rivieras

Rivieras are coastal regions that are marketed as fashionable, sun‑soaked resort destinations along seas, typically characterized by mild climates, beaches, and a long history of tourism. The word derives from the Italian riva, meaning shore or bank, and the term is used more as a descriptor in tourism and geography than as an official geographic boundary.

In Europe, the best‑known rivieras are the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) and the Italian Riviera. The French Riviera runs along the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, from the area near Saint-Tropez to Menton and includes famous cities and towns such as Nice, Cannes, and the principality of Monaco. It has long been associated with luxury travel, film, and historical resorts. The Italian Riviera lies along the Ligurian Sea within the Liguria region, extending from the French border to La Spezia and including Genoa, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre. It is divided into the Riviera di Ponente (west) and Riviera di Levante (east), known for scenic coastlines, fishing villages, and agricultural products like olives and citrus.

Beyond Europe, the term riviera is used to describe other tourist coastlines. The Riviera Maya, on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico, encompasses destinations such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The Riviera Nayarit covers parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast, including Puerto Vallarta. The Turkish Riviera is a marketing name for the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast. Across regions, rivieras generally emphasize climate, scenery, leisure amenities, and cultural appeal rather than strict geographic definitions.