Loano: Liguria, Italia: lato mare levante

Loano has served as a small maritime centre in Liguria since the Middle Ages. Set on the Ligurian Sea beneath the foothills of the Ligurian Alps, it combines a palm-lined waterfront with an older centre of narrow lanes and arcades. Palazzo Doria recalls the centuries when the influential Genoese Doria family held the local fief, providing a historical counterpoint to the modern marina. Beaches, promenades and boating remain central to daily life in this western Riviera town. Continue with other webcams from the area to see how this stretch of Liguria connects along the coast.

Liguria is best known within Italy for the Cinque Terre, five historic coastal villages set above the Ligurian Sea. This narrow north-western region runs between the sea and the Ligurian Alps and Apennines, giving it a densely settled coastline, steep terraces and compact inland valleys. Genoa, its capital, developed as one of the Mediterranean’s great maritime powers; its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is also closely associated with pesto alla Genovese, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and olive oil. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Liguria.

Among the countries of southern Europe, Italy stands out for its Mediterranean coastline and cities marked by the legacy of ancient Rome. The Alps form its northern frontier, while the Apennines run down the peninsula and the Po crosses the broad plain of the north. Rome’s Colosseum and Roman Forum recall the ancient empire; Florence is closely associated with the Renaissance, and Venice is built across a lagoon on the Adriatic. Food changes markedly between regions, from olive-oil cooking in the south to rice dishes in the Po Valley. Sicily and Sardinia add distinct island identities to a country whose regions retain strong local character. Explore nearby webcam locations that provide complementary perspectives on Italy’s coasts, cities and mountains.