Shopping Local Food Local Wine
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General
Liguria is the missing link between the South of France and Tuscany - seaside towns threaded together by the ancient Roman Via Aurelia - high mountains and orange, lemon an olive groves lead down to a strikingly beautiful Ligurian coastline. Liguria may have only been officially designated a region in 1971 but it has a long and illustrious history - remember Christopher Columbus - from Genova, the vibrant regional capital. The area is steeped in maritime history for the nautical; as well as boasting six regional parks, plus four nature reserves ideal for hikers and bird watchers. Or for those on the cultural trail, visit the ’silent towns’ of the interior, on the Adagio di Liguria trail - ancient towns renowned for their world-apart tranquility, bountiful art and delicious food and drink. Genova is a spectacular sight, full of palaces, churches, parks and handsome piazzas, nestling in an amphitheatre of hills. To the west, you’ll find secret Savona, off the tourist track and jealously guarding its attractions - the medieval Via Pia in Old Savona, with beautiful slate doorways, or the Via Paleocapa, with its elegant arcades of shops. For beach lovers there are the delights of Alassio. San Remo is at the heart of the Riviera of the Flowers and was once a firm favourite of the Victorians. And one of the most gorgeous views ever is the tall, narrow, pastel coloured houses framing the little harbour at Portofino - a drink al fresco by the waterfront - heaven! For art nouveau, look no further than Rapallo’s Vittorio Veneto promenade. And don’t forget the Cinque Terre - five villages of breathtaking beauty.
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Shopping
Follow Magoni’s guide to where’s best for what - glassware at Altare; ceramic pottery at Albisola; velvet in Zoagli; damask, brocade and lampas in Lorsic; lace in Rapallow and Portofino; macramé in Chiavari; olive oil in Oneglia. Most towns have outdoor markets - check with the local tourist office. Don’t miss the glorious daily flower market in San Remo (October to June).
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Local Food
The famous pesto (basil, cheese, garlic, oil and pine nuts) can be found on most Ligurian menus. Or visit Recco, near Camogli and Portofino, for a lunch of focaccia cheese and troffie - spindle shaped pasta made from chestnut flour. Soups to try - minestrone alla Genovese, ciuppin fish soup. For the carnivores, cima veal roll stuffed with egg, cheese and vegetables; Genovese beef stew with onions and tomato sauce. Be adventurous with goat’s meat with beans or San Remo rabbit cooked with garlic, rosemary, pine nut oil and white wine. Vegetables are all fresh and home grown - spinach, artichokes and zucchini are a must. For dessert, amaretti di Sassello macarrons. And cheese - San Stae from Santo Stefano d’Aveto - or Casareccio from Gorreto and Tomino from the Val Brevenna, with focaccia from Recco. And the ultimate breakfast treat - canestrello melt-in-the-mouth pastries.
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Local Wine
The finest red is Rossese of Dolceacqua with hints of blackberry, redcurrent and pine resin. Another good red is Ormeasco, dry with subtle cherry and blackberry flavour, from Pieve die Teco and Pornassio. Dry white Vermention from the Nervia Valley is excellent and Pigato from the Arroscia Valley. Other names to look out for are Pian del Vescovo, Costa Marina, Monte Bernardo, Bricco Arcagna, Villa Torrachetta and Le Petraie.
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If you are considering renting a villa in Liguria, Cottages to Castles are pleased to offer a selection of privately owned and superbly presented properties. Choose your dream holiday home in Liguria here.
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