Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre
Ligurian Riviera
Otherwise known as the Italian Riviera , the stretch of coast from the French
border in the west to La Spezia in the east has been long famed for its gloriously mild climate , its luxuriant vegetation of vines , olives , lemons , olives , cypress , pines , bougainvillaea and roses , and its colourful fishing villages of gaily�painted shuttered houses nestling on cliff�sides and in coves . To the west of Genoa the road along the coast forms a corniche with fishing villages , resorts and fruit orchards , this part of the coast being known as the ‘ Riviera dei Fiori ’ as its mild climate encourages abundant flowers , most notably roses and carnations . To the east of Genoa the coastline is more rugged with promontories such as the Portofino peninsula , renowned for its graceful beauty , sheltered coves , wide bays and larger resorts . Inland , seemingly a world removed from the coast are greenish�grey rugged mountains and hill towns , ruined castles and fast flowing streams . There are abundant chestnut woods and remote valleys , caverns and grottoes and interesting little churches . The Ligurian Riviera is a delightful holiday region where the emphasis is on stylish and tasteful rest and relaxation .
Rapallo
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