Boardering France to the west, for many if they drive from from France to Italy, this is the first Region they see. As you drive through the Region, if you take the coastal autostrada you will think the Region has nothing but incredible tunnels and bridges. The autostrada route is quite the experience. If you want to get anywhere fast stay on the Autostrada, but make some time, get off and driver the smaller highways and roads and see the region.
The rocky cliffs of Portofinio and the stretch of the Cinque Terra are especially scenic.
There are some big ports along here because the continental shelf is narrow and steep so the sea is very deep right off the coast.
The capital of the Region is the city of Genoa. This is the primary port of the area, a ranking it has held for many years. It was one of the most important ports and powers in the Mediterranean dureing the Middle Agees. The home of Christopher Columbus, there is beautiful architecture and history to this city. We have not spend time here and it is on our list of places to explore in more depth.
Alassio, Santa Margherita Liqure, Portfonio and the Cinque Terra are other spots that you would not want to miss.
The original name, Alaxia, became Alassio at one point in time. It was a fishing and shipping village. It was around 1872 when the rail line opened up Alassio to the rest of Europe. Alassio became a destination for the British who came for the climate and beach. Tennis courts, libraries, clubs, tea rooms and a casino were all built and Alassio became one of "the" spots on the Mediterranean. The British invasion ended around 1930 and Alassio next came to life in the 50s and 60s as part of the dolce vita.
In the 1930s the Cafe Roma at the corner of Via Cavour was the hot spot of the town. Famous names came to the Cafe Roma and it was during this time this time the wall, Il Muretto, was designed by Mario Berrino and none other than Ernest Hemingway signed the first tile.
Alassio has been fighting off modern development which has not been so rampant as other places along the coast. With that success, the town still has an old town charm. We started going to Alassio in the 1990s and now when we return we can see the development taking place and as we look back at the changes over the past 20 some years. Okay, I guess they did need a convention centre! I guess things can't stay frozen in time for ever.
Some years, when it seems we had plenty of time we have driven the coastal highway. Great ready to slow down as you enter town after town. Yes the are some ooohhhs and aaaahhs views along the way, but you really have to have patience.
As we plan out what will happen for the rest of our lives, aat one point this was the place we told people we want our ashes deposited. Just walk out on the pier and let them float way. We have stayed in Alassio many times for a number of years it seemed like a second home. I remember one year we were in France, it was Karen's birthday. We looked at each other and said.... let's hit Alassio! We jumped in our car, drove the autosroute at top speed and arrive in town with the challenge to find a hotel. The town does book up.
We watched the restoration of the classic old Il Grand Hotel that took oh so many years. It is now operating under the n ame Grand Hotel Alassio. We did return a couple of times after the hotel opened. I want to stay there just for the memory of watchihg it be restored. The rooms are relatively small and pricey. We found some of our old favourties a better deal and just as good of a memory.
photo: mytravellinglens.com - for more photos of Bergamo
For a while, if we are not staying in Alassio, then we were very likely staying in Santa Margherita Ligure. I know, at one brief moment a number of years ago, I think I said I had been here too many times. But that was only a thought for a fleeting moment. We have been back and I enjoy this town.
The town is scenic and the location is very good. A a great town to serve as a base for travels in the area. You can walk the two km lane along the water that takes you to Portofino, or drive or take a bus to this eye stopper town famous for the rich a famous who would park their yachts in the harbout. But don't let that scare you aware. There is a lot of charm here..
Another positive aspect ofr Santa Margherita Ligure is that the the train station is right in the town. Pop on one of the frequent trains and in a half hour you can be on the Cinque Terre. No use trying to drive there. In fact, you can go from Santa Margherita by train to another stunning location, Pasteum. There are three wonderful ancient temples. Far fewer crowds to fight than some locations. The train stops just about 2 km from the park entrance. It is a pleasant walk.
photo: mytravellinglens.com
I know that when people hear the phrase "day trip location" it can lead to the question: do we really want to go there? But in this case, yes. This is one of the most unspoiled promontories on the Ligurian Coast.
The harbor is the heart of the village and why you go to Portofino. It is lined with pastel-colored buildings and surrounded by lush green hillsides. It's a great spot for strolling, people-watching, and admiring the luxury yachts moored in the marina.
Castello Brown is an historic castle on a hill above Portofino. There are great views of the village and the Ligurian coastline. You can explore the castle grounds with gardens, terraces, and a small museum.
You can visit the Church of San Giorgio, near the harbor. It is a small, building with a colorful facade and a beautiful interior.
We picked up some food at a store and then walked down to the harbour for a lunch. But that was a few years ago. The town suffers from large tourist crowds in the summer and there may be some limitations on a harbout picnic!
photo: mytravellinglens.com
When in Santa Margherita Ligure we took a boat that goes to both Portofino and San Fruttuoso. The Abbazia di San Frutuoso di Capodimonte is a Benedictine abbey and was to be the resting place for Bishop St. Fructuosus of Tarragona who was martyred in Spain in 259. The Abbey was rebuilt in the 13th Century.
Camogli is another one of the towns that you can drive to when you stay in Santa Margherita. We visited it in 1995 when we drove down to the coast to meet Karen's parents and returned in 2017.
Camogli is a scenic fishing village — and it is the colours of the buildings that create a captivating scene. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, watch the real fishermen at work, and enjoy views of the Ligurian Sea.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta dates to the 12th century. There is the Italioan striking black-and-white striped facade for the exterior. Inside there are frescoes, marble columns, and ornate altar to take in.
Castel Dragone, a medieval fortress, is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. It is privately owned and not open to the public but you can admire it from the outside.
Just past La Spezia is the town of Portovenere. We have stayed here enjoyed the sights and great meal. If you like cats, well there are more cats in the harbour that one could imagine.
The harbour is typical of towns along the coast, pastel-colored buildings and dotted with fishing boats and yachts. We enjoyed the cafes or restaurants, while admiring the views of the sea and cliffs.
You can walk along the water out to the San Pietro church. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Portovenere. Dating back to the 13th century, the church features a black-and-white striped facade and a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Doria Castle was built in the 12th century. It is a medieval fortress that protected the entrance to Portovenere. You can climb to the top of the castle walls for great views of the town and harbor. There is an archaeological museum inside the castle.
A grotto is named after the famous poet Lord Byron, inspired by the beauty of the area. The Byron's Grotto is a natural cave.
The Romanesque Church of San Lorenzo dates to the 12th century. It has a marble facade and an interior with frescoes and sculptures.
After driving through or around this town on many many trips along the coast, in 2001 we decided to stay one night and see what the town was like.
We were travelling with our friends, the Grants, and dropped them off in Nice so they could travel back to Vancouver. We crossed the boarded into Italy and stayed in San Remo.
. Lots of old multi-coloured buildings, lots of traffic, and lots of hotels that one day were just "the" place to stay, now parts of the town showed their age.. San Remo was one of the destinations for the English on their tours of Italy in the 19th Century. Some of the hotels have been renovated very nicely. We stayed in one that was almost to the point of being "well aged" but it turned out to be fine and at a good price.
San Remo has a major casino but that is not our scene. We just enjoyed this classic town along the water.
For years we would pick up our car in France and then drive from France to Italy. The driver is scenic but it woulud mean driving the Autostrada that goes through, or I should say, above the town of Genoa. Where the E25, the Autostrada from the north, joins the E80 it is, let's a bit hectic. Driving across the (that collapsed and has been rebuilt) it was important to be in the correct lane or you would exit the Autostrada and find yourself in Genoa. Why did I dread that? Who knows but one year we made Genoa the destination of a holiday and we loved it.
Yes Genoa is one of the busiest industrial ports in Italy. But, Genoa is a historic city with beautiful architecture and an interesting historic centre.
It was Karen's 50th birthday. In those days we could afford to lease a convertible. We drove,l roof down from Nice, along the coast and then into Genoa. Music flowing, enjoying the view, yes this was the way to arrive in Genoa. Karen book a hotel right in the centre of town. We drove up, tossed the car keys to a man in from of the hotel who speed off and we enjoyed a number of days in the city.
Genova is one of the most scenic cities in Italy. And, it is not a city that is ridden with crime, in fact I was out most evenings until very late with my camera and tripod and I never felt in danger.
The city has a rich history, Christopher Columbus sailed from here to America. It has the oldest bank in the world here (the Bank of Saint George) and the architecture is impressive. Genoa was once the powerful Maritime Republics, along with Venice, Pisa and Amalfi and the trade and commerce helped to shape the power of the city. In the 16th Century Genoa was at its peak, and the city was the center for artists and architects. Many of the plazzi were designed by famed Galeazzo Alessi. In the 1700s things were not as good, and Genoa was actually annexed by France in 1805.
During World War II Genoa was bombed by the British. In fact, a bomb fell into the cathedral of San Lorenzo, did not explode and it still remains in the church and can still be seen today.
The Piazza de Ferrari is the center of the city. Above, the protect for the strike was just starting to take shape! We ended up hiring a taxi driver to take us to some locations and he gave us quite a tour of the city.
The impressive Galleria Mazzini is an imitation of the Vittoria Emanuele Gallery built in Milan. The galleria was very close to our hotel and connects the Piazza De Ferrari with the Carol Felice Theatre and the Piazza Corvetto. It is covered with a glass roof and metal frame. It used to be the main shopping area of the most upscale shops in the city. Now, it has a more subtle look and old comfortable look with only a limited number of stores remaining in the galleria. Walking through it is a great feeling.
Via Garibaldi is lined with grand palazzos that date from the high times of Genoa. Now unfortunately the day we had scheduled to be our visit a number of the plazzos, the plan was ruined, as it became a strike. Most were closed, a few let us into the gardens. But we will have to go back. Via Garibaldi dates back to 1550. It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the street is lined with old palaces.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo has the classic white and gray striped facade and it dates from the 12th century. The dome and towers were added in the 16th century. The two unequal towers and large central rose window is not typical and the cathedral combines Gothic, baroque, renaissance and Romanesque architectural styles. The cloisters are located a block away, and the entrance is through the San Lorenzo Diocesan Museum. San Lorenzo Cathedral is the largest of the churches in the city. Not far from there is the small house where it is said, Christopher Columbus was born. Not far from his house are the remains of the walls of Genoa along with the Porta Soprana, an impressive gate into the city. The old walls date from the 12th Century and the new walls, Mura Nuove are more imposing and date from the 17th Century and there are some 20 km in walls remaining.
The cloisters are impressive and accessed through an door outside and around the block from the cathedral.
Photo: mytravellinglens.com
The Atlantean statues, on the buildings of Genoa, are an architectural decoration depicting the support of the building strucutre, will no doubt be wairing for us to return.
Photo: mytravellinglens.com
The day we had to leave, I looked out of our hotel window and our car was returned and waiting for us!
The Cinque Terre means the five lands - the five coastal towns along the coast. A designated Unesco World Heritage site and in the World Monument Fund list. An area to see, but another area where the number of tourists is taking its toll.
Our second visit to the area was in 2017. We met friends from Vancouver in Manarola. It was pleasant in the morning and in the evenings. During the day the trains arrive every half an hour full of day visitors. The little towns have such narrow strees, usually with fishing boats pull up, and it is very difficult to enjoy with the crowds.
Four our first visit we drove into Riomaggiore, on subsquent trips we arrived by train, using Santa Margherita Liqure as our base. Travelling by train to the areas is very easy. For our 2017 visit we drove to Manarola.
The walk between the village has always been a reason for many. Check as it is often closed off for certain stretches. We started the walk on one trip but a wiser person told us to go back as we did not have the proper footwear for the climb. Our friends Chris and Carmen Grant have completed the walk and they confirmed that there are sections that involve a steep climb but you do not have to be a mountain climber to make the total walk just be prepared for a workout.
Our travel overviewof 2017 includes information on Manarola.
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