Province of liguria italy. Coast of Liguria. Thematic holidays, exhibitions, salons
One of the largest and popular resorts The Ligurian coast is located 30 km southeast of Genoa. city with more than thousand years of history from a medieval outpost that protected the bay from pirates, by the middle of the 19th century it turned into fashionable resort. From this article you will find out what is remarkable about Rapallo, what to see here and the easiest way to get to [...]
La Spezia, spread out on the shores of the bay of the same name, is the most eastern city Ligurian Riviera. The most picturesque bay is often called the Bay of Poets in memory of the great English romantic poets Byron and Shelley, who lived on its coast in the 20s of the 19th century. IN different time guests of La Spezia were also George Sand, David Herbert Lawrence, Alighieri Dante and other creative [...]
In the first part of the post, Blogoitaliano talked about the most interesting places in the west of the Ligurian Riviera. Today, along the Riviera di Levante, we will go to the east, where there are several more resorts worthy of special attention. 40 km from Genoa is located resort town Rapallo, the mention of which dates back to the X century. Rapallo Neat houses, ancient churches, picturesque nature and clean [...]
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Region of Liguria located in the northern part, along the coast of the Ligurian Sea. This is one of the smallest, but at the same time, one of the most economically developed and progressive regions of the country. In Europe he is known for his sand and pebble beaches, beautiful natural landscapes, rich historical and cultural heritage and large-scale international festivals held here every year and causing big interest with guests from all over the world.
Peculiarities
The main areas of activity in the region are tourism, the fishing industry, the construction industry, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, and the production of olive oil. Despite its relatively small size, Liguria is considered the third region of Italy in terms of population density. The region includes 4 provinces: Genoa, Empire, La Spezia and Savona. Each of them consists of the capital of the same name and many small towns and settlements. Ligurian coast replete with excellent beach resorts, famous for their excellent conditions for beach recreation and sports, comfortable hotels and an abundance of all kinds tourist routes By historical places. In addition, there are 7 national parks, amazing with their natural beauties even seasoned travelers.
general information
The territory of Liguria covers an area of about 5,500 square meters. km, with a population of just over 1.7 million people. At the same time, the density is 292 people per sq. km. km. The number of communes is limited to 235. Local time behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer time of the year. The official website of the region is www.regione.liguria.it.
A brief excursion into history
In the prehistoric era, the lands of Liguria were inhabited by the Ligurian tribes, from whom, in fact, the region got its name. In the Roman era, they underwent a process of assimilation and were forced to exist in conditions new civilization. The heyday of the region fell on the Middle Ages, during the reign of the Republic of Genoa, which lasted until 1796. At the time of Napoleon, it was annexed to France, and in 1815 it became part of the state of Sardinia-Piedmont. From the second half of the 19th century, Liguria became part of the united Italian kingdom. In the 20th century, the region rapidly developed, turning into a stable and economically stable region, which later became one of the most important cultural and tourist centers of Italy.
Climate
On climatic conditions The area is strongly influenced by the majestic mountain ranges that encircle the coast of Liguria. They protect her from cold winds and protect her from the scorching sun. So in the winter months average temperature the air temperature here is about +7 - +9 degrees, and in summer it rises to +26 - +28, while precipitation is infrequent and mainly occurs between November and March. bathing season at the resorts begins in May and ends in October.
How to get there
Main international Airport The region is located in Genoa, but you can also get to different points of Liguria by landing in Milan, Turin or Rome.
Transport
All cities and resorts are interconnected by bus and rail links. In addition, almost everywhere there are car rental points, not to mention taxis and minibuses running between different regions. Along the coast, by sea, regular ferry transportation is carried out.
Major cities
The capital of Liguria is old City, spread out on the shores of the Genoa Bay, 120 km from Milan. In the Middle Ages, it had the status of a powerful city-state, and now it is considered the cultural and port center of the region, having a whole scattering of architectural sights. The medieval gates of Porta Soprano, in fact, serve calling card Genoa, and such grandiose structures like the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the palaces of the Palazzi dei Rolli and the city theater Carlo Felice, have long become pride Northern Italy and a symbol of its cultural revival. The youngest city in the region is Imperia, which hosts perhaps the best center aquatic species sports in the country. Province of La Spezia, apart from historical buildings and monuments of its main city, famous for its picturesque marine reserve, a national park and a unique museum located on the territory of the monastery of San Francesco da Paola. The second largest city in the region, after Genoa, is Savona, where the parents of Christopher Columbus once lived. During the Second World War, most of the city's attractions were destroyed, but Savona quickly recovered, although it lost a significant part of its historical heritage.
Main resorts
Many people call the Ligurian coast only as the "Italian Riviera". The local coasts are distinguished by a variety of relief, and sandy beaches alternately turn into pebbly. The latter include the territories of the provinces of Genoa and La Spezia, and the sandy coating is characteristic of the resorts of Savoy and the Empire. One of the most popular resort areas is, smoothly transitioning from Italian to French territory. Among the most famous resorts respectable, charming Finale Ligure and the most beautiful Diano Marina stand out here. However, the true pride of the Riviera di Ponente is considered legendary, with its amazing beaches, bright colors and the world-famous music festival. , stretching south of Genoa, has such resorts as Camogli, Portofino, Rapallo and Portovenere.
Attractions and entertainment
The main tourist centers of the region are Genoa, La Spezia, and Portofino. It is in these cities that the largest number of tourists are concentrated who come here to admire historical monuments, have good fun and swim in the clear waters of the Ligurian Sea. Special attention of travelers is always awarded to the local National parks, among which deserves special attention, which has incredible natural beauty and has long been included in the UNESCO heritage list. Almost any of the cities of Liguria has some interesting places, so a journey along this edge is always accompanied by a mass positive emotions and vivid impressions.
In addition to a rich excursion program, the region is famous for its celebrations and holidays. The beginning of each year is accompanied by the opening of the International Flower Market and the Parade of Flowers in Sanremo. It also hosts a major song festival, organized annually since 1951. No less popular musical holidays are the October Violin Competition in Genoa, held every 2 years, and International Festival chamber music in Finale Ligure, held in August. Navigation fans are advised to visit the capital of the province of Imperia during the rally sailing ships Vele d "Epoca or visit the International Navigation Salon in Genoa. For culinary gourmets, a holiday dedicated to traditional dish- "Sagra del Bagnum", celebrated every 3rd weekend in the village of Riva Trigoso and accompanied not only by tasting local dishes, but also by colorful fireworks. Similar events are held in many districts of the region and invariably gather a large number of people.
Kitchen
In restaurants, cafes and other culinary establishments of Liguria, guests are offered the widest selection of dishes for every taste, including fish and seafood, aromatic herbs and spices, olive oil and pine nuts, juicy tomatoes and artichokes, mushrooms and a variety of pastries. It is also recommended to try the bread with all kinds of cheese and garlic variations. The most popular drinks are Limoncino lemon liqueur, Arancino orange liqueur, and Basilico basil liqueur.
shopping
For mass shopping and buying souvenirs, in Liguria, the best option appears to be Genoa. The flea market at Piazzetta Lavagna, the antique market at Palazzo Ducale and Lungomare di Genova Pegli, Outlet Baby Kids Sestri, Euro Outlet and Diffusione Tessile are open daily to visitors and offer an impressive range of products. In San Remo and La Spezia, there are also numerous clothing and food markets, where you can buy almost everything, from high-quality Italian shoes to unique handicrafts made of ceramics and porcelain.
In terms of the number of tourists visiting the region annually, Liguria is slightly inferior to the southern and central parts, having an abundance of outstanding architectural structures, gorgeous beaches and excellent infrastructure. Rest in this part of the country involves a fascinating acquaintance with its nature, culture and national traditions, which makes it possible to feel the atmosphere of these colorful and picturesque places, appreciating Italy from the most favorable angles.
The region consists of four provinces: Genoa, Empire, La Spezia and Savona. The main highway connecting the Ligurian cities and towns stretches along the ancient Aurelius road, built by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. BC e.
What to see, where to visit
Main pearl Liguria - its capital Genoa, illustrious italian city With centuries of history, majestic architecture and rich museums.
Other resorts on the Ligurian coast are also worth visiting. San Remo was once a favorite vacation spot of the Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II, and today it is a city of flowers, a casino and a music festival. Alassio is the most romantic town on the Italian Riviera, with a "wall of lovers" and a mailbox "for letters of love." Portofino - a place of secular parties, restaurants haute cuisine And expensive yachts. Rapallo is a lively city in the Gulf of Tigullio, where there is the only cable car in Liguria leading to the picturesque church of Nostra Signora di Montallegro. Portovenere inspired Dante, Byron and Shelley, which is why the local bay is called the "Bay of Poets". Five villages, united in the Cinque Terre park, are included in the list world heritage UNESCO. Savona challenges Genoa for title hometown Christopher Columbus. In La Spezia, you can see a well-preserved historical center and an impressive Museum of the Navy.
But even small resorts Liguria in Italy - Santa Margherita Ligure, Diano Marina, Bordighera, Ventimiglia, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Finale Ligure, Sestri Levante and many others - are amazingly beautiful due to their cozy streets, palm embankments and characteristic multi-colored houses descending in tiers from mountain slopes to sea.
Beaches
The Ligurian coast is usually divided into two parts: Riviera di Levante, which starts south of Genoa and stretches a little further than La Spezia, and Riviera di Ponente, which stretches from Genoa to the border with France.
The coastline of the Riviera di Levante is distinguished by its bizarre outlines. Here prevail pebble beaches located in small cozy bays. On the Riviera di Ponente, the beaches are mostly sandy - they can be found in literally every village.
Note that many beaches in Liguria have been awarded the European " blue flag”, confirming their cleanliness, safety and comfort.
Entertainment and active recreation
Beach holidays in Italian Liguria goes well with active species sports. Here you can ride the "bananas" and water skiing, go windsurfing, dive, rent a yacht or boat. Also, the resorts have excellent conditions for playing golf, tennis and beach volleyball, horseback riding, climbing, cycling.
Eco- and agro-tourism is developed in the region. Tourists have the opportunity to visit one of the eight national parks or local farms - for example, the cellars of the Agrarian Cooperative in Cinque Terre, the Birrificio del Golfo brewery in La Spezia or Maltus Faber near Genoa.
Another popular entertainment is hiking in local markets and shops. In San Remo, Genoa and Portofino there are boutiques of world famous brands, and in the vicinity of Genoa there are several large outlets. Fairs and markets are of interest - food (the most famous is Orientale in Genoa), flea markets (at Piazzetta Lavagna in Genoa), antiques (at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa or in Bordighera) and flower market in Sanremo.
In addition, a lot of bright festivals and holidays are held in Liguria: a parade of flowers and music Festival in San Remo, violin competition. N. Paganini in Genoa, a regatta of rare sailing ships Vele d'Epoca in the Empire, etc.
Local cuisine and wines
Most restaurants and cafes in Liguria specialize in traditional cuisine Italy. It serves a variety of pastas, pizzas with every conceivable topping, pansotti ravioli, focaccia bread, seafood dishes, pies (such as orta pasqualina cheese pie) and desserts. Quality Italian wines are the perfect complement to any meal.
Family holiday
With children, you should definitely go to Genoa, where Aquario di Genova is located - the second largest aquarium in Europe, La Biosfera botanical garden, educational child Center Città dei Bambini. Unforgettable impressions will be delivered by a visit to the Le Caravelle water park in the village of Ceriale near Alassio, a hike in the caves of Toirano (near Savona), a trip to national park Cinque Terre or boat trips along the Ligurian coast.
Where to stay
There are about a thousand hotels of 1-5* categories in the region, of very different orientations (family, youth, romantic, spa, eco-hotel, etc.) and location - on the coast, in the city center or in the countryside.
An equally popular option is renting private houses, villas and apartments, or staying in campsites.
What to bring
In Ligurian shops you can buy fashionable clothes and shoes, accessories, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, and in flea markets - unusual home accessories, vintage and designer jewelry, ceramics and porcelain, handicrafts, etc. Locals will be a great gift delicacies - for example, resto alla genovese sauce, Basilicò or Limoncino liqueurs, sweets and sweets (for example, Baci di Alassio - “Kisses of Alassio”) and original wines.
In the southeast - with and in the west - with France .
Length Ligurian, or Italian Riviera, is about 300 km. Apart from famous beaches you can visit medieval cities coast, the largest of which is the capital of the region, famous for its numerous palaces and museums.
You can see the Italian Riviera on one of tourist routes in Liguria, or independently plan a trip by selecting the desired cities:
Cities of Liguria:
List of cities in Ligiria (in alphabetical order):
- Alassio
- Altare
- Sassello
Select a city in Liguria on the map:
What to see in Liguria:
Riviera di Ponente
The Riviera di Ponente with a smooth coastline, spacious bays and wide sandy beaches stretches from Genoa to Ventimiglia.
Alassio(Alassio) in the province of Savona ( Savona) is one of the finest beach resorts on the mountainous Ligurian coast. Autographs are left on the seaside boulevard famous people, here on wall of Alassio(Muretta di Alassio) you can find the signatures of Ernest Hemingway and Thor Heyerdahl.
On the border with Piedmont, in the mountains, is the city Sassello(Sassello), which retained its medieval appearance. The main sights of the city are the ancient bridge and the church. San Giovanni(Chiesa di San Giovanni, XII century).
In the locality Altar(Altare) V Museum of glass and glass art More than 2,000 items are on display: works of art, household items, glassware for chemistry and pharmacology, tools and molds for manual glass processing. Most of the exhibits are locally produced.
Empire
The city, the capital of the province of the same name, consists of two settlements - Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. These are two ports and two historical center. In the quarters of Oneglia you can see Palazzo Doria(Palazzo Doria), where the famous Genoese admiral Andrea Doria (1466–1560) was born, and Museum of the History of Olive Oil Production(Museo dell’ Olivo). In Porto Maurizio there is a cathedral Cathedral of San Maurizio(Duomo di San Maurizio, XVIII century) - the most big church Liguria.
IN small towns provinces are interesting museums. For example, in Triore(Triora) located Ethnographical museum sorcery(Museo Ethnographico e della Stregoneria) with an exposition in the old municipal building. Scenes of the “trial of witches” that took place in the 16th century are reproduced in the premises of the medieval prison. IN Vallecrosia(Vallecrosia) There is Sound Museum(Museo della Riproduzione Sonora), where the exposition, based on a private collection, is housed in old railway cars. The museum recreates the history of various automatic sound reproduction systems - from mechanical pianos, perforated tape organs, music boxes, gramophones and phonographs to the first recording devices.
IN Tovo San Giacomo(Tovo San Giacomo) was opened in 1992 Museum tower clock Bergallo(Museo dell’ Orologio da torre Bergallo). The exposition is housed in the old palace of Bardino Nuovo. Watches and details created by watchmakers from the famous Bergallo family and other watchmakers are exhibited here.
Argentina
In the valley of the Argentina River is an ancient town Badalucco(Badalucco) - the center of trade in ceramics. On his old streets turned into galleries, displayed right under open sky for sale ceramic products.
City Bordighera(Bordighera listen)) is known in Italy as the City of Palms. This is not about individual palm alleys, but about a real forest date palms, brought here by the Arabs, which gained world fame as the northernmost palm forest in Europe. The surroundings of Bordighera captured on his canvases Claude Monet.
Cities:
Alassio
- 65 km east of Sanremo
Sassello
- 63 km west of Genoa
Altar
- 70 km west of Genoa
Empire
- 23 km north of Sanremo
tourist office IAT
- Viale G. Matteotti, 37
- 0183 66 01 40
triora
- 37 km north of Sanremo
Vallecrosia
- 14 km west of Sanremo
Riviera di Levante
This part of the Ligurian coast with romantic rocky coves and secluded beaches stretches from Genoa to Marinella di Sarzana(Marinella di Sarzana) and bay ( Golfo La Spezia).
The pearl of these places is the town Camogli(Camogli) at the western tip of Cape Portofino. Camogli is considered the birthplace of the Ligurian sailing fleet, the history of which can be learned in detail by visiting the exposition Museum of Joe Bono Ferrari(Museo Gio Bono Ferrari). The name of the town (Italian) ca mogli - “house of wives”) recalls the wives of fishermen who were waiting for their husbands who had gone to sea. In May there is a big fishing festival Sagra del Pesce(Sagra del Pesce), where all guests and participants are treated to fish fried in a huge frying pan with a diameter of 4 m.
Portofino
From Camogli you can take a boat trip along the rocky coast with a stop at the cape Punta Chiappa(Punta Chiappa), which offers an unforgettable view of the Ligurian Sea.
Not far from Portofino there is a bay San Fruttuoso(Baia di San Fruttuoso) , where at a depth of 15 m stands a bronze statue of " Christ of the Abyss» ( Cristo degli Abissi, 1954). It can be seen through the water in calm weather.
5 km from Portofino on the beach Gulf of Tigullio(Golfo del Tigullio) is the town Santa Margherita Ligure(Santa Margherita ligure), founded in the Roman era. Architectural monuments of different times have been preserved here: lock(1550), Basilica of Santa Margherita(Basilica di Santa Margherita, 1658) and Villa Durazzo Centurione(Villa Durazzo Centurione, XVII century).
Rapallo
Most luxury resort in the Gulf of Tigullio Rapallo(Rapallo) is also of ancient Roman origin.
In 1229, being a free city-commune, he voluntarily joined Genoa. Taking on the role of an outpost of the Republic of Genoa, the city acquired a castle Castello sul Mare(Castello sul Mare, "Castle on the Sea", XVI century), where art exhibitions are now held.
Near Rapallo, in the mountains at an altitude of 600 m, there is a santuary Madonna di Montallegro(Santuario della Madonna di Montallegro, 1557), which can be reached by funicular.
City Sestri Levante(Sestri Levante) stands next to Bay of Tales(Baia delle Favole) And bays of silence(Baia del Silenzio). There are many preserved here historical monuments, in particular, the Capuchin churches of the 17th century San Nicolò ale Isola(Chiesa di San Nicolo all’ Isola) And San Pietro in Vincoli(Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli).
Cities:
Camogli
- 21 km east of Genoa
Santa Margherita Ligure
- 35 km southeast of Genoa
Rapallo
- 28 km east of Genoa
Sestri Levante
- 56 km south of Genoa
Cinque Terre
(ital. cinque terre - five-land) - common name an area in which five small settlements are located: Monterosso(Monterosso), Vernazza(Vernazza), Corniglia(Corniglia), Manarola(Manarola) And Riomaggiore(Riomaggiore). The coast from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, 18 km long, looks rather harsh and impregnable.
Steep cliffs in some places turn into sheer ones. You can get to it by train, but it is better to take a walk along the paths laid along the most picturesque places and connecting all five villages.
Liguria is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy. The local climate is perfect for growing flowers, so every town in the province is literally strewn with colorful flower beds. The main decoration of local cities is exotic ornamental plants. Each settlement in the province looks like a huge fragrant garden. However, tourists are attracted not only magnificent nature local places, but also numerous architectural monuments, and luxurious beaches Italian Riviera.
Conditionally beach area divided into two honors - the eastern one is called the Riviera di Ponente, and the western Riviera di Ponente. The most popular beach resort is San Remo, which also bears the proud title of the capital of floriculture. The resort is the annual venue for the Italian Song Festival. Luxurious concert halls, fashionable hotels and casinos, as well as restaurants and clubs. In addition to numerous entertainment venues, V modern city many museums and art galleries. Among the most visited cultural institutions it is worth noting Museum of Local Lore, and art gallery Rambaldi. Among the historical sights, the ruins of the Madonna della Costa Sanctuary are distinguished, and the Alfred Nobel Villa, which today is a museum, is among the later architectural monuments.
The city of Imperia is rich in architectural sights. Here you can see Cathedral San Maurizio, which is the largest temple in the province, as well as beautiful palace Doria, built in the middle of the 16th century. Nature lovers will love the town of Portofino, in the vicinity of which there are extraordinarily beautiful olive groves, vineyards and palm thickets. Among the thickets of cypress, on one of high cliffs located medieval castle San Giorgio and also the old lighthouse. This place has been among the most visited for many years. For tourists, the lighthouse is equipped with viewing platforms from which you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the surroundings. Copyright www.site
Those who want to enjoy peace and quiet should go to the resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, whose guests are expected the cleanest beaches and rich excursion program. In Liguria there is perfect place recreation for travelers with children, and for fans of gambling and nightlife.
The Ligurian coast is the most popular recreation area for those who cannot imagine a vacation without beach activities. This resort region attractive for its mild climate, developed tourist infrastructure and variety of beaches. Very beautiful and well-maintained sandy beaches are located in Imperia and Savona, they are in demand among travelers with children. Those who prefer pebble beaches will find it more comfortable to relax in Genoa and La Spezia. The Riviera di Ponente region, in addition to well-maintained beaches, is famous for its variety of natural beauties, beach holiday here you can successfully combine with hiking.
Some of the calmest and least crowded beach resorts are worth looking for in the Riviera di Levante area. Many local resorts a few decades ago were small fishing villages; foreign guests began to visit them quite recently. Today, this picturesque region is home to one of the most prestigious resorts country visited by famous movie stars and millionaires - Portofino.
On the territory of Liguria there are 8 unique national reserves, some of which are under the protection of UNESCO. The most famous is the Cinque Terre nature reserve, on the territory of which there are several beautiful old villages and picturesque resorts. The main attraction for tourists are hiking during which you can admire the natural beauties and get acquainted with the life of the indigenous population. On local resorts pebbly beaches predominate, many parts of the coast are available for recreation.
Masses are held in Liguria throughout the year interesting holidays and festivals, the traditional Flower Parade is held every year in San Remo. The main part of this festival is a solemn procession, during which platforms with compositions and sculptures made of fresh flowers pass through the city streets. Within the framework of the festival, a lot of interesting competitions and performances are held, as well as gastronomic entertainment.
