Italian Riviera Holidays

Port, pesto and the grand Piazza de Ferrari

Think Naples but with fewer crowds and more pesto, and you’ve got Genoa. This vibrant port city is filled with narrow streets, colourful houses and impressive murals. Stunning palaces and museums will keep the history geeks happy and the beaut pebble beaches mean a sunbathing sesh is on the cards too… enough said. And, you can’t call yourself a real foodie until you’ve been to the birthplace of focaccia and pesto. After filling your bellies, walk it all off in one of the largest medieval town centres in the world. Get lost wandering the city’s caruggi – the local name for narrow lanes – where you’ll find a mix of unique boutiques and traditional shops. Or, head to the heart of the city, Piazza de Ferrari. At the centre of this square is a large, ornate bronze fountain, surrounded by striking buildings like the Palazzo Ducale, a historic palace that now hosts cultural events, exhibitions and conferences and Teatro Carlo Felice, the main opera house of Genoa.

Amalfi Coast of the North

Why visit one place, when you can visit five? That’s what you get with Cinque Terre. The name translates to ‘five lands’ and here you’ll get five picture-postcard fishing villages on Italy’s northwest coast. Imagine multi-coloured houses clinging to the edge of rugged cliffs, a collection of gorg beaches and scenic hiking trails that take you through vineyards and olive groves. Hiking the coastal trails that connect the villages is a must. For the best views, you’ve got to go to Manarola and Corniglia. Corniglia is the only village not directly on the sea but climb the Lardarina staircase with 382 steps and you won’t regret it. At golden hour, you’ll want to be in Manarola. Picture yourself, glass of wine in hand, watching the stunning sunset. And, after dark, Monterosso al Mare has the best nightlife with cosy wine and buzzing beach bars.

A taste of luxe

Enter your luxe era at the far eastern end of the Ligurian coast. Portofino is all about sightseeing, designer window shopping and glam beach clubs all day long. As soon as you reach the stunning coastline all you see are secluded mansions up in the hills and pastel-coloured buildings lining the boujie yacht-filled harbour. Sit in a café with a coffee or people watch in Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta. You can’t miss out on visiting some of the famous landmarks. Give your Insta followers serious holiday envy with the panoramic views of the town and harbour from Castello Brown and Church of San Giorgio, or you can top up your tan on Paraggi Beach.