Travel + Leisure recently shared that Italy is its 2021 Destination of the Year, declaring that “a new Italian renaissance is waiting in the wings, and there’s no better time to start planning your next visit”. If Italy is in your travel bucket list, the Italian Riviera – synonymous with the region of Liguria – is probably one of your picks among the beautiful destinations that combine nature, gastronomy, traditions and picturesque landscapes. Here is our list of best places to travel in 2021 along the Ligurian Riviera: it’s a selection of seaside holiday destinations without crowds and with lots of space, fresh air and authentic Italian character.
Top Places to see in the Riviera di Levante (Liguria’s eastern coast)
Portovenere
Portovenere (or Porto Venere) is the Italian Riviera’s hidden secret. Beloved by poets and artists, this colorful hamlet is often overlooked by visitors who flock to its famous Cinque Terre neighbors, or to glamorous Portofino. Portovenere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers impressive historical buildings, breathtaking natural wonders and unforgettable experiences, such as visiting the local oyster farms, sailing in the Gulf of Poets or hiking on Palmaria Island.
Tellaro
As Italian writer and film director Mario Soldati wrote, Tellaro is “a paradise between sea and sky, between rocks and green mountains”. This tiny hamlet features the iconic Church of St. George and is perfect for a relaxing trip. Nearby are the towns of Lerici and San Terenzo, which you should not miss.
Bocca di Magra
This is a quiet and typical fishing village on the border between Liguria and Tuscany. It is surrounded by uncontaminated hills that belong to the Montemarcello Nature Park and by the beautiful marble peaks of the Apuan Alps. This area is ideal for hiking.
Levanto
Just like Portovenere, this pretty town is also often overlooked despite being right next to Cinque Terre. In addition to lovely cobbled streets and being full of culture, Levanto also has a beach that is not as packed as nearby Monterosso.
Framura
Framura is praised for its fairy-tale quality, for its distinctive food products, and for being hike- and bike-friendly, especially thanks to the old railway track that was converted into a 5km-long trail for pedestrians and cyclists. You can also reach it with the Sentiero Verde-Azzurro, or the hiking trail that connects Portovenere with Sestri Levante. When in the area, also visit its colorful neighbor Bonassola.
NOTE: All the above-mentioned villages are located in the province of La Spezia. We now start moving westwards and into other provinces of Liguria.
Moneglia
Located in the province of Genoa, Moneglia is set between two towers, one belonging to the Church of San Giorgio and the other to the Church of Santa Croce. It features two imposing fortresses, Villafranca and Monleone, built in the 12th century by the Genoese. It is home to a beautiful botanical garden.
Top Places to see in the Riviera di Ponente (Liguria’s western coast)
Noli
This small village near Savona features many beautiful buildings, such as the Romanesque basilica of S. Paragorio, listed among the monumenti nazionali italiani. It also offers some great hiking trails up to the hill that overlooks the hamlet, and nature lovers will appreciate the Manie Plateau with its large pine forest, vineyard cultivations and a natural rock formation where a Neolithic site was recently discovered.
Finalborgo
Set in province of Savona, Finalborgo is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls with towers and gates. It features Renaissance and Baroque palaces, the Basilica of San Biagio, and the complex of Santa Caterina.
Laigueglia
Laigueglia retains the original charm of an old fishing village. Among its top characteristics are the small squares overlooking the sea, and the two bell towers of the church of S. Matteo, both topped by colorful majolica domes. The village is in the province of Savona.
Cervo
Located in the province of Imperia, this small village is home to the fine baroque church of St. John the Baptist, and to the Ethnographic Museum of Western Liguria. Cervo has a historical connection with classical music: in 1964, Hungarian violinist Sandor Vegh established the International Chamber Music Festival of Cervo. The event has been held every summer ever since.
