Liguria is one of the most beautiful and interesting regions of Italy, and one of the most famous in the world. With a'endless tourist offer, with many places to see, places to visit, unique natural and scenic attractions, activities to do, areas to go and beautiful cities to stay, holidays in Liguria will be an excellent choice for everyone tastes and all ages.
Liguria it is not just a beach holiday destination, but also a beautiful region to visit with characteristic villages, beautiful landscapes and wonderful beaches. The points of interest in Liguria are numerous and all have their own particular charm. Some, due to their uniqueness and historical value, have been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Equipped with a unique microclimate, which makes the Riviera mild in winter and with a mild climate in summer, the region is one perfect holiday destination during the summer, but also one good destination during the other periods of the year.
La Ligurian Riviera it is made up of various and wonderful landscapes: beautiful mountains and hills in the hinterland, and a long coast made of enchanting bays and sandy or pebble beaches that alternate with high rocky cliffs. The sea that bathes the coast is splendid, of an intense blue color and very rich in fauna, where numerous cetaceans such as whales and dolphins also swim.
The main tourist area of Liguria is the coast, where in addition to small rocky beaches, like those of the Cinque Terre, there are also long and sandy beaches, like those of Alassio. The hinterland is also an interesting area to visit, thanks to the presence of many medieval villages between imposing mountains and rolling hills covered with luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation.
A holiday in Liguria is also an incredible offer of things to do and outdoor activities. You can practice an infinite number of sports, not only cycling, trekking, hiking, but also activities and water sports such as surfing and sailing, and during the winter also skiing and other winter sports.
A stay in Liguria is also one wonderful gastronomic experience, with numerous local specialties to taste, made up of unique typical dishes and products. The restaurants of any location offer the best of Ligurian cuisine, with many dishes made of fish and seafood.
Where to go on holiday in Liguria
To decide where to go and what to visit of Liguria is very simple. AND one of the smallest regions of Italy, with a coast length of about 300 km. Liguria is touristically divided into Riviera di Ponente and Rivera di Levante, with Genoa symbolically forming the border between the two areas.
La Riviera di Ponente, with lower coasts and numerous locations with sandy beaches, it is certainly the most suitable choice for lovers of beach holidays and for families with children. There Riviera di Levante instead it offers beautiful landscapes and unique natural environments, an area more suitable for those who like to walk and make visits.
This is an extremely generic description, then these various aspects also alternate on the other coast, albeit to a lesser extent. However, let's see what the most interesting areas and places to go on the Riviera di Levante and on the Riviera di Ponente.
Search for the best hotel and apartment deals in Liguria
Riviera di Ponente
- Savona
- Vado Ligure
- Bordighera
- Finale Ligure
- Albenga
- Pietra Ligure
- Alassio
- Imperia
- Bergeggi
- Varazze
- Sanremo
- Ventimiglia
Riviera di Levante
- GenoVa
- Portofino
- Rapallo
- Lavagna
- Sestri Levante
- moneglia
- La Spezia
- Camogli
- Santa Margherita Ligure
- Levanto
- Lerici
- Sarzana
- Cinque Terre
- bogliasco
- Chiavari
- Porto Venere
Most interesting locations and areas
The most visited city in the region and the one that offers the most tourism is GenoVa, the regional capital. A multi-faceted city, where the old meets the modern. A city linked to the sea, where cuisine, culture, places and buildings tell the glorious past of this former Maritime Republic.
After the capital, other interesting places are the three provinces: Imperia, Savona and La Spezia. They offer charming historic centers, many natural and scenic attractions, and are good areas to stay for their wide range of hotels and cheaper accommodation rates than small tourist resorts.
One of the most famous and visited areas of Liguria is that of Cinque Terre. Perched on the rugged rocky hills of the Riviera di Levante, the five small and picturesque fishing villages that make up the Cinque Terre are: Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore and Manarola.
Liguria includes famous and wonderful tourist areas, not only the Cinque Terre, but also the Golfo Paradiso, the Gulf of Tigullio and the enchanting Promontory of Portofino. The Cinque Terre together with Portovenere and at Islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the most interesting places to visit is the Gulf of Poets. Also called the Gulf of La Spezia, it is famous for being the place for holidays or where many famous poets, writers and artists lived, attracted by the tranquility and beauty of this suggestive corner of Liguria.
The Riviera di Levante hosts French Riviera-style seaside towns, with dozens of sandy or pebble beaches. Bordighera or Ventimiglia, located near the French border, they can also be a good area to stay for day visits Nice, Cannes and the Principality of Monaco.
La Spezia and Lerici, located near the border with Tuscany, are not only splendid tourist destinations, but also good places to stay in order to visit the various tourist areas in the southern part of the Riviera di Levante or the nearby areas and tourist resorts in Tuscany, such as the Versilia and Pisa.
Le montagne, which dominate the coast, are in general the ideal terrain for fans of excursions. During the winter period it is also possible ski at the two ski resorts in Liguria: Monesi and Santo Stefano d'Aveto.
La Via Del Amore it is a long and winding path along the coast to do pleasant walks and trekking. The road connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The view is breathtaking, but the height above sea level can make the route unsuitable for those suffering from vertigo.
It is also advisable to visit the Riviera of the Palms and Riviera dei Fiori, where is it Sanremo (the city of flowers), famous for the Italian Song Festival and its casino. These two rivieras are among the most beautiful and interesting areas to visit on the Ligurian coast.
Among the most interesting activities to do in Liguria we find the scuba diving to observe and admire a "panorama" of extraordinary beauty. The Ligurian Sea has some of the most beautiful marine reserves cities: Cinque Terre, Gallinara, Portovenere, Berteggi, Portofino, Capo Mortola and the famous Cetacean Sanctuary.
Where to stay in Liguria
GenoVa
Genoa is not only the regional capital but also one more visit. For the ease in reaching it, for being a good starting point for visiting the west or east riviera, and for the many attractions it offers, stay in Genoa for at least a couple of days or for a weekend it is definitely worth it.
Genoa is the ancient capital of the Republic of Genoa, which for many centuries dominated maritime trade in the Mediterranean. The main attractions are the port area, which also includes theGenova's aquarium, the largest in Italy and one of the most famous in the world, and the Old Town of Genoa, a world heritage site.
Walking through the streets of Genoa is very pleasant, while admiring the facades of the historic buildings between small and welcoming alleys. The avenues are full of cafes and bars outdoors to relax and enjoy the landscape. They are not missing elegant shops high fashion and restaurants where to taste the excellent Ligurian cuisine, made especially of fish and seafood.
One of the most beautiful features of Genoa are its beautiful views, both towards the hills and the mountainous areas of the hinterland, and towards the sea, where you can admire the old modernized port and the coasts that embrace the Ligurian gulf.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Genoa
Car, plane, ship, ferry or plane are all great choices for get to Genoa if you want to visit only cities. If, on the other hand, you also want to visit the Ligurian Riviera and / or the western one, we recommend theauto, or to rent a car upon arrival.
THECristoforo Colombo Airport Genoa offers numerous connections to airports, with many also low cost flights operated by airlines such as Alitalia, Ryanair, Blu Express and Volotea. From the airport you can easily reach the city by renting a car or taking the airport shuttle.
It is easy to get to Genoa even in train, there are connections from Milan, Rome, Turin and Tuscany, with train changes in Pisa or Viareggio. Genoa can also be reached in nave, with ferries departing from Palermo in Sicily, and Olbia and Porto Torres in Sardinia.
La Spezia
La Spezia is located at the eastern end of the Liguria region, a few kilometers from the border with Tuscany, in the center of a deep natural gulf to which it gives its name. The Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets, is surrounded by a range of beautiful hills.
La Spezia is one wonderful city with a beautiful sea that merges with the nearby mountains. The streets are lined with trees and plants, while near the beach there are many beautiful and well-kept gardens. The city hosts a large military port and part of its territory falls within the Cinque Terre National Park.
The city matters over 1.000 hotels for the most part located near the port or in the historic center area. For short stays we recommend a hotels, while for longer periods one of many apartments and holiday homes available for tourists. La Spezia is also a good area to stay for visiting the Cinque Terre and to spend less on accommodation.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in La Spezia
If you arrive in auto, La Spezia is crossed by the state road 1 Via Aurelia (SS 1), which for a stretch coincides with the E80 which connects Rome to Ventimiglia. The motorways serving the city are the A12 Genoa-Rome and the A15 Italy Parma-La Spezia.
To get in plane Pisa airport is 80 km away while Genoa airport is 100 km away. There are train connections from Genoa, Parma and Pisa. The city also has a port tourist with connections to nearby coastal locations and where cruise ships dock.
Sanremo
Located on the Riviera di Ponente, near the border with France, Sanremo is internationally famous for Italian Song Festival, the most important singing event in our country. During the days of the event, the city is decorated with millions of flowers and numerous cultural and tourist events take place.
Nicknamed the "city of flowers”, It is an interesting holiday destination even during the winter. The symbol of the city is the imposing Casino, an architectural masterpiece right in the center of the city. Stroll through the streets of the Old Town, where there are high fashion shops and boutiques or at sunset on the seafront, it is very pleasant.
The center of Sanremo is quite small and the main places of interest are within easy reach walking. If you want, you can rent a bicycle to move along the coast. There beach it is equipped enough to spend pleasant days by the sea. With over 700 hotels, except in the high season, finding good accommodation is not difficult.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Sanremo
La railway station and bus terminal of Sanremo are both located in the city center. There are train connections with Ventimiglia, Genoa and Turin. If you arrive by car, finding a parking space, especially near the historic center, can be quite difficult. The airports the closest are that of Nice, just 50 km away and that of Genoa about 130 km.
Rapallo
Rapallo, located in the western part of Gulf of Tigullio, is a good place to start to visit the Cinque Terre or Portofino area. The main ones attractions of the city are the Castle on the Sea, the Torre dei Fieschi, the ruined monastery of Valle Christie, the Sanctuary of Montallegro, Porta delle Saline, the Lace Museum, the promenade and its beautiful beach.
The city, divided into two parts from the Boate stream, it extends from the coast to the hills. The city, for the quality of the services of the tourist port, has been awarded with the Blue Flag. From spring, Rapallo becomes a festival of colors for millions of fiori that bloom, and that make the landscape wonderful.
Even if it is a small city, the climate, the geographical position, the tranquility, the natural and scenic beauty, have made it a important tourist destination. The city offers an interesting hotel offer, with over 300 accommodations of various types. The hotels are more suitable for couples and short stays, while the apartments are for families with children and for long stays.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Rapallo
Rapallo is connected byhighway Genoa - Pisa and from railway line Genoa - Pisa, with regional trains. L'airport the closest international airport is the Genoa airport.
Imperia
While it's not a real tourist destination, it is an excellent and central place to stay if you want to explore the surrounding tourist areas, with a decent offer of tourist services. One of the most beautiful areas for holiday at the seaside Is that of Porto Maurizio.
The city center and the beach can be easily explored walking. On the other hand, hiking outside the city becomes more challenging, due to the differences in altitude. With nearly 500 accommodations and hotel facilities, it is a good area to stay even for those looking for a good value for money.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Imperia
You can get to Imperia with your own car, bus or train. The closest international airports are Genoa and Nice. Arriving by car or renting one is highly recommended, as you will very often be out of the city.
Finale Ligure
Known for its white sand beaches and beautiful views, Finale Ligure is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The town is located in the area of Riviera of the Palms, about 60 km from Genoa. Much of the city extends over gentle hillsides which make it very characteristic.
The city is divided into three areas: Marina Final, the urban and tourist seaside area along the coast; Final Pia, located between Varigotti and Finale Marina; And Finalborgo, the old medieval historic center of Finale Ligure, located inland 2 km from the sea. The seafront it is lined with palm trees and many restaurants.
The territory surrounding Finale is made up of limestone plateaus and canyons that are home to significant biodiversity and important Roman and medieval remains. The wide Sandy beach, Old Town, as well as the numerous restaurants and cafes they attract many tourists during the summer.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure has a good hotel offer, with nearly 300 structures and lodgings. For those looking for beach holidays, it is advisable to stay in the Finale Marina area, the largest and also the most touristy, the quieter areas are Finalpia and Finalborgo. You can get there easily by car or train.
Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante is one famous seaside resort on the coast of the Gulf of Tigullio on the Riviera di Levante. Being located on two bays, is defined as the "city of two seas". Its historic center is occupied by the small and imposing Portobello peninsula.
It is possible to reach Sestri Levante in auto with the A12 motorway or with the Via Aurelia. L'airport the closest international airport is the Cristoforo Colombo in Genoa, about 60 km from Sestri Levante. There railway station di Sestri offers direct connections to Genoa, Pisa and Milan.
Both on the Baia delle Favole and on the Baia del Silenzio they are located equipped beaches with umbrellas and sunbeds, but also free beaches where to spend pleasant days. The locality offers nearly 200 hotels of medium-high level, finding cheap hotels and accommodations is not easy.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Sestri Levante
From Sestri Levante you can visit Portofino, the whole area of the Gulf of Tigullio and that of the Cinque Terre. The best way to get there from Sestri Levante is by train. For lovers of trekking and walks among nature, you can make excursions to the inland mountainous areas.
Alassio
Alassio is located on the Riviera di Ponente, between Capo Mele and Capo Santa Croce about 90 km from Genoa, and is among the most famous seaside tourist destinations of Liguria. Most tourists arrive during the summertime, but there are tourists, even if few, even during the winter.
The city has sandy beaches bathed by an intense blue sea and a seafront with many bars and restaurants. The most important tourist place in the city is the small marina Luca Ferrari. For the quality of water and services, Alassio was awarded the Blue Flag. Its 3 km long natural sandy beach has a slight slope towards the sea.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Alassio
Il Alassio pier or Bestoso pier it is one of the most pleasant places in the city to stroll and to enjoy splendid views over the city. For stay the waterfront area is recommended, which has a wide and varied offer of accommodation, including many hotels and tourist apartments.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure, also called the pearl of Tigullio, is a small and elegant port city on the Riviera di Levante. Located in Portofino Regional Natural Park, in the southern part of the promontory, is a cozy seaside resort with luxury shops, villas and large yachts parked in the marina.
The city is away about 35 km from Genoa and is surrounded by the slopes of the Ligurian Apennines, an area rich in thick Mediterranean vegetation. Even in the city there is no shortage parks and gardens which offer beautiful views of the Coast of the Dolphins, which separates the town from Portofino.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Santa Margherita Ligure
The locality attracts thousands of Italian and foreign tourists to the beautiful marina with yachts and luxury boats, for city, due to the presence of important high fashion shops e luxurious hotels, and especially for its proximity to the renowned resort of Portofino.
Diano Marina
Diano Marina, also called the "City of oranges”For the many orange trees that line the streets, it is a note seaside resort with long sandy beaches. The economy of the city is based on activities related to tourism, especially in summer.
The city is located on the eastern border of the so-called Riviera dei Fiori. The bathing season goes from mid-May to mid-September. For its mild climate the city receives some tourism also in the other periods of the year.
There are both free beaches and equipped beaches. Almost all of the Old Town it is a pedestrian zone in the evening with many bars, pizzerias and restaurants. The hotel offer is decent and it is a good destination for beach holidays for families with children.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Diano Marina
It is advisable to reach Diano Marina in auto, although the city also has one railway station on the Genoa - Ventimiglia railway line.
Portofino
The city of Portofino is located in a natural harbor, at the southwestern end of the Gulf of Tigullio. Known for its picturesque harbor and a class tourism, this popular tourist resort offers excellent hotels, all within easy reach of the port. For lovers of beach we recommend the area of Paraggi, with both free and equipped beaches.
The city is not big, most of the hotels, bars and restaurants are within walking distance of the port, in fact, it can be easily visited on foot. The picturesque surroundings of Portofino have been the backdrop for numerous films. The marina is home to boats and luxurious yachts which contribute to the charm and worldliness of the area.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Portofino
Portofino is the destination of tourist numbers during the summer period. Due to the extremely confined space and popularity of the area, it is recommended that you arrive by public transport. Hire a motorcycle or scooter it might be a good choice. If the available budget allows it, you can also rent a boat.
The entire municipal area is included in the Portofino Regional Natural Park. The best choice for enjoying the wonders of the park is walk its paths more characteristic and fascinating, all well marked. Crossing the dense network of over 60 km, it is possible to discover the richness and variety of the natural environments, the views and the monuments of the promontory.
Bordighera
Bordighera is one famous holiday and seaside resort located about 20 km from the French border and 10 km from Sanremo. The economy of the city is mainly based on the tourism, thanks to the favorable climate and the beauty of the place. The attractions the main ones are churches, museums, gardens, monuments and historic buildings.
Bordighera has a special microclimate with mild summers and not cold winters, with relatively low humidity. For his rich Mediterranean flora, made of palms, olive trees and orange and lemon trees, and for the magnificent landscapes, Bordighera is described by travelers, painters and poets as an area of exceptional beauty.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Bordighera
La Via Romana divides the city into two parts, the old town and the new area. The Old Town of Bordighera is located on a hill and is the most characteristic area, where there are the remains of the walls and the 3 historic city gates. There modern part it stretches along the coast and consists mainly of hotels, Art Nouveau villas with beautiful gardens and a beautiful promenade.
Savona
Savona, located on the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente and 45 km from Genoa, is the third largest city in Liguria and is best known for its port, which is used by merchant ships as well as by cruise ships and ferries. In addition to the port, Savona offers a charming historic center, a fortress and beautiful beaches.
The most interesting area is the Old Town, while its beaches awarded with the Blue Flag, are among the most popular in Liguria. Among the many outdoor activities to do, in addition to relaxing on the beach, we find fishing and numerous excursions that can be done by bike or on foot. L'hotel offer is decent, with good solutions for those looking for a good value for money.
Savona is located atcrossing of two highways: the Autostrada dei Fiori which connects Genoa with Ventimiglia and the A6 Savona-Turin motorway. Savona is an important road junction, easily accessible in auto from Genoa, the journey on the motorway takes just over half an hour. Savona also has a major railway station.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Savona
It is the third port of Liguria for its importance, after Genoa and La Spezia. Savona is also an important one marina, equipped with an efficient and modern maritime station where many dock every year cruise ships, and above all the Costa Cruises terminal. In the nearby town of Vado Ligure depart i ferries to Corsica and Sardinia.
Portovenere
Portovenere, located in the Cinque Terre National Park, is a small fishing village with colorful houses, one next to the other, which mix their bright colors with the deep blue of the sea. In front of Portovenere are the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, which together with the Cinque Terre are World Heritage by UNESCO.
The main attractions of Porto Venere include a fortress located above the city, the Doria Castle, the church of San Pietro or natural places such as the famous sea caves. East of Porto Venere is the famous and enchanting Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Portovenere
Portovenere together with the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto form the Porto Venere regional natural park, a protected natural area with high coasts, caves and a rich and luxuriant vegetation. The landscape that this area offers is unique and wonderful at any time of the year.
Portovenere, being a small one very popular and popular tourist resort, even by VIPs and wealthy tourists, during the summer season it has almost all the hotels fully booked. To stay are available hotel, bed and breakfast, pensioni e residence of a high standard, but the offer is small.
San Bartolomeo al Mare
San Bartolomeo al Mare, located on the Riviera di Ponente at the eastern end of the Riviera dei Fiori, is a splendid destination for beach holidays for families with children e for those looking for a relaxing location where to enjoy sun, sea, beaches and nature.
The main attractions are his characteristic and historical ancient village of medieval origin, the wide beaches awarded for several years with the Blue Flag, and numerous parties which take place during the summer.
The enchanting position in which it is located, allows San Bartolomeo al Mare to receive the sun from sunrise to sunset. The locality is chosen for the rich tourist offer, for modern and equipped bathing establishments with everything the tourist may need, and for his own sunny waterfront until sunset where you can take relaxing walks.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in San Bartolomeo a Mare
To move around the city you can use the service "Bartolo Bus", a free bus which allows you not to use the car for travel. The tourist offer is very wide and varied, with bars, restaurants, shop of all kinds where to shop and buy souvenirs e modern hotels where to spend pleasant holidays.
Pietra Ligure
Pietra Ligure, located about 60 km from Genoa and 20 km from Savona, is one renowned tourist resort. This ancient seaside village is today one of the most popular and well-known seaside resorts of Liguria. The mild climate all year round and the long sandy beaches attract thousands of tourists every year.
This city, on the Riviera di Ponente, has approx 6 km of coastline with well-equipped bathing establishments, but also free beaches. In addition to the sea, Pietra Ligure also has a wonderful historic center, divided into Borgo Vecchio and Borgo Nuovo.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Pietra Ligure
The city is divided into two parts from the Maremola stream. The area on the left side it has few hotels, but it is the one closest to the railway station and has a large free beach. The area on the right side it has many more hotels and is also the most touristic one. Pietra Ligure can also be easily reached by car.
Spotorno
Located 45 km from Genoa and about 10 km from Savona, Spotorno is a important tourist center of the Riviera delle Palme. The historic center retains the typical structure of the coastal villages of Liguria, with a linear development along the coast.
Check availability and rates for accommodation and hotels in Spotorno
The locality has undergone renovations and modifications to accommodate the tourist flow from year to year more and more increasing. The most beautiful and touristic area, and also the best one to stay at, is its promenade where there are splendid gardens. The coast made up of a sandy beach offers various bathing establishments equipped with numerous bars and restaurants.
When to go to Liguria
Liguria has a Mediterranean climate, influenced by the sea that mitigates the air and by the orography of the region, which during the winter protects it from the cold winds from the north. During the'winter the days are not very cold, with daytime temperatures of 12-16 ° C, while in summer temperatures range from 24 ° to 28 ° C.
Most rainfall they occur in the winter months, especially during October and November, while the driest months are June, July and August. During the winter the wind it might be a little annoying.
Having made these premises to visit Liguria spring and early summer these are the two ideal periods, the temperatures are perfect for long and pleasant walks with almost always sunny days. The months of July, August and September they are the ideal periods for beach holidays.
How to get to Liguria
Even if it only has one airport, reaching Liguria is quite easy and comfortable. The road and rail system is well developed, easily connecting all the towns along the coast. The car or the train are the best choices if you want to visit more places.
By plane
The Cristoforo Colombo international airport in Genoa offers numerous daily connections with airports and Europe. It also offers a large number of low cost flights, making Liguria also an economic destination to reach.
Turin or Pisa airport could also be a good alternative choice to reach Liguria if you find good airfares to these two airports.
By train
The train allows you to reach all the main tourist destinations along the coast. In addition to being a good and cheap choice to reach Liguria, the train is certainly a good choice to move between the various locations, especially for example between the towns of the Cinque Terre.
By car
The Ligurian coast and its localities are well connected by a valid motorway system. The car is certainly a good choice also for moving between the various locations, but perhaps in the smaller villages it could be a bit uncomfortable to drive around by car.
