Riviera

Riviera is a term used to describe coastal regions noted for scenic shores, mild climates, and a long association with leisure and tourism. The word derives from the Italian riva, meaning shore or bank. In common usage, the name is most closely associated with two major European Mediterranean coastlines: the French Riviera and the Italian Riviera.

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, lies in southeastern France along the Mediterranean and extends roughly from Toulon to the Italian border. It includes renowned towns such as Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and the principality of Monaco, which contribute to its reputation for luxury resorts, casinos, and cultural events. The Italian Riviera runs along the Ligurian Sea and encompasses the coast from the border with France to roughly the region around La Spezia, featuring cities and towns like Genoa, Portofino, the Cinque Terre villages, and Sanremo. Both rivieras have historically drawn visitors for their climate, beaches, cuisine, and artistic heritage.

Outside Europe, the term is applied to other resort regions branded as rivieras, such as the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean coast and the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific coast. The concept is used more broadly to describe coastlines with developed tourist infrastructure and a characteristic emphasis on seaside leisure.