Known for its mild climate and varied landscape, the Liguria region in northwest Italy remains visually stunning all year round. The sea, hills and mountains are home to many tourists who come and go, in awe of the forever-green backdrop.

Are you looking to enjoy a relaxing break in a beautiful setting that retains an old world charm? Maybe even rent a house for a few days? Well, Liguria is just up your street then!

Situated on the Tirrenian side of the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Apennines, Liguria takes the shape of a strange arch, which makes up the Gulf of Genoa. The Maritime Alps that jut into the region are also known as the Ligurian Alps -- the highest mountains being Mount Sacrario (2,200 meters) and Mount Mongioie (2,630 meters). The mountains drop to the coast very rapidly but further inland they are more sweeping, particularly near the Monferrato and Langhe hills. The mountain passes tend not to be too high, almost all of them are less than 1,000 meters, making them ideal for pleasant and revitalizing walks. Of particular note are the Passo di Cadibona and the Passo del Turchino (that flow into Piedmont), the Passo dei Giovi (that continues into the Padana plains), the Passo del Bracco (makes its way into Tuscany) and the Cento Croc' (that goes all the way into Emilia Romagna).

The Ligurian coast can be roughly divided into the Riviera di Ponente, which stretches westward from Genoa, and the Riviera di Levante, which stretches eastward. The former area is made up of a series of rocky cliffs and narrow sandy beaches, while the latter is characterized by a more jagged rock face. Not far from the coast, we find a few islands -- Gallinara, Bergeggi, Palmaria, Tito and Tinetto, to name a few. Much of Liguria is mountainy and hilly, with sweeping valleys and a small stretch of flat land. This very diverse landscape somewhat limits any possibility of working the land, and the land that might have been available for agriculture is heavily built up, large companies and tourist centers are credited with most of the construction.

The climate, however, is ideal -- especially for gardening. The flowers are famous, both local and exotic, and the vegetation is particularly varied. The most widely consumed local products are tomatoes, artichokes, peaches, apricots (the Albenga produces many), olive oil (particularly that of Oneglia) and the wine from the Cinque Terre.