Riviera di Levante - sounds like a song and an ode to the desired vacation on one of the most picturesque coasts of Italy. This place is considered a logical continuation of the Côte d'Azur, but, unlike the latter, it is much more picturesque and has a more relaxed atmosphere than in the noisy and hyped resorts of France.
The Russian tourist has not even heard of many cities on the Ligurian coast. This is probably due to the lack of mass advertising, or our travelers prefer more proven places. But once you discover this area, you will no longer want to go anywhere else: magnificent nature, delicious cuisine, excellent climate and, of course, incredible Italian flavor will win your heart forever.
The most popular resorts of the Riviera di Livante
Santa Margherita Ligure
In the past, Santa Margherita Ligure was a fishing village, today it is a resort with a true Italian atmosphere: serene and even a little old-fashioned. Local pebble beaches, although small in size, are considered the best on the Riviera di Levante, luxury yachts moor in the marina, because in the neighboring and more prestigious Portofino the parking lot is always full. The wealthy residents of Milan and other cities of northern Italy prefer to rest in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Portofino
A luxurious resort on a picturesque rocky coast, capable of offering guests the highest level of service, tranquility, crystal clear sea and well-groomed beaches. Today, Hollywood stars are frequent guests of Portofino; in the past, famous writers visited it. The town is located in a national park about 25 km from Genoa. It is very tiny - there will not be even 1000 local residents, traffic is prohibited, and houses with bright facades are mainly occupied by hotels and restaurants.
Camogli
The village of Camogli is located in the Gulf of Paradiso near Genoa. It attracts tourists not only with its comfortable pebble beaches, but also with restaurants that specialize in fish dishes. The main attraction of the town is the castle of Castello della Dragonara, built in the 10th century. Not far from Camogli is the San Fruttoso Bay, which can only be reached on foot through the national park or by sea. This is an amazingly beautiful place with a beach, a couple of restaurants, hotels and an old abbey. At the bottom of the bay in the 1950s, a statue of Christ from the Abyss was erected.
Rapallo
The largest resort in the Riviera di Levante with a population of over 30 thousand people. It is located on the shore of the bay of the same name. Rest in Rapallo is not only sunbathing on the beaches and evening walks along the promenade. There are many historical sights in the city: churches, castles, parks, monuments, squares, towers, museums. The resort began to develop in the 19th century - it was often visited by diplomats and aristocrats.
Bogliasco
Many tourists prefer Bogliasco to other resorts of the Riviera di Levante due to the fact that there are fewer tourists and more free beaches. Travelers also note its incredibly beautiful architecture. Basically, Italians and French rest here, guests from more distant countries are rare. Part of the Bogliasco coastline is built up with private villas surrounded by cypress groves.
Sori
A small Italian resort, famous among the locals and not explored by foreigners at all. The houses of the town are surrounded by lemon and cypress thickets, gray walls are covered with bright flowers, pebble beaches are quite spacious and equipped with everything you need, and the water is pleasing to the eye with its blue.
Recco
Located in the eastern part of the Riviera di Levante. On the one hand, it is not much different from a dozen of the same towns on the coast, but on the other hand, it also has its own special zest: amazing cheese focaccia is prepared in local restaurants. In summer, a lot of people gather on the beaches, but their number still cannot be compared with the congestion of the coastline in Camogli.
Chiavari
Most of Chiavari's beaches are pebbly, but there are also small areas covered with sand. The most comfortable are the paid ones, there is not much space on the free ones and the infrastructure is rather meager. The city is located in the Gulf of Tigullio, it is considered one of the busiest resorts in the Riviera di Levante. In Chiavari, tourists will appreciate the opportunity to visit the sights, go shopping and enjoy walks through the picturesque streets.
Sestri Levante
Located on a peninsula surrounded by bays. Tourist guides pay little attention to this place, limiting themselves to only a short mention, although the town is quite interesting, from its location to the atmosphere of a real Italian province, seasoned with the smell of freshly cooked fish, the aroma of Ligurian wine and stunning sunsets.
Moneglia
A fishing village, which gradually turned into a tourist center, where foreigners began to visit more and more often. However, this had little effect on the measured and lazy rhythm of life of local residents - they all also slowly drink coffee, dine for hours in trattorias and are in no hurry about their business. Monela Bay is ideal for swimming as it is protected from all sides by rocks.
Levanto
The resort is partly located in the Cinque Terre National Park. It is perfectly adapted for recreation all year round: in summer tourists are welcomed by equipped beaches, in winter you can enjoy sightseeing and walks in the surroundings. In July, Levanto hosts the colorful festival of St. Jacob is a real celebration of the sea, and in May there is a culinary procession, during which participants taste Ligurian cuisine.
Monterosso al Mare
Another resort within the Cinque Terre, which is closest to Genoa. The town is divided into two parts, communicating with each other through a 50-meter tunnel. Local beaches are located in bays surrounded by rocks, against the backdrop of colorful houses nestled on the slopes. The swimming and sunbathing areas are a mixture of pebbles and sand, in some places turning into granite boulders.
Portovenere
In ancient times, on the site of Portovenere, there was a temple of the goddess of love, which is why the town has such a romantic name. There are no separate beaches, only a promenade and a pier. In order to swim and sunbathe, you need to get by boat to the Cinque Terre and the island of Palmaria. Holidays in this place will suit gourmets who will be delighted with the variety of seafood dishes and aromatic spices present in every recipe.
Lerici
It is located away from the more popular resorts of the Cinque Terre, so it goes unnoticed for many tourists. But so much the better for the more knowledgeable traveler. The city even has sandy beaches, which is a rarity for the resorts of the Ligurian coast. A powerful medieval castle rises on the shore, which forms the architectural appearance of the entire area, giving it a simply fabulous look.
San Terenzo
From Lerici to San Terenzo, you can walk, along the way enjoying the view of the picturesque houses nestled on the coast; rocky slopes covered with green thickets; shrill colors of the sea, somewhere in the distance, merging with the horizon. If the priority is peace, serenity and a certain distance from civilization, then this place should be preferred for a summer vacation.
