Page 202 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

200  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

For those who love sports associated with the bikers, though the terrain makes any of
sea, there is more than 300 km (186 miles) of these activities a relatively energetic option.
coastline which provides wonderful The region’s parks and nature reserves all
opportunities for windsurfing, diving and have hiking trails, while the peaks of the
sailing (Liguria has more than 60 sailing Ligurian Alps and the Apennines provide
clubs). Swimming is popular too, though some scope for skiing and other winter
many beaches are pebbly. There is also plenty sports. For those who take a more leisurely
to do away from the coast. In the hills of the approach, there is always golf: there are golf
interior there are numerous trails that are courses in San Remo, Rapallo, Lerici, Garlenda
used by hikers, horse riders and mountain (near Albenga) and Arenzano (near Genoa).

If you do not have a boat, there diving. The most popular
are many brokerage agencies spots include the headland of
which offer yachts and motor- Portofino, Ventimiglia, Alassio
driven boats for hire. and the Cinque Terre marine
A good source of general park (with diving centres in
information is the Pagine Azzurre Riomaggiore and Monterosso).
(published annually in English), The latter, created in 1997, has
which includes official charts some rare white and black
and plans of every harbour. corals, and is also home to many
of the species of dolphin and
whale that inhabit the Ligurian
Canoeing Sea. Note that diving numbers
Canoes are a common sight are strictly controlled here, so
along the coast. Inland, there it is worth booking ahead.
are some opportunities for There are around 60 dive
downhill canoeing during the centres in Liguria: their
winter and the spring thaw, addresses are shown on
when water is abundant in the regional tourist board
The breezy coastline, a boon for the local rivers. websites (see Directory).
enthusiastic windsurfers
Information Windsurfing Rock Climbing
For those interested in some Waves and year-round Stony cliffs facing the sea enable
serious sport, the best source winds combine to make rock climbers to enjoy the sport
of information is CONI, the certain stretches of the all year round. The most popular
Ligurian sports committee. The Riviera di Ponente
Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) popular with wind-
is a good source for anyone surfers, though not
venturing into the mountains, everyone finds the
whether it is to hike, ski or relatively sheltered
rock-climb. conditions exciting.
Arma di Taggia,
around Porto
Sailing Maurizio, Capo
Liguria has a most beautiful Mimosa (near Andora)
coastline and is a great place and Levanto are
to go sailing. From La Spezia among the best
to Ventimiglia, the coast has places to windsurf.
countless beaches and inlets, You can, however,
some accessible only by boat. hire boards in most
While it is not difficult to of the large resorts
navigate along this coast, it is along the coast.
important not to underestimate
the dangers of a changing
sea, even in the summer. Also, Diving
the volume of swimmers and A few areas along
bathers in popular destinations the coast of Liguria
can be problematic in high provide some great
season. opportunities for Exploring the fascinating sea bed along the coast

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