Elegant Villas of the Italian Riviera

Artistically painted building, some typically referred to as Trompe L’Oeil 

While driving along the Italian Riviera between Genoa to the north and Portovenere to the south, I was greatly entertained and delighted by the brightly painted villas along the way. Typical of the area, many are dressed in colorful window embellishments, curlicues, and even some with painted on shutters. Pastel colors dominated the coastline and were lovingly as well as artistically kept in immaculate condition.

Jump inside and take a drive with me on a lovely day along the Italian Riviera.

Beautifully painted buildings stand on a flower enhanced turn around in Chiavari

Top of a clock tower impeccably painted and creatively adorned

Stately villa on the way to Portofino

Imagine the view this villa must have as it faces out toward the sparkling Mediterranean

Earth, sea and sky…and lovely villas create elegance

Most of the villas sit high above the Mediterranean on terraced property of fruit groves and gardens.

Intoxicating view of the village below

Iron rod balconies welcome views of the Mediterranean and the terraced landscape. Love those tall green shutters. At least these appear to be real and not painted on as some shutters are.

Even the villas put their laundry out to dry. It is a very common sight on the Italian Riviera

This Riviera di Levante, (“the coast of the rising sun”), another name for this part of the Riviera, is an experience that i’ve found a joy to relive. Pastels, artwork, terraced hillsides of olives, fruits and vines, and intoxicating ocean views all weave together a very pleasant place to linger.

If you have enjoyed this colorful escape to one of Italy’s beautiful landscapes, please like below and pass it on for someone else to enjoy:)