Forget the sunbed: 12 miss-not experiences to live the Italian Riviera to the fullest

Silent Disco night in Sestri Levante

NOTE FROM THE ED. Currently, I am leading sessions that concentrate on cross-cultural destination storytelling and experiential travel within a specialized course on Social Media Marketing for the Tourism industry (EQF level 5), ITS Tecnico superiore per la promozione e il marketing delle filiere turistiche e delle attività culturali mediante le nuove tecnologie digitali e i social network, which is organized by the Fondazione ITS Turismo Liguria in Santa Margherita Ligure. Liguria is the focal point for various in-class activities tailored to an engaged group of Generation Z students. This post is the third installment in a series of four. My students have worked in peer-to-peer mode.

I am delighted to share the outcomes of their efforts. 

Luisa Puppo

Still stuck with your old-fashioned, boring-to-death idea of the Italian Riviera, the ribbon winding its way between the Côte d’Azur and Tuscany? Vespa, Dolce vita and Cinque Terre? Good news, there’s still life for under-80 visitors: just follow our local tips to fully live a real Liguria experience – watch out, you may never want to go back home!

P.S. Don’t forget sunscreen protection. 

-      1 Find your ‘perfect match’ during the Torta dei Fieschi

What’s more typical in the Riviera nightlife than a sagra (local village fair)? Lavagna offers you a romantic twist: music, fun and . . . one of the world’s biggest cake. Share a slice with the potential “soulmate” you’ll meet while playing il gioco della torta (the cake’s game), in the medieval revival atmosphere.

-      2 Wander around the Mediterranean maquis in Punta Manara

Sick of shopping and eating (delicious) cuisine? Do you know the carruggio of Sestri Levante like the palm of your hand? Take a different path, from the village center to the very top of Sestri Levante, Punta Manara. Look, it’s the bay!

-      3 Shut up and dance! Live your silent disco night in Sestri Levante

Save the date!

If you have the chance to visit Sestri Levante in August there’s a not-to-miss event in one of the most beautiful bays in Italy: Silent Disco in the baia del silenzio (silent bay). Pretty obvious, no? Wear the headphones, dance on the beach, under the stars, see you there! 

-      4 Be wowed by the Barcarolata, the traditional boat carnival in Sestri Levante

Participate to the mid-summer boat-carnival (relax, you’ll need no costume) in the Baia del Silenzio. Have a laugh at local irony, be charmed by the final fireworks show. Hurry, take your spot while you still can!

-      5 Bike through the beauty of the Cinque Terre

The cycle path that connects Framura and Levanto is famous throughout the Riviera for its Mediterranean landscapes and natural coves. Sea breeze and gentle sun will make your experience a real daydream. Take some time for yourself and relax: it’s Cinque Terre at its finest, forget those overcrowded train stations.

-     6 Hop on board the ferry in Genova Pegli and hop off in the Porto Antico, your gateway to the historical center of the Superba

Loving the Ligurian Sea? Want more? Hop on this boat trip from Pegli (keep your eyes open, you may see some dolphins!) to Porto Antico, visit the Galata Sea museum and the submarine, enjoy aperitivo in Genoa’s historical center. You’ll thank us later.

-      7 Learn how to make pesto like a real nonna

Photos are cool, but . . . bring home something real from your Riviera holidays, such as the traditional pesto chef know-how. Many options are available, find the one that fits you best to satisfy your typical cuisine hunger. Back home you’re going to make a hell of an impression.

-      8 Taste the one and only focaccia al formaggio di Recco IGP

Legend says that the locals invented focaccia al formaggio di Recco IGP (cheese focaccia) in the countryside, protecting themselves from pirates (thanks, pirates). Taste one of the most unique courses in Riviera di Levante cuisine - watch out, it’s highly addictive!

-      9 Dive into Genoa Aquarium and . . . dine with the sharks

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Europe’s largest aquarium and live a hard-to-forget experience: to have dinner with the shark, the sea’s deadliest killer. It’s the definitive ice-breaking anecdote, right?

-      10 Cheese, anyone?

Once upon a time, behind the shining sea, over the rocky mountains of the entroterra of the Rivera di Levante. . . there’s Santo Stefano d’Aveto, with its country atmosphere, amazing hikes and typical cheese production, a real well-kept secret (but since you’re one of us, now . . .).

-      11 Surf, Sup, or just chill out in Varazze

For pros or beginners, Varazze’s waves fit everyone. Considered as one of the best spot in Italy for sea sports, the beach of this resort town of the Riviera di Ponente offers you the possibility to surf, sup or just lay back and chill. No need to decide, all for one, Varazze for all. 

-      12 (Don’t) lose your way in Toirano caves

Toirano is home to some of the most visited, best-preserved caves in the western Riviera, known for the unique atmosphere and the prehistoric life traces. A truly out-of-this-world experience.