Discover The Delights Of The Liguria Coast

Italy's picturesque Liguria coast is one of the country's most scenic areas to travel through, home to dramatic cliffside views and sleepy Cinque Terre villages that are ideal for visiting when taking road trips across the country.




Whether you're heading along the coast by car or rail, you'll have to disembark to tackle the steep incline that takes you to the secluded villages, though it's well worth the effort. There's no better place to sample authentic Italian cuisine and soak up a little of the local culture than by staying outside of the big cities, though just because it's isolated doesn't mean it's alienating to visitors. Quite the opposite, in fact, with destinations such as Vernazza, Riomaggiore and Manarola being popular with tourists from across Europe.




You can discover the history of the region by taking one of numerous guided tours around the villages - if you find one speaking your language, that is - which can trace their architecture back to Roman times. History didn't end with the fall of the Empire, of course, and there are many other historical treasures to be found dotted around the coast, including medieval castles built on the rocky cliffs.

There's more to enjoy in Liguria than just sightseeing, however, and those looking to enjoy an active break can take to the warm Mediterranean waters to enjoy all manner of water sports, while kids can hunt for sea anemones in rock pools. Heading further inland, you can also discover why the region is famous for its hiking trails, offering respite from the tourist spots and giving you time to appreciate the natural beauty of Northern Italy.




Often overlooked by visitors on their way to Rome, Venice or Pisa, Liguria is a magnificent place to explore, and one that can be traversed at your leisure when you take out Genoa car rental from the region's biggest city. Heading out from Genoa will put you in an ideal position to explore Cinque Terre as well as Rapallo, Portofino, Portovenere, La Spezia and Chiavari, while other major cities such as Pisa can be reached in just a few hours.




Whether you're staying in Genoa or just passing through, taking time out to explore the city could also prove to be enlightening, with museums and other attractions showcasing its importance in Italy's culture and history, and some of the region's finest restaurants and bars nestled down its cobbled alleyways.