The Little Continent
Liguria & Portofino
The Land in Between
Liguria, the region in north-western Italy between the Ligurian Alps and the Ligurian Apennines to the North and overlooking the Ligurian Sea to the South, is a splendid strip of land that holds precious gems: Sanremo and the Riviera dei Fiori, the alleyways and the Aquarium in Genoa, the villages of the Cinque Terre and Portofino, the beaches of the Gulf of Poets in La Spezia and the Palmaria Island.
Liguria, thanks to a territory with a varied ecosystem and spectacular beauty, is the perfect destination for incentive events, a rainbow in which colors mix between art, culture, breathtaking landscapes and good food.
Take a look at this multi-faceted land and be amazed by its picturesque villages and its cultural relevance.
Genoa, The Maritime Republic
Overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Genoa was the capital of one of the Italian maritime republics, becoming one of the major naval powers on the continent. Even today it is an important economic, scientific, cultural, musical, artistic and naval centre.
From 1300 to 1500 there was the period of the Doges and the city of Genoa entered into tradition as a destination for merchants and bankers, who contributed to the cultural and artistic flourishing and to the construction of splendid buildings, called “Palazzi dei Rolli”.
Thanks to the heritage of this period, “Genoa, the Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli system” became a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2006.
Today the capital of Liguria, Genoa is also famous for the Genoa Aquarium, the largest Italian aquarium and the second in Europe located close to the Ancient Harbour of Genoa, home to important cultural, tourist, musical and sporting events, as well as the famous Nautical Show.
Portofino, a Glamourous Seaside Village
“You look at me and I will turn into wonder”, Portofino tells me every time. (Fabrizio Caramagna)
Portofino, a small seaside village in Liguria, is an icon of elegance and good living thanks to its particular position, nestled in the Ligurian Riviera, its colorful houses, its pleasant climate, its narrow streets, its quaint cafes and the wonderful lush nature that surrounds it.
In an absolutely glamorous way, Portofino still retains a yesteryear atmosphere and a seafaring spirit intrinsic to the culture of the place.
The Wonderful Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) are 5 charateristic ancient maritime villages set in the rugged stretch of coast of the eastern Ligurian Riviera, in the province of La Spezia.
The five villages that are part of the Cinque Terre are: Monterosso, with its beautiful beach and crystal-clear waters; Vernazza, with its characteristic port and its famous square enclosed among the colorful houses in typical Ligurian style; Corniglia crossed by nature trails; Manarola that offers a special atmosphere and breathtaking views; Riomaggiore, a magical window on the Ligurian sea.
The coast is a succession of stone spurs overlooking the sea, small beaches and wonderful ravines: 18 kilometers of wonderful rocky Ligurian coast dominated by a chain of mountains parallel to the coast and enriched by beaches, bays and deep seabeds, but also by vineyards and olive trees with the typical ancient dry-stone walls.
The famous paths of the Cinque Terre, for centuries the only connection between one town and another, extend for more than 120 kilometers and allow you to visit the entire territory.
The Cinque Terre offer a naturalistic heritage of such variety that they have been included in 1997 in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a significant example of how man can shape the environment while respecting it.
The Riviera of Flowers: Sanremo
Capital of the Riviera dei Fiori, guardian of elegance, music and culture. The charming city of Sanremo is known for its pleasant climate, the luxuriance of its beautiful flowers and, above all, for one of the most famous events of the Italian panorama, The Festival of Italian Song.
Nature, elegance, beauty, art: this is Sanremo!
Arts, Crafts & Traditions
Experience the exceptional traditional Ligurian craftsmanship that has continued to produce pure local art over the centuries. Let yourself be enchanted by the workmanship of the damask fabric, the lace and bobbin lace, the traditional craftsmanship of the silver filigree of Campoligure, the beautiful ceramics of Albisola, Celle and Savona and the fantastic ship models closed in glass bottles by ex-sailor craftsmen.
Join the unique events held in Liguria such as the beautiful Flower Parade of Sanremo or the playful “Torta dei Fieschi” Festival which make this destination unique.
Ligurian Essentials
Liguria, home of authentic Mediterranean cuisine, has a fragrant gastronomic tradition made of spices and aromatic herbs of which the king is basil, the main ingredient of the famous “Pesto alla Genovese”: the green gold of Liguria!
How not to mention the very famous Focaccia di Recco, the “sardenaria” and the “farinata”, recipes that reflect the creative use of the ingredients available in the Ligurian territory.
