The sea, cities, villages, and mountains. Liguria is one of the most romantic regions of Italy. This region is a storehouse of surprises, and in addition to the charm of Genoa, you will discover parks and nature reserves, as well as islands full of charm.
From big cities to small villages, between the sea and the mountains. Discover Liguria and marvel at its sights and mysteries.
Genoa
There is a lot to see in Genoa. It is a multicultural city, a center of commerce, as well as great contradictions. Famous for its staircases and ancient mule trails, it should be explored through the picturesque streets of the historic center, the only way you can appreciate its vitality. Over the years, its somewhat restrained charm has captivated writers, poets, and artists fascinated by the dichotomy that unites the ancient soul, a testament to its past as the Seaside Republic, with a more modern charm consisting of creativity, design, and cultural attractions.
His symbol is a lantern. 77 meters in height, it stands on the remains of a hill and is located at an altitude of 177 meters above sea level. Adjacent to the tower is the Museo Della Lantern, a multimedia door dedicated to Genoa and the province. However, the main tourist attraction is the Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. It contains more than 12 thousand specimens belonging to 600 different species. It is located in the Porto Antico area, which over the years has also become a center of tourism and recreation. The charm of the city is revealed, first of all, when walking among the palaces of Rolle, which were not only the residences of the Genoese nobility.
Attractions to visit are numerous, starting with the Duomo, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which already impresses with its Gothic facade in the Genoese style. Don’t miss the popular Maritime Museum dedicated to the history of navigation. When you arrive in Genoa, you will be pleased to discover its good cuisine, which ranges from focaccia to pesto, as well as numerous fish dishes. Christmas pan dolce is very popular among desserts.
Cinque Terre
These are five villages that represent the most unpolluted and fascinating part of the whole of Liguria. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Cornelia, Monterosso and Vernessa form the Cinque Terre, villages that seem to balance between land and sea. Protected within the boundaries of a natural park and included in the UNESCO Heritage list, these places will make you spend a vacation full of nature: you will have the opportunity to walk among medieval villages, and craft workshops, but, above all, bays and coves with sea views.
This coast, full of views and breathtaking panoramas, has inspired artists and writers for centuries and is an ideal place for all lovers of hiking. Thus, the trails will wind through lemon groves, flowers, rocks, and even Jurassic rocks. Mediterranean shrubbery, forests, and small streams will accompany you on a certain route along Via del Santuari. The road connects the five main religious buildings of the villages with its winding streets: its unmistakable panorama will allow you to get lost in the blue of the sea and even look a little at Corsica.
Savona
It has no pure tourist purpose, but this city will be able to attract your attention with its artistic and cultural heritage. It is also a good starting point for exploring Liguria. The stronghold of Savona is the Primary Fortress, a large complex next to the port, which was built in the 16th century by the Republic of Genoa. The fortress has undergone several transformations over the centuries, becoming a prison for some time. A good starting point for your stay may be the historic city center, consisting of narrow streets, churches, and historic buildings.
One of the most interesting is the Palazzo Gavalotti, built in the sixteenth century and home to an art gallery. Another symbol of Savona is the Torretta, a square building reaching 23 meters in height. To discover one of the most important activities in the area and at the same time plunge into history, you can visit the Ceramics Museum, which offers a collection of thousands of objects. This is a journey into design and tradition that begins in the Renaissance and continues to the present day. For lovers of shopping and walking, a stop on Via Paleocopa, the main artery of the city, is mandatory. Inside its exquisite arcades, shops, boutiques, as well as bars and restaurants will alternate.
Portofino
A concentrate on history, nature, and art. A small village surrounded by Aleppo pines and stone oaks, decorated with colorful houses and gardens. A place that has attracted the international elite for many years. Along with expensive boutiques, small shops and boutiques alternate, starting from Via Roma, which then rises from the port and is also the most popular street for vacationers and VIPs. The harbor area is surrounded by cafes and bars, ideal for relaxing at tables and watching boats on the pier. Portofino is inscribed in the park of the same name, a protected area of the Mediterranean. Its cape is characterized by an alternation of high cliffs, and the seabed leaves room for a rich and diverse marine environment.
Arriving from the sea, the Riviera di Levante will open in all its glory. In addition to nature, there will be no shortage of attractions to visit in the village. Brown’s Castle, also known as the Fortress of San Giorgio, is very characteristic. The building houses interesting historical artifacts, as well as reviews and exhibitions. Another historical attraction is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. For those who want to enjoy a romantic moment, the Church of San Giorgio offers a magical panorama. On the other hand, Punta Portofino and its lighthouse overlooking the open and unpolluted sea.
A Sanremo
The life of Sanremo, a city inextricably linked with the Italian Song Festival, unfolds in its historical center (La Pina). Over the years, it has managed to preserve its medieval character with very narrow streets, squares, and corners drowning in flowers, stairs, and ancient arches. We are talking about a place rich in greenery, gardens, and elegant villas. Among the most interesting is Villa Ormond, built-in 1889. There are several types of exotic plants in the surrounding park. You can see this by passing Empress Alley, a path drowning in the aromas and magic of nature with a view of the sea.
The sea life mixes with a cultural soul full of museums (City Museum or Pinakothek) and historical attractions (Russian Orthodox Church, San Siro Cathedral). However, the main symbol of Sanremo is the Ariston Theater, the venue of the Festival. Almost two thousand spectators can be accommodated inside. Concerts and cultural events are also held in the building. The casino is another of the advantages of the city. This is an Art Nouveau building built-in 1905. Inside, in addition to the game rooms, there is a party room and a theater.
Alassio
Welcome to the first city of the so-called Riviera Dei Fiori, an elegant city and, above all, a popular seaside resort. Small beaches with fine sand offer quiet days of relaxation and contemplation in the bosom of nature. Alassio is a place that can also offer a bit of nightlife in its clubs. First of all, you need to see the famous wall located near the town hall. In its tiles of different colors and shapes, you can admire the autographs of famous people. The walk should start from Budello, which is the oldest Farruggio. Several boutiques alternate along the way.
A very interesting naturalistic and historical route runs along Via Giulia Augusta: you will be enchanted by the flowers and aromas of Mediterranean vegetation and will be able to see the remains of monuments dating back to Roman times. Among the main attractions is the Church of Sant’Ambrogio, a Romanesque building rebuilt in the Baroque style. Inside you can admire the exquisite frescoes of Genoese painting, dating back to the sixteenth century. However, the ideal place to relax is the port with its atmosphere and cafes. Looking further away, you can see the island of Gallinara.
Finale Liguria
This village, located in the heart of the Riviera di Ponente, is divided into three separate centers (Finalpia, Finalborg, and Finalamarina). On the other hand, one of its villages, Varigotti, is a very famous seaside resort. Finale Ligure is an ideal starting point for exploring Western Liguria. You will be able to enjoy not only the peaceful marine life but also several charming monuments and churches. First of all, the triumphal arch, made by Sebastiano Boccardo in 1666 in honor of the daughter of Philip IV of Spain, catches the eye. Castel Gavone, built-in 1100, is particularly interesting. The fortification was destroyed several times, and now only ruins remain of it, including the Diamond Tower.
During the walk, you can admire the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Pia, the Church of San Biagio, and the Santa Caterina complex. The village offers sandy beaches with crystal clear water, caves, prehistoric caves, and interior areas that will allow you to try your hand at various activities in contact with nature. The local Archaeological Museum offers to go hiking to discover the beauty of the area, from where many of the exhibits presented in the museum collection originate.
A Recco
We are located on the Ligurian Riviera di Levante, in the small gulf of Golfo Paradiso, about twenty kilometers from Genoa. Recco is first of all very popular for its traditional cheese focaccia, to which various initiatives and festivals are dedicated. This is a very interesting village with a picturesque historical center. Among the religious buildings stands out the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna del Suffrage, built-in 1700. With its majestic bell tower of the church of San Rocco. This is a very popular place due to the mild climate, which offers several sandy beaches interspersed with rocks.
Ventimiglia
Here is another pretty town in Liguria, located just eight kilometers from the French Riviera and France. We are located in the province of Imperia, which is called the “Western Gate of Italy”. Tourists especially appreciate the beaches and mild climate, although there is no shortage of cultural attractions, especially for history lovers. Among the most interesting buildings is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the historical center of the city and built in the Romanesque style. According to legend, in front of the church, built in the thirteenth century, there was a temple dedicated to Juno.
Your tour can continue at the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, a building built in the 10th century. The Porta Canada dates back to the medieval period, which was located inside a circle of walls through. Which the flow of foreigners was controlled and potential threats were identified. Another fortress was represented by Castel D’Appio. Among the most interesting buildings is the Loggia del Parliament, built-in 1400 and known for its frescoes.
A Rapallo
Located between the coasts of Cape Portofino, Rapallo offers glimpses of incredible beauty. You can enjoy pleasant walks along with the network of hiking trails. The living room of the city is the Vittorio Veneto embankment with its long palm trees and open areas of bars overlooking the shore. The medieval old town will allow you to go shopping, but at the same time deepen the history of numerous monuments. Including the ancient castle on the sea, one of the symbols of the city connected to the mainland by a pier.
The historical heritage also includes the Basilica, the Civic Tower, and the Clarissa Monastery. Rapallo also has museums (including the Lace Museum. Which exhibits dating back to the 1600s) and living quarters, restaurants, as well as numerous sports facilities. The mild climate is refreshing even in the winter months, creating an oasis of relaxation.
