Liguria and The Italian Riviera

A special part of Italy, particularly for views, beaches and walking. It’s a mix of sleepy hamlets and chic towns, including the famous Cinque Terre. For fans of sun and sand, it’s got the most Blue Flag beaches in Italy too.

Cinque Terre

You can walk the winding paths along the coast between the five villages, and it goes without saying that the views are amazing all the way. We always recommend setting out early to do the whole walk, then catch the train back, but you can slow down the pace as much as you want - it’s easy to get around. Monterosso is the biggest of the five cliff-side villages and is in two quite distinct parts. The old part has lots of narrow lanes and traditional fisherman’s cottages for you to wander around. The newer part has plenty of shops, restaurants and the beautiful Fegina beach. The train station is handy too for exploring the rest of the area.

Our favourite hotels

Hotel Porto Roca,

Cinque Terre HHHH

It’s built into the cliff above the sparkling blue sea below so you’ll have infinity pools and endless views. A great restaurant that’s popular with locals too. 7 NIGHTS FROM £1,265 pp

Sestri Levante

One of the most beautiful little towns on the Ligurian Riviera - it’s basically a thin strip of land with a wide beach on one side and the gorgeous Bay of Silence on the other. In between is a pretty wooded promontory so it’s all lovely and peaceful to explore. The old town has cobbled streets and houses with lots of character.

Allasio

The architecture here is pretty special - the buildings are colourful and classic, but there’s also some roman ruins to explore too. It’s got one of the best beaches in the area, which is a bit busy near the centre of town but it stretches for 2.5 miles so there’s plenty of space.

Rapallo

This place will charm you, and has a few interesting highlights. There’s a cable car that goes up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro with spectacular views at the top. If you like making clothes or are interested in fashion, Rapallo is also famous for making lace and weaving silk.

Portofino

Portofino is a must-see when you’re in Liguria. Colourful houses line the jet-set harbour - spend your afternoon in one of the many cafés watching the super-yachts moor up. If you feel like stretching your legs, you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques for a spot of

window shopping.

Hotel Excelsior Palace, Rapallo HHHHH

If it was any closer to the sea it would be a boat. Amazing food, a big choice of pools and it deserves every one of its five stars. You could easily spend a whole day just relaxing.

7 NIGHTS FROM £939 pp

Grand Hotel Diana Majestic, Diano Marina HHHH

Handy for exploring Liguria. It’s on the coast and has a private beach, plus two outdoor pools and lovely gardens to chill out. An easy walk into town too.

7 NIGHTS FROM £915pp

7 Resorts 10 Hotels