Guide to Ligurian Riviera

'Prepare to be impressed – this is one spectacular stretch of coastline. Feast your eyes on soul-stirring scenery, explore ancient Italian towns, and revel in the beauty of this magical land.'

It stole the heart of Hemingway. Lord Byron couldn't get enough of it. And these days famous faces from all over the world can be seen savouring the delights of this superb slither of Italy. Strut your stuff along the waterfront of uber-stylish Portofino, whose tiny harbour is stacked with gleaming White yachts and brightly-coloured fishing boats. Or wind your way along ancient trails to the famous fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. There's Rapallo, whose palm-fringed promenade ends with an enchanting 16th-century castle, and San Remo, the City of flowers, which is bursting with colour and fragrance all year round. All along the coast, Medieval towns and colourful fishing villages gaze out on spotless sands, while inland you'll find mountain villages with more charm than those dashing Italian waiters. Hike, swim, drink fine Ligurian wine, and watch smouldering sunsets over an ocean that glimmers like molten gold. Don't forget to see the region's capital, Genoa, while you're here. Sun-dappled piazzas resonate with the inviting sound of clinking coffee cups and splashing fountains. The evocative Medieval quarter lures you in for a laid-back stroll and the stylish boutiques beckon you in for a browse. When it comes to eating out on the Italian Riviera, fresh seafood is the popular choice. Pesto, one of the world's most seductive pasta sauces, originates from here, too, a sublime blend of basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and grated pecorino cheese. Bellissimo.

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