Picture the Cinque Terre’s colorful, cascading villages, practically falling into the pristine Mediterranean Sea. Hear the hum of wooden Rivas as they cruise the rocky shoreline, focaccia picnic in tow.

Beyond the sea breeze, smell the scent of basil and pasta al pesto invading restaurants, homes, and the cobblestoned streets of quaint towns. This is what usually comes to mind when you hear of the Italian Riviera, where “la dolce vita” reigns supreme and summer is always right around the corner.