ABOUT LIGURIA
The region of Liguria is truly a special place. For those who have never heard of it, it is located in northern Italy. It stretches 280 kilometres along the north-west coast between the region of Tuscany and France.
This area enjoys a particularly favourable microclimate thanks to the action of the sea that mitigates temperatures. In fact, despite being in northern Italy, there is never fog here and the temperature usually does not fall below 8 degrees centigrade. Moreover, it is not uncommon in Liguria for even the coldest months to be 20 degrees centigrade during the day. This makes it possible to walk around happily in a T-shirt sometimes even in January or February.
In fact, the province of Imperia has the best climate in Italy. This is reported by various sources including the weather forecasting service iLMeteo.it and the historic daily newspaper Il corriere della sera. This assertion derives from the analysis of 380 million weather data relating to 108 Italian cities.
The particularly favourable climatic conditions in this area of Liguria also attract many pensioners from all over the world who decide to settle here for the high quality of life.
Thanks to this excellent climate, non-endemic exotic plants typical of warm countries grow in Liguria. For example, we find eucalyptus, agave, aloe, yucca, dracena draco, catctus opuntia, jacaranda and many others. It is no coincidence that the English traveller Sir Thomas Hanbury created one of Europe’s most famous acclimatisation gardens here. He collected botanical species from all over the world and planted them in the grounds adjacent to his villa in Ventimiglia.
Tourism in Liguria has a long history dating back to 1800. People used to come here in the winter months to escape the cold. In the beginning it was mainly English tourists. Then there was also an influx of tourists from Russia following the stay of Tsarina Maria Aleksandrovna in Sanremo. The Russian noblewoman, wife of Emperor Alexander II, had spent the winter here between 1874 and 1875 and fell in love with it!
Nowadays, tourists from all over the world visit Liguria. This is also facilitated by the proximity of Nice International Airport in the beautiful French Riviera, which is only an hour’s drive away. In addition, cruise ships from everywhere arrive at the ports of Genoa, Savona and La Spezia.
The region of Liguria is a unique place. Here, the Alps end close to the sea, creating breathtaking landscapes. The excellent climate makes many outdoor activities possible, from skiing in the Alps in winter to sea sports such as boating or kayaking throughout the year. Not to mention cycling, the king of sports in this area thanks to a 29 km long cycle path from Ospedaletti to Imperia. Those lucky enough to live in this area can therefore enjoy the sea and the mountains.
This area has a long history, having been inhabited by the ancient Ligurian people, later conquered by the Romans. The region’s strategic position made it a center of maritime trade, particularly during the Medieval Maritime Republics era, when it rivaled Venice and Amalfi in naval power and influence.
Numerous cultural festivals take place in Liguria throughout the year, such as the Genoa International Boat Show, the Portofino Festival of Classical Music, and the Festa della Madonna della Guardia in Genoa. These celebrations highlight the region’s art, music, and traditions.
Here we find a deep-rooted cultural and culinary tradition. Genoa was once a major maritime republic, and its history is reflected in its architecture and art. The region is also known for its contributions to Italian cuisine, especially its famous pesto sauce, made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
The regional cuisine is based on fresh seafood, olive oil, and local produce. Aside from pesto, the region is known for dishes like focaccia (a type of flatbread), trofie (a type of pasta often served with pesto), and sciacchetrà (a famous dessert wine from Cinque Terre).
Among the various specialities of the area are Taggiasca olives, which are small, dark olives prized for their rich flavor. The region produces some of the best olive oils in Italy, and it’s a key part of the local economy and cuisine.
In short, Liguria offers a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and culinary delights, making it one of Italy’s most captivating regions. So what are you waiting for? We invite you to visit the region of Liguria as soon as possible and judge for yourself!