Move over, Amalfi- the Italian Riviera is having a major moment. Searches for “Italian Riviera towns” have exploded by a staggering 5,000% over the last month, while clicks for the iconic “Cinque Terre” have doubled in a single week. If you’ve been craving that classic Italian dolce vita, this is your sign to head north. Ribboning from the French border down to Tuscany, this dramatic coastline claims Italy’s highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches. Think candy-colored cliffside villages, chic seaside promenades, and tables laden with hyper-fresh Ligurian seafood. Ready to pack your bags? Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, has mapped out the ultimate Riviera road trip, seamlessly blending the bucket-list heavy hitters with lesser-known gems that fly blissfully under the radar.
Known for its palm lined promenades, centuries old casino and Belle Époque architecture, Sanremo brings a sense of old-world Riviera glamour. Visitors can spend days strolling along Corso Imperatrice and the seafront promenade or enjoying an aperitivo or wine and seafood along the marina.
Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, recommends: “Sanremo feels effortlessly sophisticated. One of my favourite things to do is venture into La Pigna in the early evening, where you’ll discover panoramic viewpoints and tucked-away local restaurants that many visitors miss entirely.”
For travellers wanting to combine coastline with culture, Genoa offers grand palaces, bustling piazzas and one of Italy’s most historic ports. Explore the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi, discover authentic trattorias in the old town and enjoy fresh pesto in the city where it originated. From here, travellers can also easily continue east along the Riviera by rail.
Heather explains: “Genoa often surprises people. Step away from Genoa’s main piazzas to explore the city’s narrow caruggi alleyways, where visitors will discover hidden bakeries, traditional wine bars and authentic trattorias full of character.”
Rapallo makes the perfect base for exploring one of the Italian Riviera’s most iconic stretches of coastline, with easy access to nearby Portofino, famous for its luxury yachts, designer boutiques and postcard worthy waterfront. Portofino’s glamorous marina and surrounding coastline also featured in The Wolf of Wall Street, helping cement its reputation as one of Italy’s most cinematic seaside destinations.
Heather says: “Portofino is one of those places that truly lives up to expectations. Arriving by boat and watching the colourful harbour emerge from the water feels incredibly cinematic.”
Santa Margherita is one of the Riviera’s most romantic bases. The coastline surrounding Santa Margherita and nearby Paraggi Beach is particularly celebrated for its Blue Flag waters, while scenic coastal paths connect the town to nearby Portofino.
For an insider experience, Heather recommends taking an evening train to nearby Camogli for dinner: “Camogli is one of Liguria’s hidden gems. It’s a traditional fishing village where legend says the fishermen’s wives would wait by the shore each evening, and as darkness fell, the town would light up to guide the fishermen safely home. It feels incredibly romantic at night.”
Portovenere – The Hidden Alternative to Cinque Terre
Often described as a quieter alternative to Cinque Terre, Portovenere combines terracotta harbours with dramatic cliffs and sweeping sea views across the Gulf of Poets. Visitors can explore the Church of St. Peter, take boat trips along the UNESCO listed coastline or enjoy a sunset aperol spritz overlooking the harbour.
For one of the Riviera’s best hidden viewpoints, Heather suggests: “Head towards Doria Castle in the late afternoon as the coastline begins to glow in the evening light.”
Cinque Terre – Italy’s Most Iconic Coastal Villages
Made up of five villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, they remain some of Europe’s most photographed coastal destinations. The region’s pastel-toned coastline also famously inspired Pixar’s Luca, capturing the Riviera’s nostalgic seaside charm.
Heather explains: “Cinque Terre is iconic for a reason. Every village has its own personality, but what makes the experience so special is slowing down. Spend an evening in one village after the crowds leave, when Cinque Terre feels at its most authentic and captures the relaxed pace of Riviera life.”
Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveller, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. She’s deeply into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainable living and sustainable travel will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on.
