Liguria

The Boomerang of Italy

Geography and Overview

Liguria, shaped like a boomerang, curves gracefully along the Italian coast from the French border in the west to Tuscany in the east. It is perhaps most famous for the breathtaking Cinque Terre—a cluster of five picturesque villages clinging to steep hillsides above the Ligurian Sea. The region also shares borders with Piedmont to the northwest and Emilia-Romagna to the northeast. With a coastline stretching approximately 315 kilometres and a total area of 5,420 square kilometres, Liguria stands as the third smallest region in Italy.

Provinces and Capital

The region is divided into four provinces: Genova, Imperia, La Spezia, and Savona. Genoa, the capital, sits at the heart of Liguria’s sweeping coastline and is renowned as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Historically, Genoa was once the most powerful maritime republic in the Mediterranean, and today it continues to thrive as a major commercial port.

The Italian Riviera

Liguria is often called the Italian Riviera, thanks to the abundance of seaside resorts that line its coastline on either side of Genoa. To the west lies the Riviera di Ponente, home to resorts such as San Remo, Imperia, Alassio, Loano, and Finale Liguria. To the east stretches the Riviera di Levante, which features the celebrated harbours of Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, and the iconic Cinque Terre.

Cultural and Literary Connections

Portovenere and Lerici, situated in this region, achieved fame through their connections with English poets Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, who resided there in the early 19th century. Their presence added an enduring literary allure to the Ligurian coastline.

Local Food and Markets

Visiting the markets of Liguria, such as the San Remo market, the Mercato Orientale in Genoa, or select shops in La Spezia, offers a true taste of local life. The fruit and vegetables are exceptional, reflecting the region’s rich agricultural traditions. Ligurians are noted for their longevity, a testament to their healthy food habits. While seafood is not overly abundant, local fishermen supply enough to satisfy both residents and tourists.

Wine and Cheese

Liguria’s small vineyards produce wine from more than 100 grape varieties, though typically in small quantities. The leading varieties include Pigato and Vermentino, with notable wines such as Colli di Luni, DOC Cinque Terre, and DOC Rossese di Dolceacqua. The region’s rugged landscape limits cheese production, but two standout local cheeses are the Slow Cheese presidio Toma di Pecora Brigasca and Prescinseua (also known as Quagliata), which has a texture somewhere between ricotta and yoghurt.