Liguria
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Liguria, located in the north-west of Italy, is accessible by various modes of transport that make it easy to reach its main localities.
With regard to air transport, the region has two civil airports: Cristoforo Colombo Airport in Genoa and Clemente Panero Airport in Villanova d'Albenga. Genoa Airport, located about 6 km from the city centre, offers connections to the main Italian and European cities and can be reached by private or public transport, thanks to the AMT buses that connect it to the railway stations and the city centre. For those travelling by car, the airport is accessible via the 'Genova - Aeroporto' exit on the A10 motorway. Villanova d'Albenga Airport, located a few kilometres from the tourist resorts on the Riviera di Ponente and the Côte d'Azur, is an option for those wishing to travel to the western part of the region.
The Ligurian railway network crosses almost the entire region, connecting the four provinces of Genoa, Imperia, Savona and La Spezia, as well as the main towns on the two Rivieras di Ponente and Levante and the hinterland. The stations of Genoa Piazza Principe and Genoa Brignole are among the most important and best served in the region, with trains to and from major Italian cities such as Milan, Turin, Rome and Bologna. The Ligurian railway network is developed in a complex infrastructure context, characterised by winding lines and numerous tunnels, influencing the level and quality of rail traffic.As regards the motorway network, the main arterial roads crossing Liguria are: the Turin-Savona, the Genoa-Milan, the Genoa-Ventimiglia, the Genoa-La Spezia, the La Spezia-Parma and the Alessandria-Genoa. These motorways connect the four provinces and the main Ligurian localities, facilitating travel by road. The geographical conformation of the region, with the presence of mountains directly overlooking the sea, makes the provincial road network particularly articulated, with numerous viaducts and tunnels crossing the territory. This entails careful traffic management, especially during peak tourist periods.
In summary, Liguria is well connected both nationally and internationally through a combination of air, rail and road transport, enabling visitors to easily reach its various locations.
Introduction
In the north-west of Italy, on the border with France, lies Liguria, a multifaceted region that combines mountains, sea and culture. Its unique conformation stretches between high mountain ranges and gentle hills covered by the Mediterranean maquis, overlooking a Tyrrhenian Sea characterised by high and jagged coastlines. This area, rich in spectacular landscapes and opportunities, attracts visitors for holidays dedicated to nature, sea and fun.
Description
Liguria is a natural and cultural mosaic. Its coastline, which stretches over 300 km from Ameglia to Ventimiglia, offers an extraordinary variety of scenery: from the Cinque Terre, with its colourful villages suspended between the sea and the mountains, to the Gulf of Poets, dear to writers and artists, via the Gulf of Tigullio and Genoa, to the Riviera delle Palme and the Riviera dei Fiori. Iconic locations such as Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Sestri Levante and Sanremo alternate with fine beaches and picturesque harbours. This extraordinary coastline is also a habitat for fin whales, dolphins and sperm whales, which are protected in the Cetacean Sanctuary, a marine protected area that testifies to the environmental importance of the region. Inland, the large expanses of woodland offer an alternative to seaside tourism, with the possibility of immersing oneself in unspoilt nature.
Liguria's history is ancient and rich, deeply linked to the sea. The first settlements date back to prehistoric times, as the sites of the Toirano Caves testify. Later, the Ligurians were one of the Italic peoples who opposed Roman expansion, before being assimilated. In the Middle Ages, Genoa became one of the most powerful Maritime Republics, with a leading role in Mediterranean trade. Historical figures such as Christopher Columbus, born in Genoa, linked Liguria's name to epoch-making discoveries. The region's medieval villages and castles are tangible evidence of this history, which can still be felt in the historic centres and local traditions.
The Ligurian economy is based on a combination of tradition and modernity. Fishing and agriculture, with typical products such as basil pesto, olive oil and Pigato wine, constitute an internationally appreciated gastronomic heritage. Handicrafts, from the ceramics of Albisola to the slates of Val Fontanabuona, are another feather in the region's cap. Tourism is a fundamental resource, with an offer that ranges from luxury seaside resorts to small hidden villages and excursions to nature parks.
Ligurian culture is deeply rooted in the region. Festivals and traditions, such as the Pra' Basil Festival or the Sanremo Festival, celebrate local peculiarities and attract visitors from all over. The hinterland and coastal areas host historical events, such as the Palio del Golfo di La Spezia, which tell of the indissoluble bond between people and the sea. The food and wine traditions, with dishes like focaccia genovese and trofie al pesto, make every visit a journey into the authentic flavours of the region.
Liguria is also a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The trails of the Cinque Terre and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri offer spectacular views of the sea and hills. Natural parks, such as Portofino or the Ligurian Alps, allow you to discover unique flora and fauna. Panoramic viewpoints, mountain refuges and historical routes are interwoven with local legends, such as the one linked to the Grotta dell'Arma. The region, with its mix of history, nature and culture, is a constant invitation to discovery and exploration.
Information
Capital city: Genova
Area: 5,418.21 sq. km
Minimum elevation: 0m
Maximum elevation: 2,201m - Monte Saccarello
Number of inhabitants: 1,510,054 (as of 31.08.24)
Name in dialect: Liguria
Name of inhabitants: Ligurians
Provinces: Metropolitan city of Genoa, Province of Imperia, Province of La Spezia, Province of Savona
Municipalities: 234 list - map
Bordering regions: Emilia-Romagna, Piemonte, Toscana, Provenza-Alpi-Costa Azzurra
Institutional site: www.regione.liguria.it
Territory
Cultural Assets
Ospitality