Must-See Mediterranean Boutique Ports, Sans the Crowds
by Kerry TiceWhen you think of the French and Italian Riviera along the Mediterranean coastline, romance naturally comes to mind. Glamorous images of world-famous movies and best-selling novels are part of its very fabric. But avoiding the masses, especially during the summer months, is integral to fully enjoying this region, making the smaller ports the preferred choice for a growing number of travelers.
For decades, couples have flocked to the Mediterranean to experience the small fishing villages, historic towns and sun-kissed beaches. Once the stomping grounds of the rich and famous, the Riviera provides glorious views and sunshine virtually year-round, making it a necessary stop for anyone seeking a true taste of European glamour, beauty and yes, romance.
With so many places to visit along this shoreline, we’ve highlighted some of the must-see boutique ports that do their best to showcase all the Mediterranean has to offer – in most cases, sans the throngs of tourists.
Portovenere
A charming medieval fishing village located on the Ligurian coast of Italy in the province of La Spezia and just south of the Cinque Terre region, Portovenere and the region around it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Welcoming only small cruise ships, this locale is best described as intimate and iconic for its winding coastal roads set into the hilltops.
St. Tropez
Dubbed the “Hollywood of the French Riviera,” this historical epicenter takes visitors back to the 1940s glamour days when Hollywood starlets visited. Still to this day, St. Tropez delivers first-rate people-watching. It is also the home of high-end fashion and design shops. Whether shopping to elevate one’s wardrobe or to leisurely wander the streets, just being in this French city is enough. A walk through the marina to take in the sights of the mega yachts parked there is always a fascinating diversion.
Bonifacio
Located on the southern tip of the island of Corsica and perched on top of a cliff, this iconic little town is often said to have one of the most spectacular views of the coastline. Its proximity to idyllic beaches is worth visiting simply for the photos. This destination is an Instagrammer’s dream.
Monte Carlo
The glitzy capital of Monaco is tucked in between Italy and France, and is most well-known for its famous casino, which has been the backdrop for many Hollywood films (think James Bond). Visiting the casino is a must for first-time travelers. But those returning may want to venture out further to Nice — to sample a slice of French life at its colorful markets, where everything from food to flowers and antiques are on display.
Mahón
Part of the Balearic Islands south of Barcelona — the main islands of which are Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza — Mahon is located on the island of Menorca. Once under the control of the English government, this island has a unique character because of its English colonial influence. As a citadel around the bay, it is more low-key than neighboring ports, which makes for a relaxed setting to stroll and visit lovely cafés that line the waterfront. There is plenty of history to soak up there, so tours are a must.
Bandol
Located in the heart of the French Riviera, this attractive little town with access to the Var Provence region is nestled between Marseille and St. Tropez. While acclaimed for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches and marinas, it is best known for its wine region — and because of that, it is sometimes called the “Capital of French Rosé.” Visitors may want to take part in a wine tasting and learn that, while it is underappreciated in the U.S., Rosé is considered a delicate and sophisticated wine in France. Visitors who want to live like the locals can enjoy numerous pairings with variations of cheese and olive oils.
La Joliette
Stopping in the old city, rather than the larger and more commercial counterpart of Marseille, can pay off in dividends. La Joliette is home to one of the cultural highlights of this region, a brand new art museum, The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM), complete with a Picasso collection. When docking by small ship, visitors can walk right off the vessel and into town, avoiding the crowds of Marseille.
Livorno
The takeaway of this port is its easy access to Florence, as well as Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano — providing visitors with lots of choices. One agent, who sells this region regularly said he encourages his clients to spend time driving through the Tuscan countryside on their return trip from Florence. “It’s like an endless painting,” said Eric Goldring of Goldring Travel in Truckee, California. “I have arranged for a number of my more athletic clients to spend a couple of hours bicycling through the hills, which became one of their fondest memories of the trip.”
Santa Margherita Ligure
This old-fashioned seaside resort — lined with palm trees, cafés, and attractive hotels — is alluring in its own right, and it is ideally situated for a short excursion to the historic fishing village of Portofino. A holiday resort famous for its artistic and celebrity visitors, the action in Portofino is clustered around its small harbor.
Ajaccio
Visitors to this Mediterranean gem tend to take a dip in the cool blue waters of the ocean, visit the Fesch Palace fine arts museum, or drive the coastal highway for a glimpse of the quaint villages that dot the shoreline. Corsica also provides access to one of France’s most popular tourist sites, the Red Rock Cliffs.
Eat, drink and do what the locals do
The itinerary outlined here offers visitors a perfect balance of the distinct towns and cities that make up the Riviera coastline. What visitors do, once they arrive, makes all the difference in their travel experience.
“By focusing on the experiential side — for example, what the locals do, eat and drink — it creates a more relaxed and romantic approach. And, it expands the market for who is willing to try it,” advises Goldring. “Bicycling, hiking, wandering or finding a café to enjoy a coffee or wine — to feel French or Italian for a few hours — increases both the sense of independence and the romance.”
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