La Dolce Vita On The Italian Riviera

The Ligurian coast packs in scenery, history and all the pesto you can eat...

- Jackie Holtham

WHY GO?

Liguria in the north-west of italy is a stunning coastal region of sharp contrasts where tree-covered mountains come down to the sea to meet the glitzy italian Riviera. on the coast, elegant resorts steeped in glamour are dotted along the med, fringed by palm trees and botanical gardens. inland, medieval villages cling to craggy hillsides defying gravity. Like its French neighbour, it has much to offer but at a friendly, gentle pace – and without the exorbitant prices.

WHAT TO EAT

Liguria has an abundance of fruit and vegetables and is famed for its cuisine. the sun-dried tomatoes are a must, as are the stuffed courgette (zucchini) flowers – and the tiny, black, fruity taggiasca olives produce sublime oil. Fresh fish and seafood is plentiful, plus home-made breads and pasta, of course. the flatter, crispier focaccia stuffed with melting cheese is sinful! But this region is most famous for its pesto – the basil grown around genoa has smaller, sweeter leaves – and is traditionally served with trofie pasta.

SLEEP IN STYLE