Liguria: more than Cinque Terre

Sometimes I curse Instagram. Or rather, I curse people who chase photo opportunities as if they were gold trophies. High-reach Instagrammers post a motif and weeks later the image is copied by dozens of Instagrammers. Particularly popular destinations at the moment: Faroe Islands, Greenland, Lofoten and Cinque Terre. Yes, I often noticed the five villages northwest of La Spezia, which present themselves as perfect postcard motifs in front of the steeply sloping Ligurian coast, while scrolling through. And so last year – inspired by the pictures – I nominated Cinque Terre as one of my 15 travel ideas of 2015. But honestly – in the meantime my desire for a trip to Manarola, Vernazza and co has subsided. Thanks to Instagram, you know exactly where you have to stand in order to bag hearts, stars and likes with the trophy picture on social networks. Boring, right? At the same time, however, my ambition was awakened to discover a side of Liguria of which there is still no flood of pictures to be seen on the Internet. And when Green Pearls® – a collection of hand-picked, “green” places around the world – asked me if I would like to visit their two member houses in the Ligurian hinterland between San Remo and Imperia, it was clear to me: Yes!

A good decision. It was five magical days between olive groves, in medieval alleys, with sand between your toes and refreshing splashing in the mountain stream. Lago mio, the Riviera dei Fiori has me wrapped around my finger.

A hideaway to fall in love with Liguria

But between us: At such a location, a bad mood is an impossibility, isn’t it? We spent the first two nights of our short trip at the Relais del Maro. The Albergo Diffuso is located about thirty minutes’ drive from Imperia, in the heart of Borgomaro and is spread over three old buildings. The 14 rooms and suites have been carefully renovated and furnished with attention to detail. Our room was relatively small, but just around the corner was a cozy lounge to linger.

A gem is the garden with pool and view over the village church to the lush green hills. On nice days (and Liguria has no shortage of these) there is breakfast outside on the terrace. The origin of all the local products available in the buffet is listed in a brochure. For tips on the region and places worth seeing, contact Elena and her “Mamma”. And those who return to the Relais del Maro after an eventful day in the Impero Valley or from the coast. lies down in the deckchair and is spoiled with homemade cake. A place for those who want to experience a piece of authentic Ligurian hospitality.

Borgomaro Base Camp

Borgomaro is alive. Just opposite the main building of the Relais del Maro is the main square, where the children run around in the evening and the Nonni meet for a chat on Sunday mornings. Bright yellow ducklings frolic in the river, football is played in the narrow streets and on Saturday evenings the valley residents sing karaoke in the pizzeria Le Logge. We had a great time and ate well. Including affogato for dessert.

Relaxing days around Borgomaro

“Why does everyone go to Cinque Terre when the Riviera dei Fiori has the same thing to offer without mass tourism?” I asked myself on the second morning as we watched the sun slowly fight its way out from behind the horizon and surround Cervo with a golden shimmer. Is Instagram really the culprit here? After a short walk through the narrow and steep streets of Cervo, we continued to Laigueglia, where rows and rows of sun worshippers were tanning in the September sun. Between Imperia and Alassio there are some coves that offer more peace and solitude than the beach just in front of Laigueglia. The Relais del Maro has summarised the most beautiful sections of the beach in a small brochure, so that guests can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach without having to do a lot of searching. Nevertheless, a stop in Laigueglia is worthwhile. On the one hand, because there are charming shops to discover in the alleys of the old town, and on the other hand, because the parasols in rows in front of the colorful house facades of the old town make a nice picture. Italianità.

A tip for foodies in Liguria

“Oh cara, this is my absolute favorite place,” Elena said enthusiastically when we told her about our phenomenal lunch at the Sarri restaurant in Porto Maurizio. And we can totally agree with her!

The five-course tasting menu by 1-star chef Andrea Sarri costs 38 euros and is a culinary foray through the coastal region of the Riviera dei Fiori. I found it particularly charming that Andreas Mamma sat at the next table and let her son cook for her at lunchtime. For us, this is one of the most harmonious gourmet meals of this year and a tip for everyone who comes to Imperia at some point.