Italian Riviera, Mediterranean coastal region in Liguria, Italy
The Italian Riviera is a coastal area in Liguria that runs along the Ligurian Sea from the border crossing near Ventimiglia to the Gulf of La Spezia. Small fishing villages alternate with larger towns and narrow beaches lie between rocks that drop directly into the water.
Genoa controlled large parts of this coastline for a long time and built fortresses and trading ports that controlled sea traffic in the Mediterranean. In the 19th century wealthy travelers from northern Europe discovered the mild winter air and established villas and gardens along the cliffs.
Many restaurants along the coastline open early for lunch and serve local dishes such as trofie with pesto or grilled fish with olive oil and lemon. Families place importance on using fresh ingredients from the Ligurian Sea and passing down traditional recipes that have remained unchanged for generations.
Trains connect most places along the shoreline and often stop right by the water so travelers can easily switch between villages and towns. Walking paths run through hills above the coastline and offer views over the sea when the weather is clear.
In some sections lemon trees and olive groves grow on terraced slopes that have been laid out by hand for centuries. Stone walls support the narrow levels and allow cultivation despite the steep terrain that drops toward the sea.
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