Located in the region of Liguria in northwestern Italy, the Italian Riviera stretches between the Italian-French border and Tuscany. The Italian Riviera itself is divided into two parts. East of Liguria’s capital city of Genoa, it’s called the Riviera di Levante (“the coast of the rising sun”). West of Genoa, it’s the Riviera di Ponente (“the coast of the setting sun”). The Riviera is narrow coastal strip of land which lies between the the Maritime Alps mountains and the Ligurian Sea. It is famous for its particularly mild climate and relaxed way of life which, together with the charm of its old fishing ports and the beauty of its landscape make this, a must visit place.
Starting at the French border border, this route soon arrives at the glitzy town of San Remo, Italy’s version of Monte Carlo complete with its own stylish casino. The well kept parks and green spaces have led to it being referred to as ‘The City of Flowers’.
From San Remo the route stays on the ancient Roman route from Rome to France known as the Via Aurelia it also uses the less glamorous title of SS1. People have been traveling this route since before 300 BC, although I doubt whether it would have been anywhere near as busy as it can be today. For this reason 2 wheels are better than 4 and scooters and motorcycles rule here and probably outnumber the cars. Don't let that put you off though, sections of this route WILL have traffic, embrace it, treat it as a taste of the real Italy. The azure blue sea is your constant companion and that alone outweighs any traffic annoyance. I have not suggested anywhere to stop for coffee or lunch, there are literally hundreds of cafes, bars and restaurants all along the route so I will leave this to you.

The Capo dell'Arma lighthouse, high up on your left at RP 5 is very visible, but not so visible, because it has it's feet in the water, is the Prarola tower at RP 6, this is the only remains of a larger 16th century fort. A second lighthouse up high on the left again is the Capo Mele Lighthouse at RP 11, from here you will also get a view of the island of Isola Gallinara further along the coast. Gallinara is a site of great interest due to its precious uncontaminated natural environment, combined with great historical and cultural value: in fact, since the middle ages, a Colombian and later Benedictine monastery was built there, then gradually the island was abandoned, to be occupied by the Germans and then released at the end of the Second World War. Up until the last decade Gallinara was inhabitant by a guardian, but today it is completely uninhabited. Some locals refer to it as Turtle Island as the islands silhouette mimics a swimming turtle.
The route stays on the Via Aurelia following the beautiful coastline as it makes its way to the capital of the area Genoa. I have included a link to the Hotel Puntabella at RP 22. I have friends who have stayed there and recommend it. It is just 30 kms from the bustling capital so it would be useful for anyone catching a ferry.

After passing through the big metropolis of Genoa, the route leaves the Via Aurelia SS1 and heads into Portofino. Arguably the prettiest fishing village in the world with its brightly coloured houses and neatly manicured everything. It is on a par with St Tropez for famous faces from the jet set. A quick Google of some of the names on the mega yachts might reveal who's in town. It is picture postcard perfect and even a quick visit must be on your list.

Returning back to the Via Aurelia SS1 and following the coast for a few more kms until you reach RP 40, from here the route heads inland, up hill and becomes exquisitely twisty, and is in stark contrast to the previous section of this route. The twisty road climbs and climbs taking you ever further from the coast, the palm trees that lined the town streets have been replaced with a forest of natural vegetation and the coastal views replaced with mountain views. The route ends at a hotel just outside of La Spezia, Hotel Nella and I have included a link for this. The location of Hotel Nella is ideally situated for discovering the Cinque Terre Natural Park.
Cinque Terre is a string of centuries old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. In each of the 5 towns, colorful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces, harbors are filled with fishing boats and trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the Liguria region’s famous sauce, pesto.

I have awarded 4 stars for this route, the scenery is excellent and both roads and attractions are good.