The Berkeley Guides:
Berkeley Guide to Europe:
Italy:
The Riviera
The Italian Riviera of the flashy '60s postcard--absurdly long yachts and beach goddesses in gold-plated bikinis--is a hazy delusion for people wearing expensive sunglasses and Bain de Soleil suntan oil. Such luxury does exist here, but only for those who don't carry their own luggage. The rest of us have to settle for sprays of bougainvillea and honeysuckle flowers, balmy air, hot focaccia, and hostel beds. Finale Ligure to the west and Santa Margherita Ligure in the east both beckon the budget traveler, but Cinque Terre's cliff-clinging seaside villages offer small-town atmosphere, cozy accommodations, and adventurous hikes. Genova (Genoa), the fascinating but weathered port town in the center of the Riviera, doesn't attract many tourists except as a transportation hub, but it merits some exploration.
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