Portofino

What makes the Italian Riviera so popular? The Ligurian Sea Towns, otherwise called the The Italian Riviera which stretches like a narrow ribbon on the coastal strip that lies between the Ligurian Sea and the mountain chain formed by the Maritime Alps and the Apennines, dotted with small towns such as Portofino and its neighbours, Ventimiglia, San Remo, Alassio, Ceriale, Savona S. Margherita in the Paradise Gulf, Portofino, The Tigullio Gulf, The Cinque Terre and La Spezia.

It is picturesque – What makes them so special is something most people who have not yet visited wonder. It is one of the smallest known regions in Italy. It has one of the steepest and hence dramatic coastlines in the regions. With mountains on one side and the sea on the other. The towns are small and steeped in character and history. The entire area benefits from its rich history by contributing to its architecture and culture. The buildings, churches, museums and gardens are a delight even if you do not understand much about architecture. The little houses that dot the area add to its charm. Besides being one of the most quaint areas on the Riviera, there are terraced hillsides that grow olives and other produce.

The weather is typically Mediterranean and remains one of the reasons why people flock to the region. It is mostly moderate temperature even in the hottest months. The summers are very pleasant and the winters are mild. The presence of the mountains ensures that the temperatures never rise above 90 degrees F.

Italian cuisine – with its beautiful weather, Mediterranean vegetation and cultivation, the area boasts of some of the best Italian fare. The food is bursting with flavours from the ingredients drawn from local produce and of course from the sea. There is an abundance of sea food, along with lots of pasta, pesto, cheese and fresh vegetables. The local wineries produce some very good local wines such as Pigato, Rossese di Dolceacqua, Vermentino and Bianchetta Genovese.

A few decades ago, the Italian Riviera developed a reputation for being the chosen spot of the rich and famous. It is now gaining a reputation of being equally accessible for all kinds of travelers. With so much going for it, it is a place that should be on the wishlist of travelers at every budget.

Written for Portofino.com by Arturo