Why we came and what we hope to find
This area is most probably known for its Saracen history, long beaches, and warm Mediterranean sea holidays in Summer. But we were mesmerized by its warm Winter sun, goat track roads winding through the hill sides, hiking trails for both us and our dogs and breathtaking coastal views that change by the minute.
Having spent four unexpected days in the hills above the coastal towns of Noli, Varigotti and Finale Ligure of the Riviera delle Palme we thought it would be wonderful to try and come back for longer.
As luck would have it, we managed to return to these charming mountains for January and February. We came looking for a break from a Northern Europe Winter and a change in our lives: winter sun, wild country hikes, and calm quietness to find ourselves. We also want to discover the real way of life here – and whether a permanent move might be possible.
Mornings start early with a spectacular sun rising just after 7am. But they are slow mornings. Driving to one of the small towns is breathtaking with roads that fit just one car, wind up and down the hills, sometimes paved, sometimes not, and always with potholes. 5 kilometers can take 15 minutes.
On days when this herculean task is so very proudly completed, the towns themselves feel quiet but alive. No foreign tourists are in sight. Only Italian is heard and, so far, only Italian is spoken, which is perfect for my quest to learn the language, especially since I’m married to an Italian.
While we spend our next two months here, this blog will be my way of documenting what life is like here in Winter. I’ll try to cover local eateries and delicacies; walks and hikes; small trips along the coast and inland; and daily life.
Next up will be my first encounter with daily life needs and local market discoveries in Varigotti and Noli.
