Logo

Discover Liguria

Italy
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 10 Highlights of Liguria

Hiking paradise
Top
Cinque Terre
Corniglia, Liguria
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.
Largest aquarium in Italy
Top
Aquarium of Genoa
Genoa, Liguria
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.
UNESCO Treasures in Genoa's Streets
Top
Palazzi dei Rolli
Genoa, Liguria
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.
Top
Piazza De Ferrari
Genoa, Liguria
Piazza De Ferrari is the main square of Genoa. Situated in the heart of the city between the historical and the modern center, Piazza De Ferrari is renowned for its fountain, which was restored in recent years along with a major restyling of the square. Today next to Piazza De Ferrari are numerous office buildings, headquarters of banks, insurances and other private companies, making of this district the financial and business centre of Genoa, so that the Genoese popularly refer to it as the City of Genoa. At the end of the 19th century Genoa was the main financial centre of Italy along with Milan, and Piazza De Ferrari was the place where many institutions were established, like the stock exchange, the Credito Italiano, the branch offices of the Bank of Italy, founded in 1893.
Top
Genoa Cathedral
Genoa, Liguria
Genoa Cathedral or Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the Italian city of Genoa. It is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Genoa. The cathedral was consecrated by Pope Gelasius II in 1118 and was built between the twelfth century and the fourteenth century as fundamentally a medieval building, with some later additions. Secondary naves and side covers are of Romanesque style and the main facade is Gothic from the early thirteenth century, while capitals and columns with interior corridors date from the early fourteenth century. The bell tower and dome were built in the sixteenth century.
Top
Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere
Terrizzo, Liguria
Top
Doge's Palace
Genoa, Liguria
The Doge's Palace is a historical building in Genoa, northern Italy. Once the home of the Doges of Genoa, it is now a museum and a centre for cultural events and arts exhibitions. It is situated in the heart of the city, with two different entrances and façades, the main one on Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, and the second one on Piazza De Ferrari.
Top
Galata - Museo del mare
Genoa, Liguria
The Galata - Museo del mare is a maritime museum in the Italian city of Genoa. It is the largest museum of its kind in the Mediterranean area and also one of the most modern in Italy. The museum is located on the grounds of the Porto Antico, in the Palazzo Galata in the Darsena district, where galleys were built in the Republic of Genoa era. It is close to downtown Genoa, the Port of Genoa, and within walking distance of Genova Principe train station and Darsena metro stop. It opened in 2004 as part of Genoa's 2004 European Capital of Culture celebration.
Top
Muretto of Alassio
Alassio, Liguria
Top
Chiesa di San Pietro
San Pietro is a Roman Catholic church in Porto Venere, province of La Spezia, northern Italy, facing the Gulf of Poets. The Church was built upon an ancient Pagan Temple.
Show more attractions

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Golfo Paradiso operates routes between Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure.
  3. 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.

Interested?
Start planning your next adventure!

Tips for relaxed Travel

Everything You Need to Know About Car Travel in Italy
Car trips in Italy are the best way to explore the picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and quieter beaches at your own pace. To help you plan, we offer numerous road trip recommendations for Italy, complete with detailed itineraries. You can find these on our Italy page or by browsing through the various regions. If you're driving in Italy for the first time, there are a few important things you need to know:
How do you get to Italy?
Getting to Italy is a breeze. As Europe's third most popular travel destination, Italy offers numerous ways to arrive. Here you'll find essential information about how to get to Italy by plane, train and car.

Are you sure?