Destinations
Hotels in Liguria,Italy
The Ligurian Riviera in essence is a continuation if the French Riviera and therefore the epitome of sophistication and pleasure. Due to the climate and the soil, olive and grape were eschewed for flowers and shrubs and the nurseries along this coastline have resulted in the area being re-named the Riviera dei Fiori (the floral coast).
A primarily marine history due to its inaccessibility by land gave birth to Christopher Columbus amongst other famous sailors. Its popularity with the rich and famous has always been notable mainly due to its gloriously mild climate all year round and its picturesque fishing villages of gaily painted shuttered houses nestling on cliff-sides and in coves. In particular Rapallo, Portofino and Santa Maria Ligure: popular with international yachting crews. Our favourite being Portofino which has a palm lined esplanade ending in a 16th Century castle. We love Liguria because if you leave the cosmopolitan beaches behind and head inland to Taggia, Cairo Montenotte, Torriglia and Sarzana you’ll find a region almost untouched by tourism. We also love San Remo for the music festival, Rapallo for its scented orange groves and the French markets of Ventimiglia; so much to see and do you’ll need a year at least.
With only Genova as a main airport Liguria has suffered from a distinct lack of direct flights from the UK, but this is changing and in the meantime only raises its exclusivity. A favourite with Hemingway you can now expect to see many actors enjoying their anonymity, as well as Cher, Bon Jovi and Zucchero, as they are regular visitors to balmy Liguria.
We have picked out our favourite hotel in Liguria for you to have a look at.
Things to do in Liguria
- Visit la Spezia: Everyone that visits la Spezia is amazed by its simple natural beauty and at the range of shops to be found in its cobbled alleyways and on the seafront marina. Don’t miss the Arsenale (open to the public in March only), Museo tecnico Navale and the Museo Civico Ubaldo a city of museums and strangely interesting naval history.
- Wine tasting: as with any Italian region, there is an extremely wide selection of local wines that take their characteristics from the blends of grape and the minerals in the soil. My favourite is Ormeasco, dry with subtle berry flavours. Look out for the signs “Degustazione”- wine tasting and then sample the delights of Le Petraie, Pian del Vescovo, Costa Marina, Monte Bernardo and Bricco Arcagna. Most wine shops - Enoteca - will also be happy to let you sample before you buy.
- Shopping: due to the exclusivity of the region, prices can be a little high. However, local handicrafts are the best way to manage the cost, and you’ll find lace in Rapallo, beautiful ceramics in Albisola, handmade velvet in Zoagli and luscious olive oil in Oneglia. Most towns have a weekly market, ask locally to be sure of the day.
- Flower market: San Remo is known as the 'Citta dei Fiori - town of flowers' and has a fascinating old quarter of steep streets, cobbled alleys and hidden piazzas that is in stark contrast to the elegant coastal resort that has blossomed in the ancient fishing port below. From October to June there is an incredible flower market held daily (exc Sunday) that has to be seen to be believed.
- Dine out: There are hundreds of reasonably priced restaurants in the region. Despite trying, we have yet to find a bad one and as Pesto is the pasta sauce of the region made with local pine nuts, basil, cheese and local olive oil it would be churlish not to have a plate or two as a starter before following it with some fish caught fresh from the sea daily.
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Excelsior Palace Hotel - Extreme luxury (5 stars)
We love Excelsior Palace Hotel because...
Everyone deserves a little luxury and when it comes to be being pampered and this classic five star hotel with sea views and a massive range of services knows exactly which buttons to press. Spa, pool, sea and in town too; Fabulous.From £73.00 pppn
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