Liguria Travel Guide
Read our comprehensive travel guide for Liguria, Italy. Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Liguria
- List of Places to Visit in Liguria
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Liguria
- Portofino Regional Nature Park
- Best Things to Do in Liguria: Activities and Tours
- Cooking Classes and Food Tours
- Wine Tasting Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Liguria
- Food and Drink Scene of Liguria
- Where to Stay in Liguria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Liguria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Liguria
- Best Time to Visit Liguria
- Do’s and Don’ts of Liguria
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Liguria: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Liguria
- Where to Go Next from Liguria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Liguria
Located in the northwestern part of Italy, Liguria is one of the smallest regions in the country. Known for its scenic views, rugged coastline, and charming villages, Liguria is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Italian cuisine, especially seafood, is a highlight of the region that will leave you wanting more. Liguria holds the record of having the world’s highest number of UNESCO sites among the regions of Europe.
List of Places to Visit in Liguria
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places
Genoa’s Old Town
Genoa’s old town is a UNESCO-protected site that is known for its narrow streets and old buildings. It is here that you can find a host of architectural wonders, such as the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo Reale. You can also visit Genoa’s aquarium, which is the largest in Italy, and take a walk along the famous Via Garibaldi, home to several museums.
San Lorenzo Cathedral
Built back in the 19th century, San Lorenzo Cathedral is situated in Genoa. It features Gothic and Renaissance stylings and serves as one of the most significant landmarks in the region. The cathedral is also home to several important artworks including the St. John the Baptist wooden statue by Antonello Gagini and Rubens’ paintings.
Cinque Terre National Park
Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, the Cinque Terre National Park offers visitors stunning views, crystal clear water, and charming towns like Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso-al-Mare. You can hike between the towns on rugged cliffside paths or take a relaxing train ride between each one.
Natural Attractions of Liguria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Portofino
A small, picturesque fishing village on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is famous for its colorful houses, scenic views, and fancy atmosphere. A place that celebrates Italian luxury, Portofino is a beautiful place to explore, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails around the city that make it easy to enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Bay of Silence
A beautiful, secluded, and quiet bay located in Sestri Levante, Bay of Silence is known for its crystal clear water, which is perfect for swimming or other water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. The bay is located in a small, charming town that is well worth a visit, especially if you are looking to escape the crowds of the more famous Italian destinations.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Liguria
Portofino Regional Nature Park
Portofino Regional Nature Park covers over 4,000 hectares of forests, mountains, and coastline. The park is home to several hiking and biking trails, including the famous mountain trail to the San Fruttuoso Abbey. The park is also home to several species of animals and plants, including rare birds like the Ligurian red-backed shrike.
Best Things to Do in Liguria: Activities and Tours
Cooking Classes and Food Tours
Liguria is famous for its traditional food, which includes seafood, pesto, focaccia, and farinata, among other dishes. The region offers several cooking classes and food tours that allow visitors to learn more about the cuisine and its preparation. You can also enjoy culinary tours of Genoa, where you can sample local dishes and specialties.
Wine Tasting Tours
Liguria is also home to several wineries, where you can sample some of the best wines in Italy. The region’s warm climate is perfect for cultivating grapes, especially varieties like Vermentino and Pigato. You can take a wine tasting tour to sample different wines and learn more about Italian winemaking practices.
Week-Long Itinerary for Liguria
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Genoa’s old town and visit the Palazzo Ducale. |
| Day 2 | Take a day trip to Portofino and hike the trails within the Portofino Regional Nature Park. |
| Day 3 | Visit Cinque Terre National Park and explore Vernazza and Monterosso-al-Mare. |
| Day 4 | Take a cooking class or food tour in Genoa and sample local Italian specialties. |
| Day 5 | Spend the day at the Bay of Silence in Sestri Levante and relax on the beach. |
| Day 6 | Visit the Museum of the Sea in Genoa and see the naval collection. |
| Day 7 | Take a wine tasting tour and visit a local winery. |
Food and Drink Scene of Liguria
Must-Try Dishes
Focaccia
Focaccia is a must-try bread in Liguria. It is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and sometimes rosemary. It is often eaten as a snack or as a substitute for bread. Focaccia di Recco is a must-try type of focaccia, where the dough is filled with creamy Stracchino cheese instead of being flavored.
Pesto
Pesto originated in the province of Genova. It is made from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. It is traditionally served with trofie, a type of pasta specific to Liguria. If you want to try an alternative, try trenette, another Ligurian pasta, similar to linguine.
Local Beverages
Vermentino
Vermentino is a white wine varietal cultivated in Liguria. It is a dry wine with high acidity that pairs well with seafood and pesto.
Chinotto
Chinotto is a soft drink made from the fruit of the myrtle-leaved orange tree. It is a popular drink in Italy and is often served as a non-alcoholic alternative to alcohol.
Where to Stay in Liguria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Liguria offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. If you’re looking to experience the region’s famed luxury, try to stay in Portofino or Cinque Terre. However, you can also find affordable options in Genoa or Sestri Levante.
What to Buy in Liguria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Liguria offers several distinct souvenirs that you may want to bring back home.
Pesto
Suppose you can’t get enough of Liguria’s pesto, bring home a jar. It makes an excellent souvenir and will allow you to enjoy the flavors of Liguria long after your vacation has ended.
Ceramics
Liguria produces several traditional ceramics that are beautifully decorated and painted by hand. These ceramics make an excellent souvenir that will remind you of your time in the region for years to come.
Local Culture and Customs of Liguria
Ligurians have a deep respect for their history and traditions. They are also known for their love of food and wine. The region celebrates several festivals and historical events throughout the year, such as the Festa della Polenta in Varese Ligure, which honors a traditional cornmeal dish.
Best Time to Visit Liguria
The best time to visit Liguria is from March to September, as it is when the Mediterranean climate is at its best. July and August are peak season, and you may experience larger crowds and higher prices. September is an ideal time to visit as the crowds thin out, the weather remains warm, and the sea is still lovely to swim in.
Do’s and Don’ts of Liguria
Do:
- Try the local seafood.
- Visit the local markets to discover local products.
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or attending events.
- Get off the beaten path to explore charming villages and hidden gems.
Don’t:
- Wear beachwear on the streets.
- Litter or smoke in public.
- Assume everyone speaks English.
- Visit the countryside without proper hiking equipment.
Safety and Health
Safety in Liguria
Liguria is generally considered a safe travel destination. However, as with any place, you should take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Make sure to keep your valuables secure while out in public and be aware of pickpockets. Also, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
Health in Liguria
The tap water in Liguria is safe to drink, so you don’t have to rely on bottled water all the time. Make sure to stay hydrated, especially during the summer when temperatures can soar. Also, pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
Getting to Liguria: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Liguria
The closest airports to Liguria are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and Pisa International Airport.
Bus Stations Near Liguria
FlixBus is one of the largest bus companies in Europe that serves the largest cities in Italy, with extensive coverage within the Liguria region itself.
Other Options
You can also take the train from Rome, Florence, or Milan to Genoa, which is the largest city in Liguria.
How to Get Around in Liguria
Liguria is easily accessible by train, bus or car hire. Traveling by train is a great way to see the region and get to all the main towns and cities. Buses are also a good option, and they’re typically cheaper than trains. Visitors are recommended to explore cities mainly on foot and travel across other places in Liguria with trains and buses that go through mountain paths and picturesque routes.
Where to Go Next from Liguria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some nearby destinations and day trips from Liguria include Tuscany, the Chianti wine region, and Lake Como. These places offer visitors beautiful scenery, historic sites, and world-famous cuisine.
Conclusion
Liguria is a beautiful region of Italy that offers travelers a wide variety of experiences, from scenic hikes to delicious food and wine. Whether you’re visiting for a week or a few days, there’s plenty to see and do, and it’s sure to leave you wanting to return again and again.
