The Castello della Pietra (The Stone Castle), in the National Park of Antola, is one of the most extraordinary fortified buildings in Liguria and is considered a great masterpiece of architecture. This isn't your usual fortress. The castle, which dominates a narrow valley, is wedged between two spectacular rocks creating a perfect symbiosis between man and nature.
In Pegli, a suburb of Genoa, on Italy's Western Riviera you can visit the Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini. This Villa is popular for its botanical garden and its 19th century park, designed in the English romantic style. The original estate and botanical garden were founded by Clelia Durazzo Grimaldi in the 17th century and the park was later created by her nephew Ignazio Alessandro Pallavicini who brought in Michele Canzio to design it.
If you are visiting Genoa and prefer to experience the city in a unique way I suggest that you veer off the beaten track and follow the trails not often taken by tourists. A great way to do this is to take a walking tour through Genoa's fortresses. These forts, located in the hills behind Genoa, are army castles fortified in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of them can be visited or are used for shows while others are partly destroyed. The military fortresses are located in Parco Urbano della Mura, a protected nature reserve.
Sperone Fortress to Diamante Fortress on Foot - 3/4 Hours
Located in the middle of the picturesque Cinque Terre region is the village of Corniglia, the only town in the area without direct access to the water. Although it may be a little farther from the sea, I would suggest you visit this gem of a village if you are in the area--the views are just spectacular and truly not to be missed. To reach Corniglia you will have to climb the Lardarina, a staircase with thirty-three flights and 377 steps, or cross the road that leads from the railway to the town.
Il Castellaro is a small castle located on a hill in the cozy town of Albisola Superiore, in the province of Savona in Liguria. The remains of the castle can be found in the area where the Sansobbia and Riobasco Valleys meet, very close to the famous church of San Nicola. The mild climate and charm of Albisola, along with its impressive architecture and ancient ruins like Il Castellaro, make it an ideal vacation spot year round.
Genova (Italian for Genoa) is the capital of the Genoa province and Liguria in northwest Italy, a city rich with history and importance. Genova is known for being the chief seaport of Italy, and for competing with Marseilles, France to be the leader among Mediterranean ports. The harbor facilities in Genova were terribly damaged during World War II and also by storms that occurred in 1954 and 1955, but have since been re-established and improved for modern usage.
The Gulf of Poets is a dramatically beautiful area full of little villages, gorgeous colors and steep cliffs that disappear into the blue waters below. Also known as the Gulf of La Spezia this area of the Italian Riviera begins at the Magra River and finishes at the town of Portovenere. The Bay--so called because it was a favorite of writers like Shelley, Byron, Petrarca and Montale--also includes the picturesque villages of Lerici, Sarzana, Tellaro, San Terenzo, Montemarcello, the city of La Spezia, and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.
The region of Liguria is also known as the Italian Riviera and is well known as a major tourist spot with famous resort towns sprinkled among fishing villages and rocky coastline. Liguria occupies a thin stretch of the coast from Italy's western border with France stretching south and east to the region's border with Tuscany. To the north and east coastal mountains separate Liguria from Piedmonte and Emilia-Romagna.
Are you a beach lover? If so you shouldn't miss the gorgeous views of the coast when you walk from the world famous beaches of Portofino to the town of Santa Margherita Ligure. The scenic walk takes about an hour and a half and once you reach S. Margherita you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea.
Vernazza is the only natural port of the Cinque Terre and is famous for its harbor, its multicoloured houses and its magical alleyways. Vernazza has preserved the characteristics of a typical sea town. This small fishing village is very narrow and its vital center is located in a small, picturesque square, just near the harbor.
When you arrive in Vernazza you can clearly see that in earlier years this town was one of the most economically and socially advanced in the Cinque Terre region. Vernazza's architectural elements like its loggias and arcades offer visitors a glimpse into the town's past.
Every two years Genoa hosts the Pesto World Championship and on March 20, 2010, the city hosted the third edition of the competition. In Genoa's historic Palazzo Ducale one hundred comeptitors from all over the world met to put their pestles and marble mortars to the test in order to gain the title of World Champion.
The participants were both professional cooks and amateurs who competed by preparing pesto sauces using only authentic ingredients and traditional recipes. The pesto sauces were then judged by tasters ranging from restaurant owners and expert cooks, as well as food and wine journalists.
Castello di Andora is located on top of a secluded hill in the small town of Andora. Historically the town was known as Paraxo and is located in the province of Savona in the Liguria region. Today only the ruins of the walls and defensive towers of the original castle can be seen.
In the Liguria region of Italy, along the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera, one will find the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre National Park includes the coastline, the villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, as well as the hills that surround them. A popular tourist destination reknowned for its beauty the Cinque Terre has been kept quaint and charming. Visitors can not even reach the area by car. A UNESCO World Heritage site the national park was established to ensure the integrity and ecological balance of the area.
If you want to experience beautiful Liguria fully why not consider one of Anna's tours, which she will tailor especially to your individual needs? Clients of Anna Tour Services include both individuals and organizations. Anna and her group specialize not just in Ligurian vacations, but ensuring her clients discover all the sights, tastes and aromas of this unforgettable corner of Italy.
Portofino is a beautiful village along the Italian Riviera, considered by many one of the eight wonders of the world. It's a small town of no more than 500 residents in the middle of a small bay that has become famous all over the world. Portofino is a picturesque fishing village with multicolored houses that face on a harbor with crystalline green water. It became famous for "La Dolce Vita", in fact, many actors, actresses, pop stars and rich nobles, began to frequent it for its sunsets, breathtaking views and exclusive parties.
Italy may be known as one of the most romantic countries in the world, but the Italian Riviera is one of the most romantic spots in the country. I would like to suggest to you some ideas for where to celebrate Valentine's Day along the breathtaking Italian Riviera in Liguria.
Imperia is a comune and a coastal city located in the Liguria region. It is also the capital of the Imperia province and in the earlier times it had been the capital of the ancient district of Intemelia. The city is well known for its cultivation of olives and flowers. During the summer months plenty of tourists from all over Italy and from the other countries visit the city. There is an indoor pool which is known as Piscina Felice Cascione which is very famous and hosts various international and national aquatics events.
