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 Highlights of Liguria

Hiking paradise
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Cinque Terre
Vernazza
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
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Aquarium of Genoa
Genoa
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
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Palazzi dei Rolli
Genoa
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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Cinque Terre National Park
Riomaggiore
"Cinque Terre National Park" is a protected area inducted as an Italian national park in 1999. Located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy, it is the smallest national park in Italy at 4,300 acres, but also the densest with 5,000 permanent inhabitants among the five towns. In addition to the territory of the towns of Cinque Terre, the Cinque Terre National Park encompasses parts of the communes of Levanto and La Spezia.Le Cinque Terre, April 2012 www.lecinqueterre.org Cinque Terre was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
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Piazza De Ferrari
Genoa
"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.
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Genoa Cathedral
Genoa
"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.
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Doge's Palace
Genoa
The "Doge's Palace" is a historical building in Genoa, northern Italy.
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San Fruttuoso Abbey
Camogli
The "Abbey of San Fruttuoso," officially "Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte," is a monastery complex located at the bay of the same name on the Italian Riviera di Levante. It belongs to the municipality of Camogli in the Italian metropolitan city of Genoa.
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Teatro Ariston
Sanremo
The "Ariston Theatre" is a theatre and a cinema in Sanremo, Italy. It has been the venue of the annual Sanremo Music Festival competitions since 1977. The name is derived from Ancient Greek "αριστον" meaning "the best".
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Galata – Museo del mare
Genoa
The "Galata Sea Museum" is the largest museum of its kind in the Mediterranean region. It is located on the grounds of the Porto Antico in Genoa.

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.

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