Running from the French border to the Gulf of La Spezia, the Italian Riviera is divided into two sections, the Riviera di Ponente and the Riviera di Levante, divided by the city of Genova, capital of the Liguria region. Also known as the Ligurian Riviera, this stretch of coastline encloses the Cinque Terre area, the charming city of Sanremo, Santa Margherita Ligure and the harbour of Portofino.
Inspiring writers such as Byron, Shelley and Hemingway and attracting many Hollywood stars, the Italian Riviera has a unique charm. Among its gems, there is the Gulf of Poets, named after Byron’s writings about the Portovenere Bay. Other iconic destinations include the Cinque Terre villages with the medieval Riomaggiore, Manarola and its “Path of Love” hiking trail, Corninglia and Vernazza, all connected by train.
