The coastline is a one-of-a-kind destination that merits a visit at least once in a lifetime.gettyStretching from the French border to Tuscany, with more Blue Flag beaches than any other Italian region, the Italian Riviera has long drawn tourists to its gelato-hued seaside towns, breezy promenades, fresh Ligurian cuisine and timeless Mediterranean scenery.This spring, interest in the region seemed to reach new highs, with searches for “Italian Riviera towns” rising by more than 5,000% in May, while searches for “things to do in Cinque Terre” increased by 100% in one week alone. The coastline is a one-of-a-kind destination that merits a visit at least once in a lifetime. So here are a travel expert’s tips on navigating the area and keeping your cool amongst the crowds. Take Your Time In Cinque Terre’s Iconic Coastal VillagesIf you’ve done a little research on the riviera, Cinque Terre will no doubt already be on your itinerary. Made up of five villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, it remains one of Europe’s most photographed coastal destinations. The pastel-toned coastline inspired Pixar’s recent movie Luca, capturing the area’s nostalgic seaside charm. As Heather Green, Head of Product at Italy holiday specialists Citalia, puts it simply, “Cinque Terre is iconic for a reason.” Of course, that also means you’ll have a lot of company when you’re there. Green’s top tip is not to cram your visit into a day trip. “Every village has its own personality, but what makes the experience so special is slowing down,” she says. “Spend an evening in one village after the crowds leave, when Cinque Terre feels at its most authentic and captures the relaxed pace of Riviera life.”Visit Sanremo For Classic Belle Époque Riviera LuxuryGreen emphasizes that there are many sides to the Italian Riviera beyond Cinque Terre. Known for its palm-lined promenades, casino from 1905 and Belle Époque architecture, Sanremo is for those seeking old-world Riviera glamor. Visitors can spend days strolling along Corso Imperatrice and the seafront promenade or enjoying an aperitivo and seafood along the marina. Sanremo is for those seeking old-world Riviera glamor.getty“One of my favourite things to do is venture into La Pigna in the early evening, where you’ll discover panoramic viewpoints and tucked-away local restaurants that many visitors miss entirely,” Green adds. Go To Genoa For A City of Palaces, Pesto and PiazzasFor travelers wanting to combine coastline with culture, Genoa beckons with grand palaces, bustling piazzas and one of Italy’s most historic ports. Explore the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi, discover authentic trattorias in the old town and enjoy fresh pesto in the city where it originated. From here, travelers can also easily continue east along the Riviera by rail.“Genoa often surprises people,” Green says. “Step away from Genoa’s main piazzas to explore the city’s narrow caruggi alleyways, where visitors will discover hidden bakeries, traditional wine bars and authentic trattorias full of character.” Where To Find Hollywood Glamour On The RivieraRapallo makes the perfect base for exploring one of the Italian Riviera’s most iconic stretches of coastline, with easy access to nearby Portofino, famous for its luxury yachts, designer boutiques and postcard-worthy waterfront. Portofino’s glamorous marina and surrounding coastline also featured in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street, helping cement its reputation as one of Italy’s most cinematic seaside destinations.Santa Margherita Is The Riviera’s Romantic Seaside TownSanta Margherita is one of the Riviera’s most romantic bases. The coastline surrounding Santa Margherita and nearby Paraggi Beach is celebrated for its Blue Flag waters, while scenic coastal paths connect the town to nearby Portofino.Santa Margherita is one of the Riviera’s most romantic bases.gettyFor an insider experience, Green recommends taking an evening train to nearby Camogli for dinner: “Camogli is one of Liguria’s hidden gems. It’s a traditional fishing village where legend says the fishermen’s wives would wait by the shore each evening, and as darkness fell, the town would light up to guide the fishermen safely home. It feels incredibly romantic at night.”Portovenere Is A Quieter Alternative to Cinque TerreOften described as a quieter alternative to Cinque Terre, Portovenere combines terracotta harbours with dramatic cliffs and sweeping sea views across the Gulf of Poets. Visitors can explore the Church of St. Peter, take boat trips along the UNESCO-listed coastline or enjoy a sunset Aperol spritz overlooking the harbour. For one of the Riviera’s best hidden viewpoints, Green suggests: “Head towards Doria Castle in the late afternoon as the coastline begins to glow in the evening light.”