mercoledì 14 febbraio 2024

Sweet Escape in Liguria: 12 miss-not experiences in the Italian Riviera

 

Sunset in Genoa - Photo credits - Alice Lintas

NOTE FROM THE ED. I am currently delivering sessions dedicated to cross-cultural destination storytelling and experiential travel within a specialisation course in 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, Fondazione ITS Turismo Liguria) in Santa Margherita Ligure. 

Liguria (a.k.a. the Italian Riviera) is the case study of an array of in-basket activities I share with attendees (a lively Generation Z group). This post is the first of a series of releases that will follow in the following weeks. Noemi, Alice, Alma and Alice selected a target (young couples, 18-30 years old) and a theme that definitely suits Valentine's Day). I am happy to host the "fruit of their toil", which includes the amazing picture above, in this blog.

Read and share!

Luisa Puppo

Sweet Escape in Liguria: 12 miss-not experiences in the Italian Riviera


Are you a young couple who wants to explore the Italian Riviera during a romantic getaway? 

Fall under the spell of Ligurian landscapes, intrigued by its romance and history, and follow local advice - our Magnificent Dozen. 

Discover the astonishing coastal and countryside charms of Liguria, which stretches from the border with the Côte d'Azur to Tuscany. 

 

1 - Fall in love with Camogli 

Camogli is the iconic Ligurian fishermen's village of the Riviera di Levante, known for its tiny marina and the bright pastel façades of its seaside promenade. 

Are you looking for something unique to do? Marvel at the Cuori e nodi di amore: a net, woven by the fishermen of Camogli, hung in Via al Molo, where you can hang your personalized heart-shaped locks to celebrate your love in front of the Mediterranean sea.


2 - Stroll along the Via dell'Amore

This paved path overlooking the sea joins (1 km) the perched villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola in the Cinque Terre. According to local lore, its name was the invention of an anonymous rambler who - as he was walking along the enchanted path - wrote Via dell'Amore on a shutter. A famous journalist wrote about it: the sparkle (in the long run) of a huge increase in tourists, but above all, in lovers.

Nowadays, the trail entry fee includes the guided tour on the open stretch of the Via dell'Amore and access to the Castle of Riomaggiore.


3 - Live the magic of the fairytale walk on the plunging coastline in Nervi 

Have a walk close to the seaside on the unique Nervi promenade and enjoy the contrast between the brick-coloured tiles and the blue benches and handrails, reminding you of the colour of the sea. The sun on your skin, the sound of the waves and the local flora make it the perfect place for a romantic wander hand in hand with your lover.


4 - Ramble in the wonderful village of Tellaro, the borgo loved by poets

Tellaro overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets. Its name derives from the several artists and writers who stayed there and were so fascinated that they celebrated this evocative place in their works.  The village was described as "a nirvana between sea and sky, between the rocks and the green mountain". Bring your collection of masterpieces by one of the icons who lived there, such as Percy Bysshe Shelley, David Herbert Lawrence or Lord Byron. 

D. H. Lawrence, in one of his letters, wrote: “If you want to visit a place to rest in Italy, I suggest you Tellaro. It's beautiful here. I sit on the rocks facing the sea and I write all day. It's a dream."

Tellaro is also famous for the legend of the "bell-ringer octopus": in 1660, a giant octopus woke up and saved the population at night by ringing the bells of the Church of San Giorgio during a pirate raid.


5 - Taste an apericena with Genoese specialities on the scenic terrace of Just Peruzzi, in Bogliasco

At an affordable price, taste small courses of Ligurian food such as gnocchetti al pestofocaccia al formaggio and other tasty appetizers.

All this while sipping a glass of wine and admiring a vivid sunset over the sea of the Riviera di Levante.


6 - Enjoy the breathtaking view from the Torre Aurora in Monterosso

This restaurant and cocktail bar is scenically located in Monterosso, one of the villages of the Cinque Terre, inside the homonymous historical tower. 

 Nowadays, the building divides the ancient part of the village from the more recent one. 

This is the perfect place for lovers of sea atmosphere and good food (especially for fish lovers) who wish to enjoy a drink or an intimate dinner while sipping a glass of Vermentino in front of a colourful sunset.


7 - Dine at the Officina, a renowned promontory restaurant in Arenzano

After a nice swim in front of the cosy beaches of Arenzano (only a stone’s throw from western Genoa), enjoy a nice dinner in one of the most renowned restaurants in the area. Even if everything on the menu is excellent, we recommend tasting their huge pizzas that no dish can contain.


8 - Pamper yourself with delicious baci di Alassio

Baci di Alassio represents a mouthwatering treat made of hazelnut flour and stuffed with an irresistible chocolate ganache to share with your soulmate. Enjoy them in front of the Muretto di Alassio, its ceramic tiles covered with celebrities' signatures. 


9 - Tired of the seascapes? Chill out in the Acquasanta SPA 

The thermal and depurative water of this borgo in the first entroterra of the Genoese Ponente has beneficial and healing effects for everyone. Inhaling the nebulized thermal water (at spring temperature) is an excellent cure. 

The thermal water is the core part of the entire wellness area, which also includes indoor pools, an outdoor pool and relaxation areas. Relish the Turkish bath, the sauna, and the nebulization room with thermal water in the SPA area. 


10 - Wander around the tiny medieval hill town of Montalto Ligure, known as the lovers' town

According to a legend, this small borgo of the entroterra of Sanremo sheltered two young lovers. The village was established in the 13th century when this young married couple ran away because they could not stay together. The couple remained hidden for a long time. Relatives and friends came to visit and, falling in love with the breathtaking place, they decided to stay and live there. 


11 - Gawk at Genoa's panorama from Spianata Castelletto

On the hill overlooking the Palazzi dei Rolli, enjoy the landscape of Genoa while cooling off your tastebuds with a granita at Don Paolo's (the tastiest Sicilian granita in town).

Admire the slate roofs of the old centre, medieval towers and Baroque domes, the sea animated by modern ships and ancient memories, the heights of the city filled with parks, villas, sanctuaries and fortresses.


12 - Gaze at the dramatic sunset over the Porto Antico

Close to the city centre, ride the huge Genova Wheel (45 m) and dive into the amazing sight of the Sun meeting with the skyline. On clear days, visibility is measured in tens of kilometres. 

 

Alma Argenziano

Noemi Calamia

Alice Lintas

Alice Rossi


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