Cinque Terre, how is it not one of the wonders of the modern world? I was travelling and stumbled across this place from a recommendation from a fellow traveller. It's absolutely breath taking. My only request, if you go, respect it, it's beautiful and needs to stay that way.
Savona is my favourite place in the world. I wish I could stay there forever. If only I could find a job I would.
I went to Cinque Terre in 2004 on recommendation of a friend. I truly felt like I had stepped back in time. Definitely medieval, it was actually a very spiritual experience. Loved the place and will return there one day. It beat the BIG cities like Florence any day.
I have been to the Cinque Terre two times and I cannot get enough. Hope to return next year.
I have lived near Chiavari since 2001, and I should say it is a very nice place to spend a day or two in the summer. There are very nice sandy or pebble beaches in Chiavari itself, and most of all nearby (Lavagna). The city is quiet and safe. You can use Chiavari as a base for visiting Genoa, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso.
If you go to Italy, please make sure you visit Cinque Terre. We stayed in Riomaggiore and it ended up being my favorite of the towns. It seriously changed me forever.
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