Liguria

Book excerpt: This new, thoroughly updated fourth edition of Bradt’s award-winning guide to Liguria is the essential companion to getting the most out of a visit to this beguiling Italian region. Author Rosie Whitehouse has spent over thirty years exploring Liguria. In her wide-ranging guide, she introduces you to not just the glitz of the Riviera but also to the charm of the little-known, wild hinterland and mountain valleys, including in-depth coverage of local gastronomic delights – a key element of any Ligurian visit. Liguria is a rugged region of dizzy passes and breathtaking views, where mountains plunge into the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. The coastal strip includes the world-famous Italian Riviera, the great port city of Genoa, the resort of Portofino, the charming Cinque Terre, and more Blue Flag beaches than any other Italian region. In the hinterland there are many beautiful villages and mountain walks that have yet to be discovered by tourists – perfect for adventurous travellers who want a taste of the real Italy. This fourth edition covers new, high-class hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants that reflect Liguria’s rising status as a luxury destination – but, blessedly, one that doesn’t always come with an expensive price tag. Also new in this edition is information on the new marina Ventimiglia (which coincides with the growth in superyachts locally), wildlife (including whale- and dolphin-spotting, and the return of wolves), travel infrastructure (including new Nightjet trains to Munich and Vienna plus a high-speed train to Naples, and up-to-date advice on car parking, which can be tricky in parts of Liguria) and Genoa’s new Museum of Emigration. With its mild climate, Liguria is a fabulous year-round destination with a strong regional identity of its own. Whether you’re a gourmet traveller in search of pesto, trofie and freshly baked focaccia, a history buff on the hunt for Roman remains, a culture addict dazzled by Genoa’s glittering palazzi and top-class museums, a hiker seeking a mountain escape, or a family heading for a well-earned beach-based break, Bradt’s Liguria is the ideal guide for travellers of all ages and all budgets.