Uncover the Italian Riviera: A Travel Guide to This Beautiful Mediterranean Gem
Curated By
Christina Gales
Curator’s statement
Americans often overlook the Italian Riviera in favor of the Amalfi Coast. While the Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly stunning, the Italian Riviera offers a less crowded, yet equally captivating experience. Travelers to Italian Riviera towns like Portofino, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure Italian Rivera will still find gorgeous beaches, jaw-dropping landscapes and amazing food. Here you’ll discover charming fishing villages, secluded coves and stunning hiking trails that offer a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Plus, its ideal location makes it a great base for exploring other parts of Tuscany, including the famous cities of Florence and Pisa.
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Things to do in Italian Riviera
When you imagine Italy, images of ancient ruins, delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes likely come to mind. The Italian Riviera, a picturesque stretch of coastline along the Ligurian Sea, offers all of this and more. With its charming seaside towns, breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, the Italian Riviera is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
Things to do on the Italian Riviera
Explore the Cinque Terre: The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of five colorful villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Each village offers its own unique charm and attractions. Wander through the narrow alleyways, admire the colorful houses and hike along the scenic trails that connect the villages.
Relax on the Beaches: The Italian Riviera is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Whether you're looking for a secluded cove or a bustling beach town, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. Some of the most popular beaches include Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Camogli. During peak season, it's recommended to reserve your spot at a private beach club in advance, especially if you're traveling with a large group. Beach clubs often offer amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas and food and drink service.
Visit the Charming Towns: The Italian Riviera is dotted with charming seaside towns, each with its own unique character. Explore the historic center of Portofino, visit the picturesque village of Sanremo or stroll through the narrow streets of Cinque Terre. Don't forget to visit the charming towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo, which offer a more relaxed atmosphere than Portofino.
Indulge in Delicious Cuisine: The Italian Riviera, with its fresh ingredients sourced from the sea and local farms, offers a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds. Savor the authentic flavors of Ligurian cuisine, influenced by both Italian and regional traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like pesto, focaccia and seafood.
Wine Tasting: The Italian Riviera offers a variety of wine-tasting experiences, from large-scale cooperatives to small, family-run wineries. Some notable vineyards include Cantina Cinque Terre and Azienda Agricola Cinque Terre in the Cinque Terre region. Tenuta Brignone and Azienda Agricola San Giorgio in Portofino. Cantina Sociale di Santa Margherita Ligure and Azienda Agricola La Torre in Santa Margherita Ligure, and Azienda Agricola Il Poggio and Azienda Agricola La Colomba in the surrounding hills. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find a vineyard that suits your taste and interests.
Day trips
The Italian Riviera's proximity to Tuscany makes it an ideal base for exploring this celebrated region. Here are some day-trip suggestions:
Florence: A Renaissance gem, Florence boasts world-famous museums like the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Immerse yourself in art, history and architectural wonders.
Pisa: Renowned for its Leaning Tower, Pisa offers much more than just this iconic landmark. Explore the Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto for a taste of Tuscan history.
Siena: Experience the medieval atmosphere of Siena, a hilltop town famous for its Piazza del Campo, the site of the thrilling Palio horse race. Explore the city's narrow streets, visit the Duomo and admire the stunning architecture.
San Gimignano: Marvel at the towering medieval architecture of San Gimignano, known as the "City of Towers." Wander through its picturesque streets, visit the Duomo and enjoy panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Wine Tasting in Tuscany: No visit to Tuscany is complete without indulging in its world-renowned wines. Embark on a wine tasting tour and explore the vineyards of Chianti Classico or Montepulciano, sampling the region's finest vintages.
Places to eat & drink in Italian Riviera
What to eat and drink:
Pesto: This flavorful sauce is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. It's delicious served with pasta, seafood or vegetables.
Focaccia: This Italian flatbread is typically topped with olive oil, rosemary and sea salt. It's a delicious and versatile snack or appetizer.
Seafood: The Italian Riviera is known for its fresh seafood. Be sure to try dishes like grilled calamari, fried anchovies and seafood risotto.
Gelato: Italy is famous for its gelato, and the Italian Riviera is no exception. Indulge in a delicious scoop of your favorite flavor.
Ligurian Wine: The Italian Riviera produces a variety of high-quality wines, including Vermentino, Sciacchetrà, and Rossese di Dolceacqua.
Aperol Spritz: This refreshing cocktail is made with Aperol, prosecco and soda water. It's a popular choice for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
Where to eat:
Ristorante Da Paolo (Portofino): This family-run restaurant offers delicious Ligurian cuisine in a charming setting.
Trattoria Stella Maris (Vernazza): This trattoria is known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor.
Ristorante Il Saraceno (Manarola): This restaurant serves up traditional Ligurian dishes in a historic building with panoramic views of the Cinque Terre.
Ristorante La Scogliera (Camogli): This beachfront restaurant offers delicious seafood and stunning views of the sea.
Ristorante La Cucina di Mamma (Santa Margherita Ligure): This restaurant serves up homemade Ligurian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Da Gennaro (Santa Margherita Ligure): This family-run restaurant is a local favorite known for its delicious pasta dishes and seafood.
Where to drink:
Bar Baia Verde (Portofino): This trendy bar offers stunning views of the harbor and a wide selection of cocktails.
Bar La Marina (Vernazza): This beachfront bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink while watching the sunset.
Bar Il Sole (Manarola): This small bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They serve up a variety of drinks, including cocktails, wine and beer.
Bar La Spiaggia (Camogli): This beachfront bar is a great place to enjoy a drink while soaking up the sun.
Bar Il Pirata (Santa Margherita Ligure): This lively bar is a popular spot for nightlife in Santa Margherita Ligure. They offer a wide selection of cocktails and music.
Wine Bars: The Italian Riviera is home to many excellent wine bars where you can sample local wines and enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
Need to know
Tips for Visitors:
The best time to visit the Italian Riviera is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, if heading to the beach is high on your list, keep in mind that many beach clubs on the Italian Riviera typically close in late September or early October. This is when the tourist season starts to wind down, and the weather begins to cool.
Tipping Customs: Tipping is generally not as common in Italy as it is in the United States. However, it is appreciated for good service. A general guideline is to tip 10–15% of the total bill at restaurants and bars.
Restaurant Etiquette: Italians are passionate about their food, and it's important to respect local customs and etiquette. When dining out, it's customary to wait for everyone at the table to be served before starting your meal. It's also considered polite to finish your meal before leaving the table.
Basic Italian Phrases: It is always helpful (and polite!) to know a few Italian phrases when you go:
Ciao: Hello/goodbye
Grazie: Thank you
Sì: Yes
No: No
Per favore: Please
Scusi: Excuse me
Buon appetito: Enjoy your meal
The Italian Riviera is a truly magical place that offers something for everyone. From its stunning landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, the Italian Riviera is a destination that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Contact me today to start planning your unforgettable trip!
Travel Advisor
Christina Gales
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Carly Quill's guide, 3 days in Milan and Turin