Italian Riviera Things To Do

Cinque Terre’s romantic Via dell’Amore trail overlooks the ocean. Bridges and stone benches line the 0.6-mile-long path, which links the tiny villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore. Tickets must be purchased before you stroll (proceeds go to maintaining the area).

Planted by wealthy Brits Thomas and Daniel Hanbury in 1867, these formal gardens are some of the largest botanical grounds in Italy (they contain 5,800 ornamental, medicinal, and fruit species from five continents, including Japanese Bells and Cork Oaks).

The rich sauce made with fresh basil, delicate Ligurian olive oil, pinenuts, garlic, and pecorino cheese was invented in Liguria and tastes better nowhere else. The topping is ubiquitous throughout the region, but Trattoria Cavour is a good first stop.

Depart from Genoa between May and September to venture into the protected, 60,000 sq-mile ocean zone off the coast of Liguria.  Eight species of whales and dolphins can be spotted in these waters; bring binoculars – getting up close is difficult.

Each of Genoa’s 20-plus museums bears witness to the city’s merchant and trade history and the fantastic Galleria Nazionale, which houses masterpieces by Giordano, da Messina, and Reni, is no exception.

The Palazzo Reale museum is worth a visit for its lavish Roccoco rooms stuffed with classical paintings, tapestries, and ceramics.

This all-encompassing market sells everything from fruit and cheese to flowers and second hand books. Closed Sundays.