Liguria is a coastal region of north-western Italy. The regional capital is Genoa.
Liguria has been described as the most beautiful and pictoresque sea front in
Europe. Its central location within the old continent works to Liguria's
advantage.
The main attraction of the area is its geographical
position, mild climate and pleasant landscapes, the choice that the visitor can
make between spending time in seaside resorts, mountains or exploring pretty
villages of the inland. All along the coast lie numerous small resorts, which
developed alongside of the popular and well known ones like San Remo, Alassio and
Rapalo. The fast development practically ruined the authentic character of the
region, which now can only be felt when visiting quiet corners of certain
seaside villages or in the rare coves still unaltered by the hands of man.
Interesting to visit is a group of picturesque fishing villages clinging to a
rocky coastline, where cars are banned.
The Ligurian Riviera has a deserved good reputation thanks to its exceptionally
temperate climate. The Ligurian skies do not know fogs, the Ligurian mountains
and hills are rarely covered with snow, while the sun shines during almost the
whole year, creating an atmosphere of eternal spring and favouring the
development of a blooming vegetation mostly consisting of olive-trees,
cypress-trees, palms, chestnut-trees, pinasters, and a wide range of exotic
flowers and plants. Flowers (mostly for use in making
perfume), olives, wine grapes, citrus fruit, mushrooms, and cereals are grown.
Chestnuts are gathered in the mountains, where there are extensive pastures,
timberland, and marble, slate, quartz, and limestone quarries. Fishing is
pursued along the coast. Manufactures of the region include iron and steel,
ships, machinery, textiles, chemicals, processed food, and forest products.