Guide to the Ligurian Riviera

Liguria is a fabulous holiday destination with a charming and varied coastline, shimmering blue seas, small coves and many traditional fishing villages with their huddles of pastel coloured houses.

Our holiday accommodation is in Camogli, Sestri Levante and Monterosso Mare, some of the most idyllic spots on the Ligurian coast.  All of our selected resorts are easily accessible and offer a wide range of sightseeing and leisure opportunities.

The mountain backdrop provides wonderful scenery and both the Cinque Terre National Park and the Portofino Natural Park are found on this stretch of coastline, offering numerous magnificent walking routes along some of the finest coastal footpaths in Europe. 

Liguria is well served by public transport (boat and train) which makes it easy to get around, and the lack of cars in many of the towns and villages helps the area to retain an air of tranquil charm.

Ligurian cuisine is a unique mixture of mountain and seaside produce and the numerous local specialities include sea food, pesto and focaccia. The region is also famous for olives and olive oil, as well as the local Sciacchetra white wine.

The hotels, all personally selected for our Liguria Programme, offer distinct Italian character, excellent standards of accommodation and service, and are located in the some of the best and most scenic positions on the coast.

Our comprehensive Echo Travel Information Pack provides well researched itineraries and will give you all the guidance and local information that you need to make the most of your precious time in Italy.

This will include our up to date guide to Liguria with maps, detailed local information and sightseeing itineraries, as well as indications as to the best places to eat and drink.

Camogli - Portofino Peninsula

Camogli is a handsome, typically Italian seaside town with an attractive sea front promenade, sparkling blue sea and a long pebbled beach.  It is characterized by tall, multi coloured Ligurian houses and an historic centre with a picturesque harbour, an 11th century church and a medieval castle.

Ideally located on the western coast of the Portofino peninsula, Camogli is conveniently placed for sightseeing, and there is also plenty of good walking in the immediate area.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a delightful seaside town with an historic centre as well as sandy beaches, clear blue seas and a distinct Italian atmosphere.  Our hotels are located on the beautiful Bay of Silence, which is found on the picturesque, narrow peninsula that juts out into the Ligurian Sea.

Monterosso - Cinque Terre

One of the five picturesque Cinque Terre villages, the historic centre of Monterosso Mare is full of charming old buildings, interesting streets and narrow alley ways. The shady central square is a relaxing place to stop for a drink and watch the world go by.  Monterosso has long stretches of pebbly beach and the waters of the Ligurian Sea beyond, are crystal clear.

Cars are not permitted in the villages of the Cinque Terre.  Instead they are linked by an ancient network of footpaths, as well as regular train and boat services.

The following Ligurian towns and places of interest are easily accessed from our hotels using the frequent boat and train services, or in some cases on foot.

San Fruttuoso

Close to Camogli on the Portofino peninsula, San Fruttuoso is an 11th Century monastery idyllically situated amid olive groves and pines at the head of a narrow bay.  It is only accessible by boat or on foot.

There is an attractive beach for swimming as well as some pleasant waterfront bars and restaurants for lunch and snacks.

Portofino

The former fishing village of Portofino is now one of Italy’s most exclusive and expensive resorts. It is a truly idyllic spot with a picturesque central square, a small harbour and a wonderful collection of shops, bars and restaurants.

It is immensely popular in the height of the season and as with all the Ligurian towns and villages, it is at its best in early or late summer.

Santa Margherita

The elegant resort town of Santa Margherita still operates as a fishing port and gleaming yachts sit alongside small fishing boats in the picturesque harbour.

After a stroll along the palm fringed sea front and a look around the town, you may like to visit the gloriously faded Villa Durazzo complex with its two patrician villas, 16th century castle and 17th century park, or the exquisite cliff top Cervara Abbey on the road to Portofino.

Rapallo

Rapallo is a sophisticated Riviera town with a palm fringed sea front, international marina, charming streets and designer shops. Take the cable car up to the 16th century ‘Santuario di Montallegro’ and enjoy the panoramic view from 600m above sea level.

Portovenere

Portovenere is a town full of Ligurian charm with a harbour and vividly coloured houses. The views from the town’s 16th century fortress towards the cliffs of the Cinque Terre and in the opposite direction towards Lerici, are simply stunning.

On the waterfront is the church of San Pietro, which has its origins in the 6th century.

Lerici

A former fishing port, the seaside town of Lerici is a popular holiday destination. It sits on a lovely bay, in the shadow of a 13th century Pisan fortress. The pastel coloured houses of the waterfront mingle with numerous bars and restaurants where you can relax with a drink, and watch the world go by.

Genova

Bustling, vibrant and colourful, modern day Genova is well worth a visit.

The compact historic centre, with its intriguing passageways, is easy to get around on foot and offers an eclectic mix of palaces, frescoed, art filled churches, museums and art galleries.

Alongside modern designer stores you will discover historic shops and cafes from past centuries, and the revamped port area and promenade has plenty of space to stroll whilst admiring the luxury yachts glistening in the harbour.