LA RIVIERA DI LEVANTE
From Genoa to La Spezia
by Karen Guthry
 In Italian, the word Levante signifies the point on the horizon where the sun rises. In Italy, this corresponds with a mountainous, arch-shaped coastal strip that embraces the Gulf of Genoa, north of Tuscany. The whole region, which stretches north west from La Spezia to the French Riviera and creates a narrow passage between the Apennines and the sea, is called Liguria.
It is an area of intense natural beauty, with terraced olive groves, vineyards and villas encircled by gardens overgrown with lush, tropical vegetation and lemon trees. The promenades are lined with towering palm trees and terraces are coated in an explosion of bougainvillea. The air is fragrant with blossoms, citrus and wild herbs.
The Riviera di Levante is also known as the Riviera dei Fiori (the coast of flowers). The popular resort town of Sanremo being the center of the cut flower industry. Every year, some 20’000 tons of flowers such as carnations, roses and mimosas are exported all over Europe.
The Liguria is rich in history. One of the ancient Roman roads, the Aurelia, passes through medieval towns colorful fishing villages and elegant resorts. The windy road skirts the coastline, revealing spectacular views of sandy cays and rocky outcrops. Ernest Hemingway, Shelley, Ezra Pound and Lord Byron all loved the rugged beauty of this coastline. And so do many modern travelers; the Liguria is in fact the most popular resort of the Italian Riviera.
No traveler to the Liguria should miss Portofino. The quaint little village with its row of colorful houses is set in a tiny cay. Its small port was already well-know in the Roman days. Once Italy’s foremost resort, Portofino boasted an endless guest-list of the world’s rich and famous. But today, it is a protected nature reserve. You can stroll along the three-kilometer cliffs at the base of Mount Portofino, which rises 600 meters above the sea, and take in the view of the spectacular coastline.
Here, aromatic herbs and wild flowers that grow around the headland, will seduce you. Before leaving drop into one of the outdoor cafés in the piazza for a refreshing granita.
From Portofino you can catch a ferry to Santa Margherita Ligure, one of the Riviera’s main resorts, Camogli and Rapallo, one of the most important international tourist centers along the Ligurian coast. Aside form its natural attractions such as the warm climate and the beautiful setting, Rapallo is equipped with a good tourist infrastructure, namely one of Italy’s best golf courses. It also hosts a couple of important cultural events such as the National Literary Prize For Women Writers.
Extending from the French border to La Spezia, the Riviera Ligure is a kaleidoscope of sensual experiences. From the fine-tasting local specialties, the famed vines and extra virgin olive oil to the flowery scents of the wind-swept promontories. The cool pine forests, warm sunny outcrops and the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea will convince your that the Riviera truly is a strip of heaven.
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