Italian Riviera

TheItalian RivieraorLigurian Riviera(Italian:Riviera ligure[riˈvjɛːraˈliːɡure];Ligurian:Rivêa lìgure[ɾiˈveːaˈliɡyɾe]) is the narrow coastal strip inItalywhich lies between theLigurian Seaand the mountain chain formed by theMaritime Alpsand theApennines. Longitudinally it extends from the border with France and theFrench Riviera(orCôte d'Azur) nearVentimiglia(a formercustomspost) eastwards to Capo Corvo (also known as Punta Bianca) which marks the eastern end of theGulf of La Speziaand is close to the regional border betweenLiguriaandTuscany. The Italian Riviera thus includes nearly all of the coastline of Liguria. Historically the "Riviera" extended further to the west, through what is now French territory as far asMarseille.
The Italian Riviera crosses all fourLigurian provincesand their capitalsGenoa,Savona,ImperiaandLa Spezia, with a total length of about 350 km (218 miles).It is customarily divided into a western section, the Ponente Riviera, and an eastern section, the Levante Riviera, the point of division being the apex of the Ligurian arc atVoltri.It has about 1.6 million inhabitants, and most of the population is concentrated within the coastal area.Its mild climate draws an active tourist trade in the numerous coastalresorts, which includeAlassio,Bonassola,Bordighera,Camogli,Cinque Terre,Lerici,Levanto,Noli,Portofino,Porto Venere,Santa Margherita Ligure,Sanremo,San Fruttuoso, andSestri Levante. It is also known for its historical association with international celebrity and artistic visitors;writers and poets likePercy Bysshe Shelley,Lord Byron,Ezra Pound, andErnest Hemingwaywere inspired by the beauty and spirit of Liguria.
As a tourist centre, the Italian Riviera benefits from over 300 days of sunshine per year, and is known for its beaches, colourfully painted towns, natural environment, food, and luxury villas and hotels, as well as for its popular resort facilities, majoryachtingand cruising areas with several marinas,festivals, golf courses, sailing, rock climbing and scenic views of centuries old farmhouses and cottages.
Industries are concentrated in and around Genoa, Savona, and along the shores of the Gulf of La Spezia. Genoa and La Spezia are Italy's leading shipyards; La Spezia is Italy's major naval base, and Savona is a major centre of the Italian iron industry. Chemical, textile, and food industries are also important.
A number of streets and palacesin the center of Genoa and theCinque Terre National Park(which includesCinque Terre,Portovenere, and the islandsPalmaria,TinoandTinetto) are two of Italy's58 World Heritage Sites.
The Riviera's centre isGenoa, which divides it into two main sections: theRiviera di Ponente("the coast of the setting sun"), extending westwards from Genoa to the French border; and theRiviera di Levante("the coast of the rising sun") between Genoa and Capo Corvo.
It is known for its mild climate and its reputation for a relaxed way of life, old fishing ports, and landscapes. It has been a popular destination for travellers andtouristssince the time ofByronandPercy Shelley.
Many villages and towns in the area are internationally known, such asPortofino,Bordighera,Lericiand theCinque Terre. Many villages of Italian Riviera are counted amongI Borghi più belli d'Italia("The most beautiful villages of Italy").
The part of the Riviera di Ponente centred onSavona, is called theRiviera delle Palme(the Riviera of palms); the part centred onSanremo, is theRiviera dei Fiori, after the long-establishedflowergrowing industry.
Places on or near the Italian Riviera include:
The Italian Riviera contains the followingUNESCO World Heritage Sites: