31 Blue Flags for Liguria!

The beautiful coastal region of Liguria has been awarded 31 Blue Flags – the highest number of blue flags in Italy. The voluntary eco-label has been awarded to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. 14 of Liguria's marinas have also been awarded the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag Programme takes into consideration water quality, environmental education, management and safety, among others.  It works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas. The Blue Flag is a statement of quality so visitors can be assured of the most crystal clear waters, pristine shores and a welcoming, safe environment.

Pick of the best Blue Flag beaches in Liguria:

Lerici Beach offers a stunning backdrop of green cliffs, crystal clear waters and a charming Italian town bathed in shades of terracotta. The beach is a perfect combination of sandy stretches and rocky cliffs, with views over to the islands of Tino, Tinetto and the distinctive lighthouse on Palmeria. After a day on the glorious beach, head for the town for an aperitif and delicious seafood.  Lerici is perfect for exploring the Riviera east of Genoa, including the magnificent coast of the renowned Cinque Terre.

Check out the ABTOI tour operators for help in planning your fabulous holiday in Liguria http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=9

The Slow Fish Festival - a GASTRONOMIC thrill!

Gorgeous Liguria, Italy, gets even better when it hosts the 5th Slow Fish Festival from 27 – 30 May in Genoa, capital to this thin region that sits along the top of the Italian boot looking out to sea. Otherwise know as the ‘Italian Riviera', its where you will find many celebrities and the largest yachts you will ever have seen in your life.

And Genoa is one of those cities that you don't know is fabulous until you walk around its lovely cobbled streets down to the Marina and Harbour whilst discovering some amazing historic facts.  Apparently the very first cheque was written in Genoa!

The Slow Food network is vast and spans members from 150 countries.  The Slow Fish festival features events and activities along side its huge market of fish in every shape and form where you can taste and buy products from around the world.

And whilst you are ogling the 20 international top cooks preparing mouth watering dishes for you to try, don't forget to visit the Slow Fish Enoteca which is the space dedicated to good quality wine so that you can try from more than 800 bottles.

BA fly from London Gatwick, prices start from £49pp including all taxes and charges in April and May.  http://www.ba.com/

Ryanair offers flight out of Standsted to Genoa from £31pp including all taxes and charges in April and May.  http://www.ryanair.com/

For short breaks tour operators, http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=9&r=Liguria

For more info on Liguria, http://www.turismoinliguria.it/

For more info on Slow Fish, http://www.slowfish.it/

  

Home of the Pesto Sauce

The finest, most delicious pesto sauce can be found in its home region of beautiful Liguria where basil grows in abundance and the secret Pesto recipe has been passed down through generations.

One of Italy's tiniest regions, Liguria is the long thin coastal strip that curves round to the West, (towards the South of France) at the top of the ‘boot', also known as the Italian Riviera. It is here you may well spot many A list celebrities, particularly in the beautiful town Portofino, a constant feature in ‘Ok' Magazine.

Despite the major publicity constantly surrounding some of these glamorous resorts, the stunning landscape, the medieval hill towns, the tiny fishing villages, the crystal clear sandy coastline and the gourmet restaurants are still mainly only frequented by Italians (another advantage!).

That said, the Unesco World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre National Park contains the famous once isolated five villages that are now connected by well trodden paths hiked by travellers from all over the world. And rightly so because these five stunning Cinque Terre villages are picture postcard perfect, where pastel coloured houses cling to green vine-clad cliffs, sloping down towards the glittering blue bays, harbours and tiny cobbled piazzas. The lovely coastline with its stunning views continues towards the glorious capital, Genoa (a highly recommended city to be visited in its own right), and includes the fabulous Portofino.

We can't recommend this region highly enough as having everything for the most wonderful reasonably priced holiday, for families, couples and definitely, honeymoons!

For more information on Liguria, where to go and renting villas: http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=9