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Genova  
Via Giovanni Costanzi 120, 16135 GENOVA (GENOVA)
Tel. +39 010 2422457
fax +39 010 2422457
e-Mail: hostelge@iol.it
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| Liguria is a narrow stretch of land occupying the upper western coast of Italy between the Ligurian Sea and the meeting-point of the Alps and Apennines. Its beaches and coastal rocks are world-famous; although the hinterland is less well-known, the limited space conceded by a mountain area that almost stretches right down to the sea is a place of great interest that holds some true natural and cultural treasures. The territory covers an area of 5500 square kilometres and takes in the 315 kilometres of the Ligurian Gulf; two-thirds of the hinterland is occupied by mountains that exceed an altitude of one thousand metres, while the rest is made up of hills. Alluvial plains account for only 1% of the territory. With this wide geographical variety, Liguria is a land that you need to take your time to enjoy. Besides the internationally famous tourist resorts, there are many little-known ones that are really worth visiting. The region has excellent rail and motorway links since it is an integral part of the communications network connecting northern Italy with central Italy and Italy with Europe. However, drivers who are not in a hurry will find the less busy trunk and provincial roads an interesting alternative to the motorways, for these can offer you some fine panoramic views as well as the chance to get to know the territory by following less traditional itineraries. The vegetation of the region is extremely varied and has many endemic forms that are well protected in the parks and numerous nature reserves throughout the region. The coastline and hillsides as far as the divide are exposed to the sun: Liguria therefore enjoys a typically mild and pleasant Mediterranean climate, with annual minimum and maximum temperatures differing by about 15 degrees, average winter temperatures of 10 degrees and summer periods freshened by the sea breezes with an average temperature of 24 degrees. It was because of its particularly mild climate that Liguria became the most popular Italian holiday resort with European tourists in the mid-nineteenth century. The few well-to-do English families who began this trend have gradually been followed by hosts of tourists from all over the world, as is shown by the latest surveys on tourist flow in Liguria.
There are many interesting itineraries in Liguria for tourists who not only wish to visit the traditional sights on the Riviera and in the hinterland but also wish to get to know the old town areas and mediaeval villages that are off the beaten track, the environmental resources of the region, and the history and traditions of places that are only "minor" from the point of view of size. |
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