Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are five colorful fishing villages on the coast of Liguria that have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Dramatically situated between the sea and the land, they can be reached by walking paths, trains and boats, but not by cars. Not that that poses a problem for the rivers of tourists that flock them every year. Continue reading “The Due Terre”
Driving in Italy is not for the faint-hearted. Driving down Strada Stradale 227, the road that connects Portofino with Santa Margherita Ligure and other parts of Liguria, might just be the most tense, Bond-like drive you will ever take in your life. Continue reading “I found my love in Portofino, and my joy in Santa Margherita Ligure”
I read in my guide that Genova’s Porto Antico (the Old Port) was a dark, seedy place before it was genially revamped by the local boy turned world famous architect, Renzo Piano in 1992, just in time to celebrate the anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of the New World. Seeing the area for the first time this summer, I couldn’t imagine that there was time when walking around the port was a dangerous endeavor. On the contrary: for me, the city port was the experience that made me fall hopelessly in love with Genova, its sun, its sea, the light breeze and palms… Continue reading “„La Superba“, Pt. 2: Falling In Love with Mediterranean Ports and Palm Trees”
Contrasts of narrow medieval streets and spacious open squares. Sounds of loud Italians and authentic music of minorities. Smells of focaccia and seafood and the chatter of people in the restaurants. And occasional temperament yelling coming from inside the houses of the Old Town. Welcome to Genova – the capital of Italian region Liguria, second largest harbor in the Mediterranean, and a majestic city with proud history that brought it the nickname „La Superba“. Continue reading “„La Superba“, pt. 1 (or How the Old Genova Makes You Feel at Home)”
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