From Italy With Love: A Journey Along the Italian Riviera

"You may have the universe, if I may have Italy."— Giuseppe Verdi

Landing in Pisa, my Italian Riviera adventure began with a road trip that swept me through some of the country’s most glamorous coastlines, charming fishing villages, and hidden treasures across Tuscany and Liguria. What unfolded was a journey where style, tradition, and authenticity met the sea in perfect harmony — a true celebration of la dolce vita.

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Portofino: Glamour by the Sea

From Pisa, I drove straight to Portofino, Italy’s legendary jet-set harbour village. I checked into the Eight Hotel, a discreet yet elegant boutique hideaway tucked within this postcard-perfect destination. By evening, I found myself dining at Belmond La Terrazza—a restaurant that defines Portofino with its breathtaking views, refined cuisine, and that unmistakable atmosphere where sea, stars, and style come together.

The next day was devoted to seaside indulgence. Fashion here feels as natural as the waves, with even Dolce & Gabbana’s presence a subtle reminder that style is stitched into the town’s DNA. Lunch at L’Angosteria was a revelation—authentic flavours elevated with a chic twist—while dinner at Da i Gemeli’s carried the same effortless elegance. I ended the evening with a scoop (or three) at San Giorgio’s Gelateria, famed for its artisanal gelato. Each spoonful was pure Italian summer.

Camogli & Lerici: Authentic Charm

Leaving Portofino’s glitz, I slipped into the rhythm of Camogli, a picturesque fishing village with colourful facades and a laid-back soul. It felt worlds away from glossy yachts, offering instead the kind of everyday Italian coastal life that lingers in your memory.

My journey then led to Lerici, a lesser-known jewel along the Ligurian coast. Dinner in the hilltop village of Montemarcello was unforgettable—narrow stone streets, sweeping views, and an atmosphere so serene it felt untouched by time.

On 17th August, I experienced something extraordinary: the Santa Maria Bianca festival. Thousands of candles illuminated the façade of St. Peter’s Church, creating a spiritual spectacle of light and devotion. It was one of the most moving cultural experiences I have ever witnessed—where faith and beauty lit up not just the church, but the soul of the town itself.

My stay in Lerici reached its peak at Eco del Mare, an exclusive six-room retreat with its own private beach, owned by the wife of singer Zucchero. Nestled against the cliffs, it felt like Italy’s best-kept secret—luxury woven seamlessly into nature.

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Forte dei Marmi: Chic Elegance

From Lerici, I continued to Forte dei Marmi, a seaside destination synonymous with Italian sophistication. Here, the beach is as much about style as it is about the sea. With its polished atmosphere and fashionable visitors, the town itself feels like a living runway — much like our Style Edits. The atmosphere was lively, elegant, and indulgent—where people come not just for the sea but for the experience of being seen.

Dining here was a delight: Maitò and Alpemare both offered refined cuisine with a fashionable crowd, perfectly blending gastronomy with la dolce vita. Another unmissable highlight was staying at the legendary Augustus Hotel, a landmark of Forte dei Marmi’s luxury heritage. Between its pine-shaded villas and private beach club, it embodies understated Italian elegance.

Yet, what truly captured the spirit of Forte dei Marmi were the simple pleasures — evening bicycle rides along tree-lined boulevards, where the town’s chic rhythm reveals itself at a slower pace. And for a sweet indulgence, the Louis Vuitton Gelateria was a stylish surprise — blending haute couture with artisanal flavours in a way that only Italy could.

For more culinary inspiration, explore our Dining & Cuisine edit on Stylish London Life.

Pietrasanta: Art in the Streets

A short drive inland led me to Pietrasanta, a small town with a big artistic soul. Often called the City of Artists, its streets are filled with sculptures, galleries, and open-air exhibitions. Walking here feels like stepping into a living museum, where art merges seamlessly with daily life.

The stylish cafés and intimate restaurants make it an unmissable destination for any traveler seeking culture alongside culinary pleasure. Among them, Enoteca Marcucci stands out as a gastronomic institution. With its extensive wine cellar and refined yet soulful dishes, it’s the perfect setting to experience Pietrasanta’s fusion of art, culture, and cuisine — a table where creativity continues beyond the galleries and onto the plate.

For more curated recommendations, explore our Luxury Guides .

PietraSanta is known as "The Little Athens of Italy."

Image Source: www.mytravelintuscany.com

Pisa: The Grand Finale

Returning to Pisa, I ended my Italian journey where it all began. Standing beneath the Leaning Tower, I was reminded why this icon never loses its allure. More than just a monument, it symbolised the perfect conclusion to a road trip that balanced glamour with authenticity, indulgence with tradition.

Final Thought:

From Portofino’s refined elegance to Camogli’s authenticity, Lerici’s luminous festival, Forte dei Marmi’s sophistication, Pietrasanta’s artistic soul, and Pisa’s timeless icon, Italy revealed itself as a mosaic of beauty. A journey that lingers not only in the memory but in the heart—reminding me once again why Italy will always be the most stylish and soulful country in the world.

If Mary’s journey has sparked your wanderlust, discover more inspiration in our Luxury Italy Travel Guides — your passport to chic coastlines, hidden villages, and timeless Italian style.

About Mary Tornariti

Mary Tornariti is a global traveller, tastemaker, and storyteller with a passion for uncovering the world’s most stylish destinations. Through her Travel Edit series with Stylish London Life, Mary shares her personal journeys — from chic coastlines to hidden villages — blending culture, elegance, and authentic discovery.

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