pine and holm-oak forests, orchards and citrus groves. Step by step, you will breathe in the clear air and the scent of heather, strawberry trees, mastic trees, euphorbia and myrtle. You are likely to encounter hedgehogs and squirrels that dwell peacefully here. If you decide to leave for Portofino, stop to visit the whole village. The small harbour is one of the most famous in the world and is teeming with luxurious yachts. You can follow them from the shore, sitting in one of the many elegant restaurants. Then head upwards, where the villas hidden among the greenery are legendary and the walk along the path between maritime pines and dry stone walls is a real pleasure. You can also walk to Camogli, a typical seaside village with colourful houses lining the beautiful, short promenade.

The Italian coasts are among the most beautiful in Europe, or perhaps, in the world. The reason is simple: from north to south, via the islands, the variety of landscapes is so diverse as to be unique. Treating yourself to a summer holiday in Italy, perhaps along the shores of the Peninsula, is a waking dream to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. To get the most out of your stay and experience a rejuvenating wellness holiday, we recommend seaside resorts whose services also include a spa with exclusive treatments. Pampered by expert hands and captivated by the beauty of breathtaking views, your holiday is bound to make you at peace with the world and your trip to Italy will be etched in your heart as a wonderful and special memory.

At the end of June 2023, Genoa will host The Grand Finale, the finish of The Ocean Race, the most famous and gruelling round-the-world crewed race. It is an extraordinary sporting challenge that is also a sustainability project.

Whether it's a day trip, a mini cruise or a full-scale sailing holiday makes little difference: you will discover the most beautiful seas, sleep at anchor and watch the sun set over the sea. Sardinia and islands such as the Aeolian Islands or the Tremiti are popular destinations for those who love holidays at sea in Italy, but the Mediterranean Sea is also well worth exploring by boat far and wide. The good thing is that you don't have to be a sea dog to fully enjoy its wonders: sailing tours in Italy can offer unique experiences for young and old, and an unusual perspective of a country that when viewed from the sea is even more beautiful.

The region of Liguria has certainly picked up on this growing trend, standing as a candidate for Italy's centre of excellence for golf. On the strength of the experience and prestige gained over the last few decades in this sport, the Liguria Golf Experience was launched in mid-2022. This is an ambitious collaboration and coordination project involving all the clubs and golf driving ranges in the region.

A green, detox holiday for deep regeneration of body and spirit embraced by nature and the open and uncontaminated spaces of Northern Italy: here are five parks with their glaciers, sea-beds, forests and cycling paths that will help you discover so much beauty... just around the corner!

Located on the edge of Genoa, about 10 minutes by funicular railway from the centre, surrounded by the city's ancient 17th-century walls and immersed in the nature of the City Walls and Forts Park, the Genoa Righi Adventure Park is the first within an urban context. Its facilities have been designed with minimal environmental impact in mind: motorised vehicles, noise and gas emissions are banned inside. Spending a day among its suspended trails and equipped spaces is a smart and sustainable way to have fun, between sport and nature, while respecting the territory.

The venue has become a “Mecca” destination for professional sports people and enthusiasts from all over Europe. Due to its ideal characteristics it is considered a select port of call by those who practice this kind of sporting activity, but also on account of a magnificent setting and panoramic views across the sea and the various rock formations.

The history is calling, the soil with its delicious fruits is calling, the unforgettable sports exploits are calling. It is a world-famous race that marked the history of cycling. We are talking about Milan-Sanremo, a 293Km course, hence a totally unpredictable competition. Anyone of the professional riders lined up at the start can take the victory. But the amateurs who do not have any competitive ambitions can experience it in another way. They can pick a section of the very long route and combine their ride with some cultural visit or wine-tasting. There is plenty of tips. Let’s have a look.

There, where the land has slowly changed its face, transforming the landscape, the stratification of time is revealed at every step. Over millennia, the river has shaped these exceptional places, creating deep canyons between sheer cliffs, green lakes, stone towers and spires. We are in Val Gargassa, within the Beigua Park, one of the UNESCO Geoparks in Italy.

If one of your aspirations is to learn the secrets of the traditional recipe, then we can suggest a number of cooking classes in the area, for tourists - and those who are simply curious - where you can learn how to make pesto. It will be an unforgettable experience: you will be cooking and eating the most authentic of Ligurian dishes.

Pesto Genovese, with its simple and genuine ingredients, is without a doubt one of the foods that has helped spread the word about typical Ligurian products around the world. Creamy and with an intense and characteristic flavor, Pesto Genovese is a perfect accompaniment to first courses like pasta and potato gnocchi. It has a simple, but strict, preparation, with roots in ancient tradition.

The fragrances of the Mediterranean and simple and genuine foods which come from farmland: a narrow strip of land overlooking the sea, Liguria knows how to deliver a varied and tasty cuisine. From Levante to Ponente, we propose an itinerary through 10 dishes and typical products of the region.

We therefore recommend a ten-stage food tour through the timeless aromas and flavours of Genoa. From street food to more traditional dishes, from aperitifs to desserts, your taste buds will experience an unforgettable journey as you stroll through the alleyways of the Ligurian town.

Ever tried Ligurian Pecorino di malga? If your answer is no, ours is: you should. A sweet table cheese, of short, medium or long maturation, soft or hard, it is a delight for the palate with valuable nutritional properties. It is a cheese made from sheep's milk, like Pecorino Romano or Pecorino Sardo.