Portofino, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Genova, Santa Margherita…
The Italian, Ligurian Riviera, a very popular vacation spot for tourists. Old and colorful buildings, churches from a few centuries ago, its almost like you visit Italy in 19th century. With its clean beaches, tasty ice cream and daily tours to well known places like Portofino, port cities of Italy is an excellent choice for a summer vacation. Even though it wasn’t the longest holiday for me, I still had a brief glimpse of the enchanting Italian Riviera.
1st location : La Spezia
A lovely, small harbour that you can enjoy your tasty coffee in a old square surrounded by flowers and flea markests that sells old earrings and books. La Spezia is really close to Cinque Terre so you can easily access by train or boat. Other than being close to touristic Cinque Terre, La Spezia has a history of its own. You can visit San Giorgio Castle or Church of Santa Maria della Salute and learn more about how has been an important harbour in some wars.
2nd location : Cinque Terre, Manarola
One of the ports connected to La Spezia, and considered in Cinque Terre, Manarola is one of the sweetest spots of the Italian Riviera. Famous for its Via dell’Amore, sea food and wines, Manarola might be the most aesthetic port of Cinque Terre. Of course the best thing to do in Manarola is to explore around! Just get lost, maybe have an ice cream, take lots and lots of photos, enjoy the sunny weather by being free. Other interesting activity you can do is to take a boat tour. Watching sun going down in the Mediterrean sea is the best way to end the day in Manarola.
3rd location : Santa Margherita
Set between Rapallo and Portofino, Santa Margherita is an old fishing village with emerald turquoise water. Santa Margherita is the ideal place if you want to spend your time in the beach relaxing 100% carefree. Staying in ” Imperiale Palace Hotel” would be the best choice. With its huge garden, marvelous view of the Mediterrean Sea, and the building from the early 19th century, this hotel will satisfy your expectations. The other reason why Santa Margherita is important because Christopher Columbus was born in this small town. A few hundred years ago, when Columbus was born, Santa Margherita was a part of Republic of Genoa. So if you ever decide to visit Santa Margherita one day, be sure to see the Columbus statue and enjoy this tiny yet cute Italian town.
All photographs belong to Nur Güzeldere.