The Italian Riviera is one of the best travel destinations in Italy. It is home to both Cinque Terre, and the city of Genoa. The Italian …
The Italian Riviera (or Liguria) is a stunning stretch of coastline, divided into two main parts: the Riviera di Ponente (West) and the Riviera di Levante (East). The “best” towns often depend on whether you seek glitz, natural beauty, or authentic, less-crowded charm.
Here are some of the most highly-regarded towns, categorized for easier exploration:
1. Riviera di Levante (East Riviera) – Most Famous and Picturesque
This area, from Genoa to La Spezia, is known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful harbors, and exclusivity.
| Town | Highlight | Vibe |
| Cinque Terre (The Five Lands) | The globally famous cluster of five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) clinging to the cliffs. | Vibrant, colorful, UNESCO World Heritage site, extremely touristy, excellent hiking. |
| Portofino | The ultimate picture-postcard village with a half-moon harbor full of luxury yachts. | Exclusive, high-end, glamorous, very expensive. |
| Santa Margherita Ligure | An elegant, well-preserved resort town with beautiful architecture and a lively, non-exclusive atmosphere. | Elegant, convenient, excellent base for visiting Portofino and Camogli. |
| Camogli | A charming, quintessential fishing village with towering, brightly-colored houses and a beautiful pebble beach. | Authentic, less touristy than Cinque Terre/Portofino, great local feel, famous for its fish festival. |
| Portovenere | Located at the southern tip of the “Gulf of Poets,” with a dramatic church (San Pietro) on a rocky headland and a Doria castle. | Majestic, historical, often called the “Sixth Terre” (Cinque Terre’s unofficial partner). |
| Sestri Levante | Known for its beautiful peninsula, which separates the tranquil Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio) from the larger Bay of Fables (Baia delle Favole). | Family-friendly, relaxed, excellent beaches. |
2. Riviera di Ponente (West Riviera) – Quieter and More Sandy
This stretch, from Genoa to the French border, is flatter and tends to have wider, sandier beaches.
| Town | Highlight | Vibe |
| Sanremo | A glamorous resort town famous for its casino, its annual Italian Song Festival, and the Formula 1-like maze of the old town, La Pigna. | Lively, cosmopolitan, sophisticated, good shopping. |
| Alassio | Known for its long, fine sandy beach, a rarity on the Riviera. | Classic beach resort, lively atmosphere, especially at aperitivo hour. |
| Finale Ligure | Popular with mountain bikers and rock climbers, it offers a wider, sandy beach than most other Riviera towns. | Sporty, beautiful historic center (Finalborgo) inland, great for active travelers. |
| Dolceacqua | A beautiful inland medieval village in the Nervia Valley, famed for its ancient bridge and Doria Castle. | Historical, artistic (loved by Monet), authentic inland experience. |
The Regional Capital
- Genoa (Genova): As the regional capital, it’s a large, historic port city with a stunning UNESCO-protected old town (Centro Storico), grand palaces, and world-class museums. It makes a fantastic base for exploring both the Eastern and Western Rivieras.
