The Riviera Ligure is divided into two sides: Ponente (west) and Levante (east), with Genova in the middle dividing the two. The west side continues on to become the French Riviera, and is very similar in appearance. I am not a big fan of either the Ponente or the French Riviera. This realization came as a shock to me, being American. Before living here I was influenced by all the talk I had heard about the French Riviera being so spectacular. It is by no means ugly, but it is overpriced and lacks character and breathtaking nature I have found in the to the east of Genova - from the sparkling clean, aqua sea to all of the quaint villages that run practically into the sea. Numerous paths that lead you right though the nature, just feet above the sea are yet another way to experience the spectacular land/seascapes.