Liguria

The region of Liguria, sometimes known as the Italian Riviera, stretches along the mediterranean from the tip of Tuscany to the French border.

A stone's throw from Monte Carlo (if you are to the west of the region), many have chosen the less expensive life on the Italian side of the border but travel the half hour or so for the thrills of the casino! The coast is one of twists and turns, hills and valleys, sand and pebble beaches, rocky coves.

Genoa, one of Europe's major ports and the birthplace of Columbus has ensured that Liguria has an international flavour. Italians have flocked to the seaside resorts for over a century and the architectural style is of the era, like neighbouring Monaco and Cannes. But foreigners, too, have been coming for a long time.

The great thing about Liguria is that in addition to the seaside you have, within a few kilometres inland, delightful villages away from the hustle and bustle. And especially for those who drive from the UK it's just a day's drive away.

Regions: Umbria - Tuscany - Marche - Liguria - Lake Como - Abruzzo