In the 1960's, the French Riveria(which is the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France) was where the movie stars and rich and famous would travel to. Nowadays, the well-known celebrities travel to the Italian Riveria. This lies on the northwestern corner of Italy, in the region of Liguria, which stretches along the Ligurian Sea from the Italian/French border to the Tuscany border.
The villages that I got to travel to were Portovenere, Le Cinque Terre and Santa Margherita & Portofino(the heart of the Italian Riveria.
What one experiences from each of these areas were the multi-colored pastel buildings; the fishing villages; tall rugged cliffs dropping down into the cobalt blue depths of the sea and the resort areas(beaches).
Portovenere is located on the Ligurian coast of Italy. The very small quaint village has such beautiful panoramic views of the church, St. Peter, as well as the Doria Castle. St. Peter's Church sits on top of the cliffs that looks out into the sea, and was constructed in 1198 A.D. The church still holds services, as well as weddings. The castle was built by the Genoese in 1261 for the very wealthy Doria family who were very instrumental to the political, military and economic life of the Republic of Genoa.
The rugged part of the Italian Riveria is Cinque Terre(five villages). The five villages are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza & Monterosso. Each of these have their own charm. All five of these villages are connected by a trail. Hikers love to travel to this area. The water and mountainside have been declared a National Park.
Riomaggiore is known for its historic character and it's wine.
Manarola is built on black rock. The vineyards and olive trees are planted on the side of the steep cliffs. The wine and olive oil from this area is expensive due to how these grapes & olives are picked and taken care of.
Corniglia is an ancient Roman village that is perched on a striking high bluff. This is the only town without access from the sea. To reach the town you ascend a long flight of brick steps known as "Lardarina" (33 flights with 377 stairs).
Vernazza is the most charming of the five villages. It has the best access to the sea.
Monterosso is the largest of the Cinque Torres. It has beautiful beaches, clear turquoise water and lots of hotels and restaurants.
As you travel north from Cinque Terre, you will approach Santa Margherita & Portifino.
Santa Margherita is one of the most important towns of the Levante Riviera. It's special charm lies in the unusual mix of nautical & Belle Époque styles. It is a beautiful old resort town favored by well-to/do Italians. Santa Margherita Ligurie has everything a Riveria playground should have--plenty of palm trees, attractive hotels, cafes and a marina filled with yachts.
Portofino in the past, functioned primarily as a fishing village and occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort village. The waterfront is lined with multicolored pastel buildings and cafes. There is a very panoramic view of Portofino from the church, St. George. As you stroll through the piazza, you see many young lovers, as well as celebrities.
As you can see, the Italian Riveria has a lot to offer!
Portovenere is located on the Ligurian coast of Italy. The very small quaint village has such beautiful panoramic views of the church, St. Peter, as well as the Doria Castle. St. Peter's Church sits on top of the cliffs that looks out into the sea, and was constructed in 1198 A.D. The church still holds services, as well as weddings. The castle was built by the Genoese in 1261 for the very wealthy Doria family who were very instrumental to the political, military and economic life of the Republic of Genoa.
The rugged part of the Italian Riveria is Cinque Terre(five villages). The five villages are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza & Monterosso. Each of these have their own charm. All five of these villages are connected by a trail. Hikers love to travel to this area. The water and mountainside have been declared a National Park.
Riomaggiore is known for its historic character and it's wine.
Manarola is built on black rock. The vineyards and olive trees are planted on the side of the steep cliffs. The wine and olive oil from this area is expensive due to how these grapes & olives are picked and taken care of.
Corniglia is an ancient Roman village that is perched on a striking high bluff. This is the only town without access from the sea. To reach the town you ascend a long flight of brick steps known as "Lardarina" (33 flights with 377 stairs).
Vernazza is the most charming of the five villages. It has the best access to the sea.
Monterosso is the largest of the Cinque Torres. It has beautiful beaches, clear turquoise water and lots of hotels and restaurants.
As you travel north from Cinque Terre, you will approach Santa Margherita & Portifino.
Santa Margherita is one of the most important towns of the Levante Riviera. It's special charm lies in the unusual mix of nautical & Belle Époque styles. It is a beautiful old resort town favored by well-to/do Italians. Santa Margherita Ligurie has everything a Riveria playground should have--plenty of palm trees, attractive hotels, cafes and a marina filled with yachts.
Portofino in the past, functioned primarily as a fishing village and occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort village. The waterfront is lined with multicolored pastel buildings and cafes. There is a very panoramic view of Portofino from the church, St. George. As you stroll through the piazza, you see many young lovers, as well as celebrities.
As you can see, the Italian Riveria has a lot to offer!
1 comment:
Sounds like a bloody awesome place that I doubt I will ever visit
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