Liguria, where the sea embraces the mountain

A narrow strip of land nestled between the mountains and the sea, Liguria is a region that tells its story through contrasts. Every glimpse is a painting, every alley a tale, every flavor a narrative.

Liguria is not a region that easily reveals itself: it must be conquered, step by step, curve by curve. But those who have the patience to discover it are met with a unique experience, filled with natural beauty, age-old traditions, and unforgettable flavors. In this narrow and long land, everything seems within reach – yet each corner holds a surprise.

The sea, the soul of Liguria

The sea is the constant of Liguria, a living and pulsating presence. It’s not just a postcard backdrop, but a resource, a challenge, and a tradition. Fishing, although reduced compared to past decades, remains a practice that dictates the rhythm of many coastal towns. The catch of the day – anchovies, sea bream, red prawns – goes straight to the tables of restaurants, transformed into delicacies that speak of simplicity and authentic taste.

Then there’s the wind, which blows firmly on the cliffs and can be felt in the sails of the windsurfers and catamarans that populate the beaches of Alassio and Varazze. The Ligurians, with their indomitable spirit, have learned to respect and harness it, making the sea not just a place of work but also of fun.

The Hinterland: The Other Face of Liguria

Liguria is not just about the sea. Turn your back on the coast to discover a different world, filled with green hills, olive groves, and medieval villages that seem frozen in time. Dolceacqua, with its Romanesque bridge and the Doria Castle, is a gem nestled among the Rossese vineyards, the red wine that tells the story of this land. The Cinque Terre, viewed from above, reveal another secret: the terraces, painstakingly built over the centuries by farmers to carve out a space for vines on the mountainside. Here, the famous Sciacchetrà is born, a dessert wine that embodies Liguria itself: sweet yet strong, challenging to produce but unforgettable on the palate.

The charm of Ligurian villages

From Levante to Ponente, the Ligurian villages rest by the sea between cliffs and hills. The Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – embody the wild and picturesque spirit of this region. The brightly colored houses seem to defy gravity, overlooking sheer rocky walls that drop into the deep blue sea.
In these narrow streets, it’s easy to get lost among the echoes of fishermen’s voices and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
Portofino, elegant and sophisticated, seems made for those seeking glamour without sacrificing romance.
Its squares welcome artists, tourists, and dreamers under the sun that lights up the harbor, where sailboats rest peacefully.
Camogli offers a more intimate atmosphere, with painted facades that tell stories of the sea and land.

The cities of Liguria

The Ligurian cities, each with its unique identity, offer a glimpse into the history and evolution of this region.

Genoa, the Superb, is a fascinating maze of alleyways and squares that open onto a bustling port. As the cradle of one of the most powerful Maritime Republics, Genoa still bears the marks of its glorious past. The historic center, among the largest in Europe, is a weave of medieval palaces, baroque churches, and artisan shops that testify to the city’s wealth and influence over the centuries. At the Old Port, on the other hand, maritime tradition merges with innovation, providing a meeting point between memory and the present.

To the east, La Spezia stands out for its close relationship with the sea, home to the Military Arsenal and museums that tell the story of seafaring. From here, one can embark on an exploration of the Cinque Terre, yet the city itself deserves a visit for its gardens, waterfront, and cuisine.

To the west, Savona and Imperia represent two complementary faces of Liguria. Savona is renowned for its Priamar fortress, traditional ceramics, and a historic center that invites leisurely strolls. Imperia, however, is split between Oneglia and Porto Maurizio, two districts that narrate the dual soul of the city: industrial and maritime.

Sanremo, the city of flowers and music, is a place where the glamour of the Sanremo Festival blends with the beauty of Liberty-style villas and the aroma of blooming gardens. Finally, Ventimiglia, at the border with France, serves as a crossroads of cultures, with its lively market and the Roman ruins of Albintimilium.

The Flavours of Liguria The Ligurian cuisine, a triumph of simplicity and connection to the territory

In Liguria, cuisine is a sensory experience that speaks of traditions, culture, and love for the land. A journey through the flavors of Liguria is never just gastronomic but also a path into the heart and soul of a unique region. Each dish tells a story of age-old traditions, intense aromas, and authentic flavors that celebrate the beauty of nature and human craftsmanship.

Pesto, symbol of Ligurian cuisine

Pesto, the undisputed symbol of Liguria, is not just a sauce, but a true declaration of love for genuine ingredients: fresh basil from Pra’, extra virgin olive oil from the Riviera di Ponente, Parmigiano Reggiano, pecorino, pine nuts, and garlic.

This unique condiment brings iconic dishes to life, such as trofie al pesto or trenette, enhanced with potatoes and green beans, creating a perfect balance between the flavors of the land and the sea.

Genovese focaccia, with its crispy exterior and soft interior, is another masterpiece of Ligurian cuisine. Each bite releases the aroma of oil and the taste of salt, simple yet unparalleled. Don’t forget the focaccia from Recco, thin and filled with fresh cheese, and the farinata, a delicious chickpea cake baked in a wood-fired oven, perfect when enjoyed warm, perhaps accompanied by a glass of Pigato or Vermentino, white wines that enhance the flavors of these dishes.

Even the second courses showcase Ligurian creativity: cappon magro, an elaborate seafood and vegetable salad, is a feast for the eyes and palate. Seafood lovers will find the stuffed cuttlefish and baccalà alla genovese a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor.

And to end on a sweet note, Ligurian desserts offer true delights for the palate. Canestrelli, with their crumbly texture and buttery aroma, are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. The genovese pandolce, rich with raisins, candied fruit, and pine nuts, is a holiday must-have but delights all year round. There are also jams and canned fruits, like apricots or peaches, that capture the flavors of the Ligurian summer in every spoonful.

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How to get to Liguria

Liguria is easily reachable from all over Italy thanks to a wide range of transport options, both land and sea, that allow for comfortable exploration of its beauty.

Rail connections

High-speed trains: ItaloTreno offers connections to the main Ligurian cities, such as Genoa, with the possibility to continue to locations like Imperia, La Spezia, and Savona via connections with regional trains.
Intercity trains: Trenitalia manages the northern Tyrrhenian line, with departures from cities like Turin, Milan, Genoa, and Ventimiglia, serving various locations along the Ligurian and Tuscan coast, all the way to Rome and Naples.

Road connections

Liguria is accessible via several highways:

Ponente Riviera: A10 Highway (Genoa-Ventimiglia) and A6 (Turin-Savona).

Levante Riviera: A7 Highway (Milan-Genoa), A26 (Genoa Voltri-Gravellona Toce), A12 (Genoa-Livorno-Rome), and A15 (Parma-La Spezia).

For those who prefer to travel by bus, companies like FlixBus offer connections to various Ligurian destinations, with services featuring onboard Wi-Fi and competitive prices.

Maritime connections

The main Ligurian ports, such as Genoa and Savona, offer ferry connections to various national and international destinations:

From Genoa: Connections to Ajaccio, Barcelona, Bastia, Golfo Aranci, Olbia, Palermo, Porto Torres, Tanger Med, and Tunis.

From Savona: Connections to Bastia and Ile Rousse.

Additionally, the Tigullio Maritime Service Consortium provides boat services between locations such as Portofino, Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Santa Margherita, and Rapallo, facilitating travel along the coast.

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