Chiavari

Chiavari sits on the Riviera di Levante at the confluence of five valleys (Val d'Aveto, Valle Fontanabuona, Valle Sturla, Val Graveglia, and Val Petronio), and is the commercial and administrative heart of the Tigullio area, home to one of Liguria's more significant tourist ports. A pre-Roman necropolis dating to the 8th–7th century BC has been found in the area, and a castle was built here in 1147. The old town, with its porticoed streets dating from the 13th century, includes a castle and several historic mansions. From 1805 to 1814 Chiavari served as the capital of the short-lived Apennins department of Napoleonic France. The town is also known worldwide for the lightweight Chiavari chair, designed here in 1807 by local craftsman Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi and still produced by local workshops.

Chiavari has its own station on the Genoa–La Spezia coastal railway.

The old town and waterfront are compact and walkable.

The porticoed old town, known as Borgolungo, and its main pedestrian street, Carruggio Dritto, are the heart of Chiavari — lined with historic arcaded buildings, shops, and cafés. The waterfront promenade and marina are also worth a walk.

Local specialties include Sorrisi di Chiavari, a chocolate liqueur confection typical of the town.

Chiavari chairs, the town's namesake lightweight wooden chair, are still made by local craft workshops.

The rest of the Tigullio coast — Lavagna, Sestri Levante, and Portofino — is within easy reach along the Riviera di Levante; Genoa lies to the northwest.