One of Italy's smallest regions, Liguria stretches west in a narrow ribbon along the coast from France. Mountains separate it from Piedmont to the north, Emilia Romagna to the east and Tuscany to the south. Like so much of Italy, Liguria is a land of contrasts, home to belle époque seaside resort towns in the style of Cannes and Monaco; dozens and dozens of sandy strands, rocky coves and pebbly beaches; the country's largest commercial port and largest naval port; some of its most desolate stretches of coast, where lush forests of lemon trees, herbs, flowers, almonds and pines send forth heady sweet-smelling breezes; terraced hillsides that produce an olive oil considered more delicate than those grown in Tuscany.

Port of Genoa

Since its very birth Genoa has always been a sea port. The harbour has always been a centre of international commerce. The city was actually founded around the natural harbour and continued to grow as a port, from a merchant emporium to a Maritime Republic dominating the whole of the Mediterranean, from Andrea Doria's naval base to today's passenger terminus. Overlooking the cranes and mast-heads is the century old "Lanterna" Genoa's lighthouse and emblem, visible to all those who put in at the port, from whatever direction. It was built in the 16th century on the site of an existing tower. Fires were lit on top of it to signal the entrance to the harbour.

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