The Cote d'Azur gets all the hype, but just across the border in Italy is Liguria, a region with the same dramatic cascade of alps tumbling directly into a crenelated Mediterranean coastline. Amazingly, the region is well known for its locally farmed cuisine, despite the almost total lack of flat land, and it is the home of both focaccia and pesto. The capital, Genoa, is an historic Mediterranean maritime powerhouse, and Liguria’s best known town is probably glamorous Portofino, followed by the charming pedestrianised villages of the Cinque Terre. But these are just the names you’ll recognise quickly, Liguria has a string of unfamiliar place names along its gorgeous stretch of coastline, and these are the places our Gurus want to introduce you to, via their recommendations for the best places to stay in Liguria. This large region has plenty of choice when it comes to the type of accommodation available, but our favourites include converted palazzos and townhouses in Genoa and Sestri Levante, elegant grand hotels in Portofino, beach hotels in Rapallo and La Spezia.
The mountainous landscape of Liguria influences so many things about this region. Whether you’re walking the cliffs of the Cinque Terre, between its five villages, or exploring the tiny medieval fortified towns behind them, or even just being rained on in Genoa.
Spreading out from Genoa in both directions are dozens of sandy, and/or pebbly beaches, some of which have little resorts or fishing towns behind them. Driving between them is a great way to see more of the region than just the highlights. There are some wonderful traditional seaside family hotels on our Gurus’ list of the best places to say in Liguria, the sort of accommodation that really welcome kids, with easy to please menus, spacious family suites, and great facilities. And the fact these little ports and towns are less well known internationally means these are excellent value choices too.
Between Genoa and the French border is the Riviera di Ponente, which translates to 'of the setting sun'. Possibly an apt moniker, as this region feels like a charmingly fading seaside playground, perfect for a family holiday. Leave Genoa and head in the other direction and you’ll be along the Riviera de Levante: 'of the rising sun', and this is the more popular stretch now, where you'll find Portofino, Santa Margherita Liguria, and Camogli, and some of Liguria’s newest resorts.
Don't forget that this region is especially popular during the peak summer season. So if you want to guarantee your room in one of the best places to stay in Liguria during July or August, do your research and book well ahead.