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There is much to love about Italy beyond the usual destinations, such as that of Rome<\/a> or Venice<\/a>. In fact, if you want to enjoy crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, visiting the famed Italian Riviera cities is a must on your travel itinerary!<\/p>\n Bordering the south of the French Riviera, it has been a famous getaway since the 1800s, not only during the summer but also during the off-season \u2014 especially because the climate is generally mild, especially compared with much of northern Europe. Combine that with the Italian Riviera cities\u2019 rich histories, picturesque hiking trails, timeless castles, and delectable food, and then for sure, there is something to enjoy for just about any kind of traveler!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Italian Riviera (also called Ligurian Riviera)<\/em> is a coastal strip in Italy found between the Ligurian Sea and the towering mountains of the Maritime Alps and the Apennines. It primarily crosses all four (4) of the Ligurian provinces and their capitals, namely, Genoa, Imperia, La Spezia, and Savona, spanning a total length of about 350 kilometers.<\/p>\n As such, the Italian Riviera encompasses all of Liguria\u2019s coastline and it is said to be divided into 2 parts: from the western side of Genoa, called \u2018Riviera di Ponente<\/em>\u2018 (bordering the French Riviera<\/a>), and the eastern side called \u2018Riviera di Levante\u2019 <\/em>(including Cinque Terre and bordering Tuscany).<\/p>\n May, June, September, and early October are ideal for warm weather, fewer crowds, and easier hotel availability. July and August are peak beach season, but prices rise and Cinque Terre\/Portofino can feel very crowded. <\/p>\n Winter is quieter and mild compared with northern Europe, but ferry routes and some hotels\/restaurants may operate seasonally.<\/p>\n By car. <\/em><\/strong>If you want to see more of the Italian Riviera cities or little towns, then traveling by car would be ideal \u2014 especially if you are staying inland. It will even save you from going through the trouble of sorting out train and ferry schedules; so in case you don\u2019t have your own, renting a car is easy and hassle-free if you do it with Hertz<\/a>, a highly-recognized and trusted rental company worldwide. I actually had the chance to try them out and it was a joy to explore the coast with their help!<\/p>\n By train.<\/em><\/strong> If, however, you plan to explore places like Cinque Terre or are staying in places near the coastal train line, it will make more sense to use the public trains. After all, the train lines serve almost all major tourist destinations on the Riviera and you can navigate your way through them easily with Google Maps or Rome2Rio apps.<\/p>\n By bus.<\/em> <\/strong>Bus service is frequent along the Riviera but only for short distances such as that of places like Portofino, Portovenere, and Lerici. (You can see all bus schedules on Google Maps or Rome2Rio apps).<\/em><\/p>\n By ferry. <\/strong><\/em>Depending on the season, there are ferry lines that run from major cities to smaller Riviera towns but take note that they are mainly intended for day-trippers and are not so useful if you want to do point-to-point journeys.<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n To jumpstart your holiday, there are surely several places that you can visit but if you\u2019re pressed on time, below are the top 10 Italian Riviera cities or towns that you must see!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Found east of Genoa, this small yet idyllic fishing village is famed for its winding streets, lush olive groves, and picturesque painted facades called trompe l\u2019\u0153il<\/em>.<\/p>\n The name Camogli actually means \u2018house of wives<\/em>\u2018 because in the olden times, the women \u2018ruled\u2019 the town while the husbands were busy working at sea. If you come around the 2nd weekend of May, you will witness the town celebrating its maritime heritage \u2014 and if you go to the waterfront, you\u2019ll even get to see them fry hundreds of fish in 3-meter-wide pans!<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN CAMOGLI:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Enjoy some dolce far niente<\/em> (the art of doing nothing) in this ancient town of Cervo that\u2019s built on top of a towering hill. This is one of the prettiest borghi<\/em> on the western Riviera and is good for slow travel, viewpoints, and romantic stays.<\/p>\n Apart from the scenic coastal views that surround Cervo, you\u2019ll love the eclectic mix of architectural design that is speckled within the vicinity \u2014 a mix of medieval, baroque, and Mediterranean influences!<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN CERVO:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Arguably the prized jewel of all the Italian Riviera cities, Cinque Terre (meaning \u201cfive lands\u201d) <\/em>is an area that encompasses 5 of the most dreamy coastal fishing villages that you will ever lay your eyes on!<\/p>\n As a part of the Cinque Terre National Park, the area has also been lauded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> since 1997 thereby making it a favorite among tourists who seek an unforgettable staycation \u2014 if not spend days of hiking. Cars are impractical to use to move through the 5 villages but a well-connected 19th-century railway cuts through the mountains to connect one village to another, namely:<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss the reopened Via dell\u2019Amore<\/em>, the scenic cliffside path connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola. Access may require timed tickets or an additional fee, so check the latest rules before your visit.<\/p>\n TIP: <\/strong>To avoid overtourism pressure, stay overnight instead of day-tripping, visit early morning or late afternoon, avoid peak August if possible, and always check trail conditions before hiking. Best base: Monterosso for beaches, Vernazza\/Manarola for views, La Spezia or Levanto for better-value stays.<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN CINQUE TERRE:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This is the 6th largest city in Italy and it boasts a seaport that is the largest of its kind in the whole country!<\/p>\n Truth be told, for over 7 centuries, Genoa was the capital of one of the most powerful maritime republics making it a strong naval power and a wealthy abode. Nowadays, its historical center is teeming with rich history and a part of it has even been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You\u2019ll surely enjoy making your way through its narrow streets which the locals call \u201ccaruggi\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN GENOA:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This is one of the lesser-known Italian Riviera cities but its beauty is something you must not miss!<\/p>\n Located on the coast of the Riviera di Ponente, Noli is a treasure chest of sandy beaches (with \u2018Bandiera Blu\u2019 or great water quality status)<\/em> as well as picturesque structures and its name is said to have been derived from Neapolis, meaning \u2018new city\u2019 in Greek. It has also been one of the mighty maritime republics like that of Genoa, Pisa, and Venice.<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN NOLI:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n A favorite day trip amongst those who are exploring either Genoa or Cinque Terre, Portofino is a great stop especially if you want to do some shopping or some great sightseeing.<\/p>\n As part of its allure, this coastal village is well-known for its harbor that is often filled with superyachts and backdropped by a line of pastel-colored buildings.<\/p>\n TIP: <\/strong>Santa Margherita Ligure is often the better base because it is more affordable and better connected, while Portofino is ideal as a day trip.<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN PORTOFINO:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Yet another one of the smaller Italian Riviera cities but I assure you that it is well worth the visit! Typically, you can reach this medieval village by ferry from Cinque Terre or La Spezia, or by bus.<\/p>\n As a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well, it is composed of 3 villages: Fezzano, Le Grazie, and Porto Venere as well as 3 islands: Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. (Oftentimes, people tend to call it the \u20186th Cinque Terre town\u2019). <\/em>To pass time, spend the day away exploring its narrow streets or its promontory tip where you will find a picturesque church.<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN PORTO VENERE:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Did you know? The name of the city is a phonetic contraction of Sant\u2019Eremo di San Romolo \u2014 which basically refers to Romulus of Genoa, the successor to Syrus of Genoa.<\/p>\n Founded in Roman times, the city is filled with a lot of attractions while also granting great panoramic views from different vantage points. Nowadays, Sanremo is also a hotspot for events such as that of the Sanremo Music Festival and the Milan\u2013San Remo cycling race.<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN SANREMO:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Typically referred to as the gateway to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure might have less \u2018bling\u2019 than that of the former \u2014 however, it makes up for it with its wider waterfront, beach space, and affordable accommodations.<\/p>\n For a top travel tip, drop by the tourist office and they can give you color-coded walking maps with points of interest.<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN SANTA MARGHERITA:<\/strong> Photo by: Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n What draws in most visitors to Ventimiglia is its interesting medieval district perched on top of a hill across the river from the modern center of the town.<\/p>\n If you want some great bargain finds, be like the French who flock to Ventimiglia\u2019s popular street market along the seafront or \u2018lungomare<\/em>\u2018 every Friday.<\/p>\n TOP ATTRACTIONS OR THINGS TO DO IN VENTIMIGLIA:<\/strong> \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Essentials for the Italian Riviera<\/span><\/p>\n\u00bb<\/mark> Where is the Italian Riviera?<\/h2>\n
\u00bb<\/mark> When is the best time to visit the Italian Riviera?<\/h2>\n
\u00bb<\/mark> Best way to go around the Italian Riviera?<\/h2>\n
Italian Riviera Cities: Top 10 to Visit<\/span><\/h2>\n
1.<\/mark> Camogli<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Abbazia di San Fruttuoso<\/em>
\u2013 Sagra del Pesce
\u2013 Punta Chiappa Trail
\u2013 Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
\u2013 Marine Museum
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Camogli:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n2.<\/mark> Cervo<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Centro Storico di Cervo
\u2013 Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
\u2013 Bagni Tosco
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Cervo:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n3.<\/mark> Cinque Terre<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Monterosso Public Beach
\u2013 Castello di Riomaggiore
\u2013 Scalinata Lardarina
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Cinque Terre:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n4.<\/mark> Genoa<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Piazza De Ferrari
\u2013 Porta Soprana
\u2013 San Lorenzo Cathedral
\u2013 Via Garibaldi
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Genoa:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n5.<\/mark> Noli<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Romanesque Basilica of S. Paragorio
\u2013 Tower of Four Sides
\u2013 Castello di Monte Ursino
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Noli:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n6.<\/mark> Portofino<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Statue of Christ of the Abyss
\u2013 Castello Brown
\u2013 Church of St. Martin
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Portofino:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n7.<\/mark> Portovenere<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Isola Palmaria
\u2013 San Pietro Church
\u2013 Grotta di Byron
\u2013 Castello Doria
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Portovenere:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n8.<\/mark> Sanremo<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Pista Ciclabile Area
\u2013 Old Bussana
\u2013 La Pigna
\u2013 Russian Orthodox Church
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Sanremo:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n9.<\/mark> Santa Margherita<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Villa Durazzo<\/em>
\u2013 Baia di Paraggi<\/em>
\u2013 La Cervara
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Santa Margherita:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n10.<\/mark> Ventimiglia<\/h3>\n
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\u2013 Battaglia dei Fiori
\u2013 Old Town
\u2013 Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
\u2013 Vieille Ville de Vintimille
\u2013 \u2026and more<\/em>
.<\/span>
\u2022\u2022\u2022 Best Hotels in Ventimiglia:<\/strong> [click<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n