The Italian Riveria is one of the world's best known coastlines boasting international resorts such as Portofino and Santa Margherita to name a few. Chic, sophisticated and incredibly beautiful, the Italian riviera will draw you back year after year.

In the Ligurian region of northern Italy, the riviera coastline stretches from the Eastern end of the Gulf of La Spezia close to the Tuscan border up to the French border close to Monte Carlo.

One of the many wonders of this part of Italy is the area known as Cinque Terre which is a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the park, there are five beautiful villages connected by ancient goat trails. With the only road to the area stopping at La Spezia, the best way to explore this fascinating area is either on foot or by taking the ferry.

Things to see and do

The Italian Riviera is rich in culture and history and is teeming with interesting villages often only accessible by boat. Here are a few suggestions for your holidays on the Italian Riviera.....

• If your holiday rental is not in Portofino, then this tiny fishing village is certainly worth seeing. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the views of the harbour with its cafes and restaurants from the ferry are spectacular
• Take a boat trip around one of the many islands off the Ligurian coast such as Tino which forms part of the Archipelago of Portovenere along with the islands of Palmaria and Tinetto. The surrounding sea is a regional marine reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The historical and cultural city of Florence is just 90 minutes away and makes for an excellent day trip, perhaps taking in the sights of Pisa along the way