|
 Extending
from the coastline border with the French Riviera, east, through the
port city of Genoa, and south through La Spezia to the mouth of the
Magra River, near Massa and Carrara, the Italian Riviera includes some
of the most beautiful, rugged, and picturesque coastline and some of the
most famous Italian coastal resorts in the world. In addition to
its own delights, the Italian Riviera is located close enough for day
trips to other Tuscan offerings in
Lucca, Pisa, and
Florence.
 Just
north of the Gulf of La Spezia lies the Cinque Terre, five incredibly
beautiful coastal villages perched on the cliffs overlooking the
Mediterranean. Until recently, these towns were accessible by land only
by a footpath hugging the shoulder of the rugged terrain past terraced
vineyards and gardens. However, they are now also reachable by
automobile, train, boat, and/or by foot. These quaint, isolated and
beautiful towns present a worthy temptation for travelers looking for a
bit more activity and exploration and wonderful, non-crowded beaches
during the heat of the summer.
Lerici is a picturesque resort just south
of the Cinque Terre and is an ideal location for exploring the pleasures
of the Italian Riviera. From Lerici, after exploring its quaint
market and beaches, and perhaps taking the short walk over to enjoy the
offerings of the neighboring San Terenzo, you can ride a boat across the
gulf to Portovenere and the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Just to the north of Monterosso,
travelers find the postcard perfect village of Bonassola. From Bonassola,
exploration of the Cinque Terre is an easy (and frequent) boat or train
ride away. Offering a bit more by way of amenities than the
famed villages, this spectacular seaside town provides a perfect base
for discovering the Italian Riviera, and the rest of Tuscany. |
