Liguria: Where to go on the Italian Riviera
When dreaming of a holiday in Italy, Liguria is a gem - but it's often overlooked for its famous neighbours like Tuscany, the Italian Lakes or the Amalfi Coast.
But this beautiful (and less crowded) north-western stretch of coastline makes for a perfect holiday destination, offering everything from beautiful beaches and clear seas, to nature walks in rolling hills and charming cliffside villages with ocean views.
See more secret Italian spots for quieter holidays here
What's to love?
The coastline of Liguria stretches for 300km, and boasts fine golden sands, delicious local cuisine (warning: trofie pasta and pesto is addictive), pretty coves, dramatic mountains, villages carved into the cliffs, excellent shopping and some buzzing nightlife. The Ligurian Sea is also a hotspot for whale-watching, attracting sperm whales, rorquals and dolphins, making it even more exciting for nature-lovers. Locals have worked hard for centuries on the land, with terraces filled with grape vines and olive groves reaching down to the sea (all of which make for amazing local wines and oils).
Liguria by rail
We visited the area by train, and, while it takes longer than a plane ride, it's far more stress-free, and you really get to see the area. Jump on the Eurostar, a quick change in Paris, and five comfortable, relaxing hours later we were in Turin: home of the shroud, chocolate and cars. Make the most of the city and stay for the night before making the two-and-a-half-hour trip to the Ligurian coast, and the town of Sestri Levante.
See 20 of Italy's most beautiful hotels here
Sestri Levante
This pretty coastal town has been the inspiration for Hans Christian Andersen, Shelley and Lord Byron over the centuries. It has two beautiful bays and wonderful restaurants, including family-run Le Cantine del Polpo, where you can even try your hand at making the local speciality, pesto. For something really smart, head to Hotel Vis a Vis, whose restaurant is accessed via a red carpet and a lift (fancy), and offers incredible views over the whole town. As well as being a destination in itself, Sestri Levante is also a brilliant base for visiting other must-see areas in the region, including celebrity hotspot Portofino (Beyonce, Kylie and Liam Hemsworth have all recently been spotted here), and the Cinque Terre cliffside villages: Vernazza, Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Stay at the Villa Balbi, a hotel set within a stunning 17th century villa in its own gardens, yet located only a few metres from the beach, and walking distance from the train station, where you can jump on to visit the Cinque Terre villages.
I want to go!
Great Rail Journeys (greatrail.com) offers a 10-day escorted group holiday to the Italian Riviera staying at the Hotel Concord in Turin and Hotel Villa Balbi in Sestri Levante from £1,695pp (tel: 01904 527180).
Rail Discoveries (raildiscoveries.com) offers a nine-day escorted group holiday to the region from £1,095pp (tel: 01904 734812). Holiday includes hotels, rail, selected meals and excursions as per itinerary.
GRJ Independent (greatrail.com/grj-independent/) tailor makes holidays by rail to Liguria and the rest of Italy. Call to speak to a Tour Advisor on 01904 734812.
For more information on holidays and what to do and see in Liguria, visit turismoinliguria.it.
Fancy a trip to beautiful Liguria? Check out the top spots to visit in our slideshow below:
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