The “Rock Villages” of Western Liguria Part One [3139]
Known primarily for its fishing and resort villages such as the Cinque Terre and Portofino, the “Riviera” leaves out of its name the pleated, mountainous interior of the Liguria region. It covers nine-tenths of Liguria’s territory. There are no casinos or luxury yacht marinas here: this is a vertical landscape abounding in unsung secret spots: leafy valleys, Apennine nature reserves of astonishing beauty and dozens of perched villages such as Perinaldo, Baiardo and Apricale.
The Tonnara of Camogli and Punta Chiappa [1514]
The last working tonnara fishing net in the northern Mediterranean is anchored between the seaside resort of Camogli and the Punta Chiappa headland a few miles south. Punta Chiappa –pronounced “kyahp-pah” is a tongue of solid stone that juts several hundred yards into the Mediterranean.
Christopher Columbus and Genoa [5582]
Every Day is Columbus Day in Liguria. Columbus was from Genoa.
Columbus’s journey was a feat of navigation, a demonstration not only of foolhardy confidence – the intrepid sea captain was sailing in the wrong direction, after all, if he hoped to reach India – but also of fearless entrepreneurialism. The goal was to find a short, safe passage toward riches.
Pandolce sweet bread [820]
Pandolce, the Ligurian dessert cake, is found from the Cinque Terre near Tuscany, to Genoa, and all the way to Ventimiglia on the border with France. Ligurians call pandolce “pandöçe” in their challenging, tongue-dislocating dialect.
Hidden Liguria: Chiavari [4553]
Is Chiavari the most underrated city along the Italian Riviera? I’m almost certain of it.
Savona Province Map & Guide [7462]
The Savona province of the region of Liguria offers some interesting opportunities for travelers, from a geopark with monastery to the wonders in the less touristed town of Noli.
