THE RHYTHM OF THE RIVIERA
NORTH SAILS TRAVEL GUIDE: THE ITALIAN RIVIERA
EXPLORING THE BEST OF THE LIGURIAN RIVIERA
If you're looking for a place to live la dolce vita, you'll find it here. Stretching from the French border to the azure crescent of La Spezia, the Ligurian Riviera offers a diverse mix of activities, scenic spots, and iconic beach clubs. From sipping spritzes under striped umbrellas to cruising the coastline on a classic sailboat—this place is all about slowing down and soaking it all in.
HIKE TO SAN FRUTTUOSO ABBEY AND DIVE THE CHRIST OF THE ABYSS
One of Portofino's most popular hikes winds you through Portofino Natural Park to San Fruttuoso Abbey—a 10th Century Monastery fronted by a beautiful pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. The 5km hike takes around 2 hours, and you'll be rewarded with a fresh seafood lunch and a chilled glass of local wine in one of the beachside restaurants. While you're here, it's well worth a dive or snorkel trip out to Christ of The Abyss—a bronze statue placed on the seabed about 300m from the shoreline.
One of Portofino's most popular hikes winds you through Portofino Natural Park to San Fruttuoso Abbey—a 10th Century Monastery fronted by a beautiful pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. The 5km hike takes around 2 hours, and you'll be rewarded with a fresh seafood lunch and a chilled glass of local wine in one of the beachside restaurants. While you're here, it's well worth a dive or snorkel trip out to Christ of The Abyss—a bronze statue placed on the seabed about 300m from the shoreline.
LEARN TO SAIL OR WING FOIL IN GENOA
Named after a legendary figure in Italian sailing, the Scuola di Mare Beppe Croce in Genoa offers sailing and wing foiling lessons to adults and children aged six and over. From beginners through to improvers and advanced, the club places special emphasis on responsibility to yourself, others, and the environment. Locals who want to progress beyond dinghies can join the crew of the club's 16-metre sailing yacht and compete in coastal and offshore races.
Named after a legendary figure in Italian sailing, the Scuola di Mare Beppe Croce in Genoa offers sailing and wing foiling lessons to adults and children aged six and over. From beginners through to improvers and advanced, the club places special emphasis on responsibility to yourself, others, and the environment. Locals who want to progress beyond dinghies can join the crew of the club's 16-metre sailing yacht and compete in coastal and offshore races.
SHOP ARTISAN BOUTIQUES IN RAPALLO
Tucked between pastel facades and palm-lined streets, Rapallo's historic center is a treasure trove of artisan boutiques. Wander the cobbled streets to discover hand-stitched leather sandals, locally made jewelry, and traditional Ligurian ceramics. Many workshops are family-run, passing down skills through generations—so you'll leave not just with a souvenir but a little piece of Riviera craftsmanship. Perfect after a seaside lunch or a late-morning espresso.
Tucked between pastel facades and palm-lined streets, Rapallo's historic center is a treasure trove of artisan boutiques. Wander the cobbled streets to discover hand-stitched leather sandals, locally made jewelry, and traditional Ligurian ceramics. Many workshops are family-run, passing down skills through generations—so you'll leave not just with a souvenir but a little piece of Riviera craftsmanship. Perfect after a seaside lunch or a late-morning espresso.
BAGNI WINDSOR, LAIGUEGLIA
Bagni Windsor is all about ease—sun-drenched days spent by the sea, wide parasols, comfy loungers, and tasty refreshments. Whether you're cooling off in the water, stretching out in the shade, or grabbing a snack from the hotel bar just steps away, this is slow living at its finest. Thoughtfully set up for full days spent waterside, it's a quiet kind of luxury—simple, effortless, and perfectly Riviera.
Bagni Windsor is all about ease—sun-drenched days spent by the sea, wide parasols, comfy loungers, and tasty refreshments. Whether you're cooling off in the water, stretching out in the shade, or grabbing a snack from the hotel bar just steps away, this is slow living at its finest. Thoughtfully set up for full days spent waterside, it's a quiet kind of luxury—simple, effortless, and perfectly Riviera.
PACK YOUR BAG. LAY BACK. DIVE IN.
From elegant hideaways to new skills and firm traveler favorites, the Ligure offers so much more than just a place to lay your towel. Get out there, embrace the pace, and make some memories.
LATEST NORTH SAILS NEWS
22 September
