Riviera di Ponente
The Riviera di Ponente (in Ligurian: Rivëa de Ponente ) is a geographical coastal region within the Italian region of Liguria and a section of the Italian Riviera . It extends west of the regional capital Genoa to the French border, near Ventimiglia . Occasionally, the northernmost point of the Ligurian Sea , near the mouth of the Leira Canal , is given as the eastern limit .
The geographical counterpart of the Riviera di Ponente is the Riviera di Levante .
Surname
The name Riviera is derived from the Latin ripa (bank), which changes to riva in Genoese Italian. Riviera was the name given to the coastal region under Genoese influence, divided into a western part (ponente, where the sun “sits”) and an eastern part (levante, where the sun “rises”).
Breakdown
The relatively long coastline of the Riviera di Ponente is divided into several small sections. The main portions are the Riviera ( Riviera delle Palme ) between Varazze and Laigueglia and the Riviera ( Riviera dei Fiori ) between Imperia and Ventimiglia.
Characteristics
In contrast to the Riviera di Levante, the Riviera di Ponente is characterized by wide sandy beaches and a softer landscape, thanks to the greater distance of the Apennine mountain range and the Ligurian Alps from the coast. The numerous small communities have been important tourist destinations in Italy for some time , alongside the larger cities such as the important port city of Savona .
Communities
The following communities are located on the Riviera di Ponente along the coast from east to west:
| Metropolitan City / Province | local community |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan city of Genoa | Arenzano , Cogoleto |
| Savona Province | Varazze , Celle Ligure , Albisola Superiore , Albissola Marina , Savona , Vado Ligure , Bergeggi , Spotorno , Noli , Finale Ligure , Borgio Verezzi , Pietra Ligure , Loano , Borghetto Santo Spirito , Ceriale , Albenga , Alassio , Laigueglia , Andora |
| Imperia Province | Cervo , San Bartolomeo al Mare , Diano Marina , Imperia , San Lorenzo al Mare , Santo Stefano al Mare , Riva Ligure , Taggia , Sanremo , Ospedaletti , Bordighera , Vallecrosia , Ventimiglia |