Top 5 things to do in the Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera refers to the coastline between the south of France and Italy. Crescent in shape, the area is defined by rugged cliffs, exquisite caves, and seaside towns. Along the coastal strip of Italy are what is considered to be the Italian Riviera and a summer’s dream. 

Savona 

The major Italian port is your first grand introduction to what awaits you along the coastline of private beaches, cliffside villages, and nature spanning long distances that make for great hikes. Savona was the birthplace of two Popes and lovingly coined the city of Popes. There is a charming diversity of both rich and ordinary, from expensive yachts to fishing boats. There is also a lot of culture and history that can be found in their very own Sistine Chapel. The skyline is vast with much architecture, from forts to towers and the famous La Torretta clocktower.

Portofino 

The center of the Italian Riviera, Portofino, sends calm and tranquil vibes from the colorful homes and buildings that line the turquoise waters. Renowned for its celebrity status and luxury, it has several glamorous shops, bars, restaurants, and galleries. It has become quite an expensive destination, but it is well worth the splurge if you can afford it. The main square, Piazzetta, is the center for locals and where you socialize with the most popular cafes and gelato. From the Piazzetta you can explore hiking, the beaches, the lighthouse, and several churches. 

Old Port of Genoa 

There are many buildings in the Old Port that are of artistic and cultural intersection, making this a popular destination for history lovers. The port also has an aquarium to explore, botanical gardens, museums, and events hosted year-round. There are so many shops, cafes, and restaurants that you can spend hours just exploring and walking the grounds. At the end of the day, don’t forget to catch the sunset at the Island barge. 

Cinque Terre National Park

Italy’s first and smallest National Park was inducted in 1999 and spans only 17 square miles. To this day, it remains a protected area of Liguria. Its seaside charm has attracted many tourists for the picturesque view. It encompasses five towns: Corniglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Monterosso al Mare, which encourage tourists to hike through as it is free and open to tourism. You can also see the National Park by train if you just want to take in the view. 

Santo Stefano di Magra

Skip the wine and go for the renowned olive oil tour in Santo Stefano di Magra. Wine can get old sometimes, so being able to experience a different tasting may have you bringing some bottles home. Santo Stefano di Magra also has a lot of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy as you explore the rest of the beautiful coastline. 

Conclusion

You can’t pass up on the colorful seaside, panoramic views, delicious cuisine, and clear blue waters. With so much of the coastline to see, you may be overwhelmed by the amount to do, but this list helps you narrow down your itinerary. The perfect time to explore is during the summer to enjoy the warm weather and wonderful beaches.