Recco

Tucked away in the spectacular Ligurian Riviera, the small town of Recco offers scenic views and culinary treasures. Bounded by verdant green hills and waves lapping against the Ligurian Sea, it is known far and wide for its gastronomic heritage, particularly for its famous Focaccia di Recco.

Although Recco may not be one of the most famous locations on the Riviera di Levante, it is important to note that this part of Liguria is home to some of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Around here the competition is really tough!

However, this small town boasts a privileged location, making it a convenient access point to fascinating places nearby, such as Portofino, Camogli, and the extraordinary Cinque Terre.

The undisputed queen of Recco’s culinary scene is Focaccia di Recco.

This delicious focaccia, filled with creamy stracchino cheese, is unlike any other focaccia you might know. Each bite is a symphony of delicate, crispy crust and luscious cheese-a simple delight that carries the authentic flavor of Liguria.

Every year, during the first weekend of September, the town hosts the ‘Sagra della Focaccia di Recco,’ a large fair dedicated to this beloved specialty.

Aside from the culinary delights, Recco is surrounded by natural beauty that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. For hiking enthusiasts, numerous trails wind through the hills, leading to beautiful scenic spots.

Water sports lovers can enjoy yachting, sailing or diving in the pristine Ligurian Sea.

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Among Recco’s attractions is a delicious gastronomic gem, the “Focaccia di Recco.” The unparalleled taste of this simple but exceptionally enjoyable dish has won fans around the world.

The origin of Focaccia di Recco dates back to the Middle Ages, when resources were scarce due to wars and local strife. In these austere times, the city’s ingenious citizens invented a simple but nutritious recipe using the basic ingredients at hand: flour, olive oil and cheese. Little did they know that this humble dish would become a culinary sensation spanning centuries.

Making foccaccia di Recco is an art that requires skill, experience and, of course, love of food. The dish begins with a very thin layer of unleavened dough, of the basic bread ingredients, rolled out to perfection. It is then filled with generous spoonfuls of “Stracchino,” a fresh, creamy cheese made from Italian cow’s milk, before being topped with another thin layer of dough. The result is a heavenly stuffed flatbread that, when baked to a golden hue, offers a harmonious balance of crispness and creaminess.

Focaccia di Recco is much more than an appreciated recipe. It is an emblem of the city’s cultural heritage and resilience. To celebrate this iconic dish, the city hosts the annual “Focaccia Festival” the first weekend in September, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the world.

This simple meal holds a prominent place in the culinary landscape not only of Recco or Liguria but of all of Italy. So whether you are a bona fide foodie or a curious traveler, savoring Focaccia di Recco is a memorable culinary journey into the heart of Italian cuisine.

The center of Recco lacks the typicality and beauty of the other surrounding villages.

As in other locations in Liguria, however, there is no shortage of historic buildings of interest:

Built in the 17th century, the Shrine of Our Lady of Suffrage boasts a rich history and striking design. Its neo-Gothic architecture blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape. As your gaze sweeps across the imposing facade adorned with intricate stonework, you will be greeted by the iconic bell tower, which stands as a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship.

A short walk away, the Church of Our Lady of Grace offers a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Originally built in the 16th century, this historic church is a symbol of the city’s enduring spiritual heritage.

As you approach the imposing but welcoming structure, the elegant facade, adorned with delicate stonework and overlooking a quiet square, invites you to enter. The interior reveals an ethereal harmony of light and shadow. Magnificent frescoes stretch across the ceiling, while ornate altars stand silent in their grandeur.

Centrally located and beloved by locals and tourists alike, Recco Beach is often the first stop on a beach lover’s dream tour.

This lively pebble beach proudly wears the coveted Blue Flag, a testament to its pristine waters and commendable environmental stewardship.

If you want to go in search of more enticing but certainly more crowded beaches, you can go to Camogli, just a few minutes from Recco, or take the boat and discover the bay of San Fruttuoso.

By the same boat, or by car, you can also reach the towns of Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo.

Recco is very often chosen as a place to stay in order to go, then, to discover the wonderful Villages nearby.

Here there is a wide choice of hotels, many B&Bs, room rentals, vacation homes and apartments for tourists at a price that is certainly more competitive than other places in the surrounding area.

This makes Recco’s hotels and apartments especially popular for sea-view rooms.

Here too, as in many places in Liguria, it is definitely advisable to book early to have the best possible choice.

Reaching Recco is very easy.

By car you need to drive along the A12 highway, take the Recco exit. If you are nearby you can simply follow the Aurelia road.

The city has its own railway station on the Genoa-La Spezia line. It is an important route with quite frequent trains.

Recco can be reached by bus from major locations in Liguria. To arrive from the sea it is possible to take the boat from the ancient port of Genoa or from Camogli.

The nearest airport is Genoa Airport(http://www.aeroportodigenova.it/), about 40 km away and easily reached by train, bus, and cab.