What to do in Liguria: top 14 highlights in 2026

Portovenere takes some effort to reach, but you escape the train-hopping crowds of the Cinque Terre for a UNESCO-listed medieval village perched on a promontory facing Palmaria Island. You can swim in the Lord Byron Grotto, eat stuffed mussels by the harbor, and look out over the Gulf of Poets from a Genoese fortress. It is the Italian Riviera, just without the masses.

Perched on a cliffside, Riomaggiore serves as the gateway to the Cinque Terre with its vibrant tower houses and a tiny harbor that turns into a stage at sunset. Think of the stacked architecture as a Mediterranean version of a coastal hillside town in Big Sur.

The Via dell'Amore, reopened in 2025 after twelve years of construction, once again connects the village to Manarola via a path carved directly into the rock above the sea. Grab a plate of trofie al pesto by the water, sip some golden Sciacchetrà on the rocks, and plan your return.

Monterosso al Mare stands out among the Cinque Terre villages. It is the only one with a real sandy beach, oceanfront hotels, and flat streets. The historic center hides a striped Gothic church, a baroque ossuary, and the legacy of poet Montale. Known as the capital of Ligurian anchovies, the village hosts two festivals dedicated to the fish, held in June and September.

Vernazza features the only natural harbor in the Cinque Terre, a thousand-year-old castle once used to spot pirates, and a Gothic church built on a headland following the legend of a relic chest that washed ashore. After a 2011 mudslide devastated the village, residents rebuilt it from the ground up. High above, a sanctuary houses a 14th-century Black Madonna and an 800-year-old cypress tree.

As the only Cinque Terre village without direct sea access, Corniglia requires effort to reach. You will need to climb 377 steps from the train station to the promontory perched 100 meters above the water, but the payoff is worth it. Expect terraced vineyards dating back to Roman times, a crisp white wine famously praised by Boccaccio, and the most expansive views along the Ligurian coast. It is the quietest, most affordable, and most authentic of the five towns.

Manarola consists of a few narrow alleys and a handful of colorful tower houses clinging to the cliffside. The Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint offers the most photographed scene in the Cinque Terre, while the terraced vineyards produce a rare dessert wine, Sciacchetrà. Every winter, the world's largest nativity scene lights up the hillside. This is a place where time slows down, especially after the last train leaves for the night.

Ventimiglia sits right on the border between France and Italy, drawing visitors with its historic hilltop center, Romanesque cathedral, and famous weekly market. You can wander the authentic old town streets or walk through the nearby Hanbury Gardens for a botanical excursion. The massive Friday market along the waterfront is a major draw, though it pays to be selective about product quality. The city is a solid spot for a quick day trip.

They call it la Superba, and few cities can claim to be as visually arresting as Genoa. The capital of Liguria pulls you in with an incredibly dense history. Its streets function as an open-air museum filled with palaces, grand squares, and opulent architecture. Once a dominant maritime republic with an empire stretching across the Mediterranean and Black Seas, this city of shipbuilders and navigators was a fierce rival to Venice. It has successfully balanced its deep-rooted cultural heritage with modern amenities, establishing itself as a serious destination for food lovers. This is the city of Christopher Columbus, and it retains a sense of wonder in every corner.

A Cradle of Grand Architecture

Piazza de Ferrari serves as the heart of Genoa. It is the best starting point to explore both the 113-hectare historic center and the modern districts, and it features its famous bronze monumental fountain dating back to 1936. Surrounding the square, iconic buildings stand with authority, such as the Teatro Carlo Felice from 1827 with its original columns and the Palazzo della Nuova Borsa, a fine example of Genoese Art Nouveau. Just a few steps away, you will find the side facade of the massive Palazzo Ducale, residence of the Doge since 1339. This complex includes its "People's Tower", the Grimaldina, which once served as a prison and now houses incredible exhibition spaces.

The maze of narrow alleys, known as caruggi, defines the medieval quarter. Luxurious buildings, churches, monuments, and small Gothic architectural gems create a unique atmosphere here. On Via Garibaldi, you hardly know where to look. This street is a UNESCO World Heritage site, defined by the opulence of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The prestigious Palazzi dei Rolli, noble residences from the 16th and 17th centuries, compete in elegance and luxury. There are 42 of them, including those on Via Lomellini and Via Balbi.

The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is one of the most extraordinary museums in Europe, featuring state rooms, a hall of mirrors, a terrace overlooking the city, and exotic gardens. Masterpieces could not ask for a more beautiful setting. Nearby, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its incredible striped facade of black and white marble, guarded by sculpted lions, is another local masterpiece. It blends various architectural styles due to multiple reconstructions, and its interior, filled with Gothic columns, is equally lavish. The chiesa del Gesu, an ultimate ode to the Baroque with its paintings and frescoes, the Embriaci Tower, and the Porta Siberia, a remnant of the 1551 city walls, are just a few more highlights. The Musei di Strada Nuova further prove that Genoa shines with countless splendors.

A Flavorful City

In this quintessential port city, the Porto Antico district has taken a modern turn and is one of the most social spots in town. On the water, you will find the striking Galeone Neptune, a replica of a pirate ship, and the Bigo elevator, which offers a panoramic view. The Palazzo San Giorgio with its beautiful painted facade serves as the port authority building. At the end of the port, in the former Quai Spinola, you will find the Genoa Aquarium. It is one of the most impressive in Europe, with 70 tanks and 12,000 animals, including cetaceans. Standing 76 meters tall on a 40-meter rock, the Lanterna is the oldest active lighthouse in the world and the tallest in the Mediterranean. Climbing into the hills, the Belvedere district is home to the Genoese forts, as well as vegetable gardens and orchards. However, the city would not be complete without its famous gastronomy.

At the top of the list is the famous pesto alla genovese, which is right at home here, made with DOP basil, parmesan, and sometimes pecorino, served with focaccia. Ravioli al tocco and pasta served with walnut sauce are on every menu. The proximity to the sea provides excellent fish stews, salt-cured anchovies, and fried pignolini. Pastries follow the same traditional spirit, especially the famous pandolce. In the heart of the XX Settembre avenue, the Oriental Market of 1899 gathers producers from all regions under its halls, making it the epicenter of these local flavors.

A few minutes from the center, beach clubs and public beaches await, notably in the Nervi district. Just 3 km away, the fishing village of Boccadasse, with its colorful houses overlooking the sea, makes for a superb excursion.

When to go

With a Mediterranean climate, mild weather is the norm year-round. From April to October, the conditions are ideal for exploring Genoa. Tourism peaks in July and August, months you might want to avoid for a more relaxed experience. Cultural events keep the city lively throughout the year.

How to get there

The city's airport is located 6 km from the city center, with the Volabus shuttle providing a connection. Trains and buses are also viable options, especially if you are arriving from the south of France. Genoa is located 175 km from the French border and is well-connected by four major highways.

La Spezia serves as the gateway to the Gulf of Poets, the stretch of Ligurian coastline that once captivated Byron and Shelley. Most travelers blow right past it on their way to the Cinque Terre, missing a city with an authentic edge, hearty port-style cooking, and quiet museums. It makes a strategic base for exploring the entire Riviera di Levante without the premium prices of the smaller, more famous tourist towns.

Varazze is a charming coastal town located not far from Genoa, in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. It has a year-round population of 13,700, which swells significantly during the summer months. It makes for an ideal weekend getaway or a recommended stop during a trip to Genoa and its surrounding area.

A town defined by the sea

Varazze once marked the spot where ships set sail. The town boasts a deep-seated maritime tradition that remains palpable today. Where a major shipbuilding center once stood, you will now find a modern marina named Marina di Varazze. The town has also evolved into a top-tier beach destination thanks to its pleasant beaches and warm waters. You are sure to find a stretch of sand to lay down your towel between Punta della Mola and Marina di Varazze. Active travelers can try out kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, surfing, horseback riding, or even a relaxed game of bocce. To take in the Mediterranean views, walk the Lungomare Europa trail. Built on a former railway line, it winds for five kilometres past mimosas, oleanders, and palm trees. It passes near Piani d'Invrea, a historic rest stop for pilgrims heading toward Santiago de Compostela.

A rich religious heritage

Varazze was the birthplace of a major figure in Italian religious history, Jacobus de Voragine, who served as the Archbishop of Genoa from 1292 to 1298. The San Domenico church houses the remains of this Blessed figure of the Catholic Church. Do not miss the Campanin Russu, the bell tower of the Church of Saint Ambrose, which stands as the town's emblem. It is a prime example of Lombard Romanesque architecture. If you happen to be in Varazze in late April, you can attend the procession in honor of Saint Catherine, the town patron who has her own sanctuary. A traditional parade winds through the streets to celebrate her. On the cultural side, you can visit the 19th-century Villa Cilea, built by a musician who fell in love with Varazze. Every year, the Francesco Cilea prize is awarded to the top opera singer during major festivities.

When to go

Summer is the ideal time to visit Varazze so you can fully enjoy what the coastal town has to offer. Sea temperatures climb quite high during the warm season, reaching up to 27 degrees. You can also visit Varazze off-season, though the town will be much quieter and not all restaurants and beach shops may be open.

How to get there

The nearest major cities are Savona, 20 minutes away by car via the A10 and E80, and Genoa, 40 minutes away along the same route, where you will find the closest airport if you are arriving by plane. If you are coming from southeastern France, you can easily drive from Nice in about 2 hours or take the train straight to the Varazze station.