Then choose Liguria with its 330 kms of coastline, number one in Italy with its 23 Blue Flagged beaches.

Hotel La Scogliera looks out onto one of these top beaches – the one at Cavi di Lavagna.

Apart from listing the most famous beaches at Portofino, Santa Marherita Ligure, Rapallo, Sestri Levante and the marvellous Cinque Terre, Liguria has 4 protected marine areas; the Cinque Terre, Portofino, the island of Bergeggi and the Sanctuary for marine mammals.

BEACHES

La Scogliera is situated on one of the longest beaches in Liguria at Cavi di Lavagna that is 4 kms long and ideal for families with its mixture of sand and pebbles.

Santa Margherita, as we have already mentioned, represents the elegance of Liguria especially as close by lies the beach at Paraggi where you can enjoy its emerald sea in a rather upmarket location.

SPORT

If you are sport fanatics then you must not miss the gulf of Levanto that is well known for its surf. The island of Bergeggi and San Fruttuoso are great for underwater diving. In the Protected Marine Area of Portofino you can choose from swimming, scuba diving, yachting, amateur fishing, professional fishing and sea trips. In the Cinque Terre Protected Marine area underwater activities and diving are available.

Liguria has 9 regional parks. Close to La Scogliera, behind Lavagna, lies the Aveto Regional Natural Park. This is an ideal place to spend an entire day away from the heat of the crowded beaches either walking or cycling.

We have already mentioned the Park of Portofino and the Cinque Terre National Park where it is possible to choose from a variety of activities in close contact with nature. The Park of Portofino with its Promontory has over 80 kms of signposted paths that cover over 120 kms. On foot you can choose between various themed itineraries, the “sciacchetrail” – for example the “sciacchetrà” to find out about the famous local wine.

The region also has 4 adventure parks:

Adventure Park Val di Vara –  www.parcoavventuravaldivara.it

Adventure Park Solleone – www.parcosolleone.it

Adventure Park Indian Forest – www.oasibelpiano.it

Adventure Park Genoa Pegli – www.genova-pegli.parcoavventura.it

Liguria, furthermore, is perfect for cyclists of all levels. We recommend the route from Chiavari to Portofino: a panoramic route along the Gulf of Tigullio, along the Via Aurelia, alternating between slight ups and downs, that can be rather congested in the peak season, but you must not miss the wonderful views that can be enjoyed around each corner you turn.

There are 14 eateries that are part of the Slow Food organisation offering typical Ligurian products – focaccia and pesto!

The Ligurian cuisine has 3 DOP (certification of local production) olive oils: Riviera dei Fiori, Riviera del Ponente Savonese and Riviera di Levante. The oil is an important ingredient in making focaccia – the Genoese version as well as the one from Recco that uses crescenza cheese. It is impossible not to mention pesto – the famous sauce made from basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, parmesan cheese, sheep’s cheese, garlic and pine nuts. Even the basil grown in Liguria is covered by DOP!

There are loads of restaurants where you can taste typical local dishes, 10 of which have Michelin stars.

Look up the Events  section to find out what’s on on specific dates.

There are numerous events of all types throughout the year in our region, from small antique markets to national events such as the Nautical Fair in Genoa. In the Events section you can find all the details.