Beyond the gates of Villa Torretta, the tiny historical village of Castiglione Vara comprises a parish church called San Remigio, an oratory, a bar, a grocery store and a Q8 petrol station.
Just a few kilometres away there are shops for most needs in the villages of Piana Battolla and Ceparana. La Spezia is fifteen kilometres from the villa, from where one can reach the famous Cinque Terre National Park along the coast line from Portovenere to Monterosso. This is a protected stretch of rocky coastline and the name derives from the five dramatically situated small villages that cling to the cliff face down to the sea. Once only accessible by sea, today these villages may be reached by road and rail.
Continuing further up the coastline towards Genoa, you may visit Italy’s most intimate and distinctive sea resort of Portofino, with its exclusive yacht harbour, close to the fashionable seaside towns of Rapallo and Santa Margherita.
Liguria is the missing link between the South of France and Tuscany - seaside towns threaded together by the ancient Roman Via Aurelia - high mountains and orange, lemon an olive groves lead down to a strikingly beautiful Ligurian coastline. Liguria may have only been officially designated a region in 1971 but it has a long and illustrious history - remember Christopher Columbus - from Genova, the vibrant regional capital. The area is steeped in maritime history for the nautical; as well as boasting six regional parks, plus four nature reserves ideal for hikers and bird watchers. Or for those on the cultural trail, visit the ’silent towns’ of the interior, on the Adagio di Liguria trail - ancient towns renowned for their world-apart tranquility, bountiful art and delicious food and drink. Genova is a spectacular sight, full of palaces, churches, parks and handsome piazzas, nestling in an amphitheatre of hills. To the west, you’ll find secret Savona, off the tourist track and jealously guarding its attractions - the medieval Via Pia in Old Savona, with beautiful slate doorways, or the Via Paleocapa, with its elegant arcades of shops. For beach lovers there are the delights of Alassio. San Remo is at the heart of the Riviera of the Flowers and was once a firm favourite of the Victorians. And one of the most gorgeous views ever is the tall, narrow, pastel coloured houses framing the little harbour at Portofino - a drink al fresco by the waterfront - heaven! For art nouveau, look no further than Rapallo’s Vittorio Veneto promenade. And don’t forget the Cinque Terre - five villages of breathtaking beauty.
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