Discover Liguria

Liguria stretches along the northern Mediterranean coast, enchanting visitors with the colorful villages of Cinque Terre and Portofino. Crystal-clear waters crash against the cliffs, creating a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. While the rural heart of Liguria thrives with fragrant olive groves and lush vineyards, Genoa displays its splendor in historic palaces and one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The region’s culinary specialties, including pesto, focaccia, and fresh fish, make it a gastronomic delight.

Top Highlights of Liguria

Hiking paradise

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Cinque Terre

Vernazza, Liguria, Italy

The Cinque Terre, a picturesque stretch of coastline along the Italian Riviera, comprises five unique villages carved into steep cliffs. Hiking trails link these colorful settlements, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and terraced vineyards. Each town has its own special charm and unforgettable vistas.

UNESCO Treasures in Genoa's Streets

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Palazzi dei Rolli

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

When visiting Genoa, be sure to explore the Strade Nuove and their Palazzi dei Rolli. These stunning Renaissance and Baroque palaces, once homes for nobles and state guests, showcase the immense wealth and power of the Genoese aristocracy.

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Piazza De Ferrari

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

Piazza De Ferrari is the vibrant heart of Genoa - a spacious, almost entirely traffic-free square that serves as the economic and cultural center of the city. The striking bronze fountain designed by architect Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni and the magnificent architecture of the surrounding buildings, including Palazzo Ducale and Teatro Carlo Felice, have shaped the square's appearance since the 19th century.

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Cinque Terre National Park

Riomaggiore, Liguria, Italy

In the Cinque Terre National Park on the Ligurian coast, you can expect a unique landscape where terraced slopes with traditional dry stone walls blend harmoniously with Mediterranean vegetation. Established in 1999, the park includes not only land areas but also a protected marine zone, offering various microclimates that host an astonishing diversity of plant and animal species.

Largest aquarium in Italy

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Aquarium of Genoa

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

Located in the Porto Antico area, the aquarium is a must-see in Genoa. With over 12,000 animals across 600 species, the aquarium showcases a spectacular array of marine life. You can marvel at sharks, turtles, penguins, and rare species like manatees in habitats that closely resemble their natural homes.

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Genoa Cathedral

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

The majestic Cattedrale di San Lorenzo has shaped the skyline of Genoa since the 12th century and impresses with its characteristic black-and-white striped facade - a symbol of medieval nobility. In this stunning church, which combines various architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic to Renaissance, you can admire not only valuable art treasures but also a curious war relic: an unexploded bomb from World War II. The 60-meter-high bell tower is one of the tallest in Liguria, while inside, Gothic columns, baroque decorations, and significant frescoes like the "Last Supper" by Lazzaro Tavarone testify to the cathedral's rich history.

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Galata – Museo del mare

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

In the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, you can experience the maritime history of Genoa up close - from historical documents signed by Christopher Columbus to a lifelike replica of a Genoese galley. The museum, which opened in 2004, is located in the historic Galata district, where a significant Genoese community lived and warships were built until the 15th century.

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Doge's Palace

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

In the mighty Palazzo Ducale, the former seat of the Doges of the Republic of Genoa, 700 years of vibrant history merge into a unique architectural ensemble. The palace, which began construction in the late 13th century, was named in 1339 with the election of the first Doge, Simone Boccanegra, and was rebuilt in neoclassical style after a devastating fire in 1777.

Basilica Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is considered one of the most important churches of Mannerism and Early Baroque in Genoa, and was praised by Montesquieu in the 18th century as the most beautiful church in the city.

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San Fruttuoso Abbey

Camogli, Liguria, Italy

Hidden in an idyllic bay of the Portofino Natural Park, you will find the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a fascinating Benedictine monastery from the 9th century, accessible only by boat or hiking trail. The complex, renovated by Adelaide of Burgundy in the 10th century, impresses with its Byzantine dome, octagonal bell tower, and two Romanesque cloisters that house the graves of the Doria family.

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Travel Information

Best Travel Time

Liguria offers pleasant conditions year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your vacation plans. Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, while summer is perfect for beach holidays.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is an ideal time to visit Liguria. With average temperatures between 15°C and 20°C, the landscape comes to life with blooming flowers and lush green hills. April and May are particularly great for hiking and sightseeing, thanks to mild weather and manageable tourist numbers.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Liguria is warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. This is the peak season for tourists, especially along the coast, where the beaches and clear waters of the Ligurian Sea attract many visitors. However, be prepared for very hot weather and crowded spots in July and August.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn offers mild temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 25°C, making it an excellent time for wine tasting and vineyard tours during the harvest season. September is especially pleasant as the summer heat subsides, yet the sea remains warm enough for swimming.

Winter (December to February)

Winters in Liguria are mild, with temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. This is the quietest time of the year, perfect for a short trip to Genoa to explore its rich history and culture.

Arrival

By Plane

The nearest international airports are Genoa Airport (Aeroporto di Genova) and Pisa Airport (Aeroporto di Pisa).

By Train

The main train stations are in Genoa, La Spezia, and Savona. Regular connections are available from major cities like Milan, Rome, Turin, and Florence. Trenitalia, the Italian railway, offers numerous connections, including both high-speed and regional trains.

By Car

The region is easily accessible via the A12 highway (Autostrada Azzurra), which runs along the Ligurian coast and connects Genoa with Pisa and Livorno. From the north, you can take the A7 from Milan to Genoa or the A6 from Turin to Savona.

Traveling in Liguria

By Train

Trains are one of the most convenient ways to explore Liguria. Main lines run along the coast, connecting major cities like Genoa, La Spezia, and the famous villages of the Cinque Terre. Regional trains (Treni Regionali) offer frequent connections and stop in smaller towns, making them ideal for day trips to the Cinque Terre. From Genoa to La Spezia, it takes about 1.5 hours, with trains offering spectacular sea views.

By Car

Traveling by car offers great flexibility, especially for exploring remote villages or scenic roads like the Via Aurelia along the coast. The A12 highway parallels the coast and connects Genoa with Livorno. In Italy, note that historic centers are often difficult or impossible to drive through, and parking, especially in high season, is limited. It's advisable to use parking garages on the outskirts and walk the rest of the way.

By Bus

AMT (Azienda Mobilità e Trasporti) operates the bus lines in Genoa and its surroundings, while regional operators like ATP cover the rest of the region. Buses are often cheaper than trains but have less frequent schedules, especially in rural areas.

By Ferry

Ferries along the Ligurian coast are a scenic and relaxed way to travel between coastal villages. Several operators offer ferry connections between Genoa, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the Cinque Terre. Ferryhopper is a useful platform for checking ferry connections and booking tickets.

Tigullio-Marine Lines offers connections between Genoa, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Sestri Levante, and the Cinque Terre. These trips are especially popular in summer and offer beautiful coastal views.
Golfo Paradiso operates routes between Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure.
Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti provides connections between La Spezia, Portovenere, Lerici, and the Cinque Terre. These routes are convenient for tourists exploring the famous five villages of the Cinque Terre.