While tourists often head to the popular Cinque Terre, many other charming villages and towns dot Italy's northwestern coast known as the Italian Riviera, in the region of Liguria (see interactive Liguria map).
From Genoa to the Tuscany coast, there are several picturesque places to go on the Italian Riviera. Riding the tram up the hill from Rapallo, a nice town itself, is one of my favorite things to do (see High Above Rapallo video). Beyond Genoa and almost to the French border, Sanremo has one of the most unusual medieval centers I've seen as well as an inviting harbor. While these towns and beaches are popular with Italians and Europeans in August, most of the year they remain free of huge tourist crowds and make pleasant places to visit on the coast.
Italian Riviera Town of Camogli © by Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com
I like your article with all the provinces of Liguria and the list of towns and areas to explore. A great summary that reminds us Liguria offers much more than popular Cinque Terre. As much as I’ve always loved Cinque Terre, I enjoy Camogli for its more local feel. This year I visited Genoa and was pleasantly surprised how much it has to offer for art, architecture, sea and food!
Yes Genoa really does have a lot to offer. I enjoy going there and also like Camogli for its local feel.
Noli was beautiful, and we saw a wedding! Loved Camogli too, but my overall favorite hands down was Santa Margherita Ligure – sights, sounds and food – phenomenal!