While many Riviera resorts gradually slow down, reduce their services and see numerous seasonal businesses close, Chiavari simply carries on with everyday life – all year round, even in the depths of winter.

I don’t know about you, but for us the most beautiful time to experience Chiavari begins just when summer seems to be coming to an end.

Anyone spending a few days in the Tigullio during the summer soon realises that, particularly at weekends, there is always a village celebrating something. From the coastline to the inland valleys, almost every community organises at least one food festival, patron saint's celebration or traditional village fair