Story and photos by Wendy Payne

This spring my family discovered Italy’s region of Liguria, located in the northern section of the Italian Riviera. This part of the country can be overlooked with all there is to see in Italy, but it is quite the gem.

Only a seven-hour drive from the Stuttgart area made this an appealing destination for a weekend trip. We stayed in a beautiful town on the water called Diano Marina, near Imperia and Sanremo. Because of its close proximity to the French border, we also ventured to Monaco and Cannes in France. My son is a movie buff and hopeful screenwriter, so it was a priceless and unforgettable moment for him to walk near the infamous red carpet.

Diano Marina

Diano Marina is an older seaside town with different types of accommodations, from hotels to more rustic agriturismi. An agriturismo can offer a more authentic, family-run experience and is a wonderful option if you want to see a quieter side of Italy. We stayed in the restored Hotel Gabriella, a family-run hotel that dates back to 1957 and remains right on the beach. Our B&B included a great breakfast buffet every morning that was substantial enough to push back lunch.

This part of Liguria is close to Genova (Genoa), which is known for its pesto Genovese. You will have your choice of pizzas and pastas made with this delicious concoction that most Americans adore. But don’t limit yourself to pesto: Ligurian cuisine also makes wonderful use of fresh seafood, local olive oil and seasonal vegetables.

Stroll the Seaside Promenade

Every night we strolled the streets of the Comune of Diano Marina where we picked out our dinner restaurant. The streets are lined with orange and lemon trees, making it quite fragrant and beautiful to meander. Diano Marina has a picturesque seaside promenade along the beach with palm trees and little eateries, with smells that draw you in at every turn.

Don’t forget the Italian gelato, in which my daughter was in heaven. With a daily scoop of some new flavor, one might have to stay a year to discover them all.

Bike Along the Riviera dei Fiori

One of the things I love most about Diano Marina is that there is no pressure to fill every hour. Spend a morning on the sandy beach, wander through town, then stop for an espresso or gelato before dinner.

For something a little more active, the newly completed Riviera dei Fiori cycling and pedestrian path now connects Diano Marina with a 45-kilometer route stretching from Ospedaletti to Andora, much of it following the old railway line beside the sea. It’s a beautiful way to experience the coastline without the traffic.

Discover Local History and Hilltop Villages

If you want a little history, the MARM Civic Museum in Palazzo del Parco is another worthwhile stop. Its archaeological collection explores the history of the area from prehistory through Roman times, including artifacts connected to the ancient settlement of Lucus Bormani and a Roman shipwreck discovered in the Gulf of Diano.

And don’t miss the villages just beyond the coast. Diano Castello, perched among olive groves a short distance inland, offers medieval streets, historic churches and beautiful views back toward the sea. The nearby village of Cervo is another lovely excursion, especially for wandering its narrow lanes and enjoying the views over the Mediterranean.

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Monaco

I was an ’80s teen and enamored with European royalty. It was only natural for me to think of Princess Grace in a convertible with a flowing scarf driving through Monaco. It’s no wonder she fell in love with this town.

Driving the twisty, curvy road leading up the hill to the Jardin Exotique Gardens and the medieval village was totally worth it. The enchanted garden, shops and views of France’s southern Riviera were unbelievable from this particular peak. Monaco was definitely a “must-see” again.

If you are planning a trip now, the Jardin Exotique is once again open to visitors after a six-year renovation. It reopened to the public in March 2026, with its dramatic collection of succulents and panoramic views over Monaco and the Mediterranean.

Cannes, France

Cannes, France, is exactly what you might think of: beautiful buildings, beautiful people and glamorous living. A little bit like a tropical Beverly Hills, this gorgeous town was lined with all different high-end stores to window-shop, at least for me.

The Cannes Film Festival remains one of the world’s great cinematic events. When we visited in May, the city was preparing to host the festival and lots of famous people would soon occupy this breathtaking city. Today, the festival continues to take place each May.

For a movie-loving family, Cannes is especially fun even if you don’t have festival credentials. Walking along the Croisette, seeing the Palais des Festivals and taking a photo by the famous red-carpet steps gives you a little taste of the glamour without needing to be a celebrity.

Useful Travel Tips

Passport: It is always important to have your passport while traveling in Europe, particularly when your itinerary crosses borders. Italy, France and Monaco are all part of the Schengen Area, but you should still carry your passport or appropriate travel document.

Tolls: If you have traveled in Italy or France already, you know tolls are part of the experience. Costs and routes can change, so it’s worth checking your current route before leaving.

Gas: Coming from Stuttgart, the last Esso we found was in Singen. This may be a little off the beaten path, but this will be the last stop before Switzerland. Swiss francs are used in Switzerland, although cards are widely accepted. If you plan to stop for gas, it’s still smart to have a backup payment option. You’ll be in Switzerland for roughly two hours on this route, depending on traffic and stops.

Driving: Give yourself plenty of time for the final stretch into Liguria. The roads can be narrow and winding, particularly once you leave the main highways. The views, however, are part of the reward.

Diano Marina may not have the name recognition of Portofino, Monaco or Cannes, and that’s exactly what makes it appealing. It offers the slower, simpler side of the Riviera: long walks by the water, leisurely meals, tiny villages, gelato after dinner and the feeling that you have discovered somewhere that everyone else forgot to tell you about.

By car Italy’s Liguria region is approximately 7 hours south of Stuttgart, 8 hours and 20 minutes south of Kaiserslautern and 8 hours and 30 minutes south of Wiesbaden. Check with Deutsche Bahn for train information.

Arrivederci~

Author’s Profile: Wendy Payne is a military spouse and lives with her family in Stuttgart, Germany. She is a freelance writer, blogger and photographer. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, yoga and sharing Europe with people.

Featured Image Photo Credit:  © Wendy Payne