With only four provinces and an area of about 5,400 km², Liguria is one of the smallest regions in Italy. Never the less the landscape offers extremes that you can usually find only in big regions. From the sea you only have to cross the “eyebrow” and after not more than 35 km you have reached the mountains at the other side of Liguria.  

Due to the proximity of mountains and sea in many parts of Liguria, cliffs dive steeply into the sea. Feel the might of nature when you drive your car, motor bike or cycle along the roads very close to the cliffs with the sea to your left and the high rocks to your right.

Going on tour with your road bike is not the only physical activity you can practice in Liguria. The region is popular with those who love to go up and down. Throughout the year but mainly in spring and autumn you see lots of MTB riders, climbers and hikers, who enjoy the multifaceted landscapes and the great views on their tours.

Genoa is capital of Liguria and birthplace of Christopher Columbus. In 2004 Genoa was European Capital of Culture and the “Palazzi dei Rolli” are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.  

Genoa is the place where Liguria is separated into the “Riviera di Ponente” to the west and “Riviera di Levante” to the east. Then again the 150 km long “Riviera di Ponente” is divided into the coast of palms and the coast of flowers. We recommend you to visit the towns of  Alassio, Albenga, Finale Ligure, Sanremo, Bordighera and Ventimiglia or spend your leisure at the beautiful beaches of Arenzano, Laigueglia and San Bartolomeo al Mare. In the backlands you find medieval villages such as Triora – the valley of witches, or Valloria – the valley with the pained doors.

At the eastern Riviera di Levante you find the Gulf of Tigullio with many sophisticated seaside resorts. First of all we´d like to mention the famous Portofino wherethe high society loves to spend the holidays. From Portofino you can easily reach the neighboring coastal towns Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Chiavari and Sestri Levante for example by the ferry boat (battello). At the very east of Liguria there is a real treasure of Italy: Just like pearls on a necklace the five picturesque villages of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Cinque Terre” string together. You shouldn´t miss a visit to the Cinque Terre when you travel to Liguria!

As like all the other Italian regions, Liguria is also known for its culinary highlights. Everyone knows “Pesto alla Genovese” – the famous basil pesto from Genoa. In Liguria we will tell you the original recipe and show you how to prepare it at home. Further popular Ligurian products are olives from Taggiasca, native olive-oil, garlic from Vessalico, the violet asparagus from Albenga or the dried chestnuts from Calizzano and Murialdo. If you love good wine you should try the red wines “Rossese di Dolceacqua” or „Ormeasco di Pornassio“ or the white wines “Colli di Luni”, “Cinque Terre”, „Vermentino“ and „Pigato“ or the dessert wine „Sciacchetrà“.

At www.liguriaplus.com you will find further information about Liguria!