Top three places in the Italian Riviera

Thinking of a holiday in Italy? While Venice and Rome instantly pop into your mind, the Italian Riviera is a haven for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The seaside towns are postcard picture perfect with their row of colourful buildings basking in the sunlight and warm sea air; a far cry from tall glass skyscrapers. The small fishing villages and ports are quaint and peaceful. Wherever you go, no two places are the same; each has a distinct personality and charm to them.

Spanning a large distance across the coast, it’s recommended you travel by car to reach the various towns and villages. Family cars for example will make it extremely easy to take the whole family and luggage around the coast. It’ll also mean you can make the most of your day as you won’t be restricted to public transport schedules. With that in mind, here are three must visit places in the Italian Riviera.

Genoa

Possibly the most famous in the Italian Riviera, Genoa is also the most easiest to get to. Its Italy’s sixth largest city so it offers all of the metropolitan shops and services you’d expect, but much less busy. This would make a good base for anyone who wants a quiet holiday, but can’t live without those little comforts and luxuries little towns don’t offer. There’s plenty to see if you like taking photos; the city is steeped in history, beautiful architecture and art. Genoa also boasts the second largest aquarium in Europe.

Portofino

Possibly the prettiest of all the towns and villages on the Italian Riviera, its looks are the very definition when you conjure up images of this part of the country. The brightly coloured houses are contrasted with a backdrop of dramatic cliffs that protect this small tiny fishing village. Surprisingly, there is a lively night life with bars, restaurants and nightclubs a plenty, lighting up what was once a fishing village. The crystal clear waters offer a fantastic opportunity to view sea life by snorkelling and scuba diving.

Image credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/arturstaszewski/6873313272/

Alassio

Alassio may not be as popular to tourists as it once was, but this just means there’s more for you to enjoy. For those who crave a little beach action, look no further than Alassio’s white sandy shores which stretch 4km. The water is mild for most of the year making it perfect for a dip in the sea to cool down. Family friendly, there are a number of kids sports activities taking place to keep them busy while you work on your tan.