LIGURIA
This region is a narrow, crescent-shaped land of stunning, steep coastlines, colorful fishing villages, and hidden coves. This guide helps you explore the Italian Riviera’s dramatic landscapes, savor its unique pesto and seafood, and discover the charm of its historic port cities.
Why Visit Liguria?
Cinque Terre’s Beauty: Hike between five iconic, cliff-side villages famous for their brightly colored houses and stunning sea views.
World-Class Cuisine: This region is the birthplace of pesto and is celebrated for its fresh seafood and unique focaccia bread.
The Italian Riviera: Discover the chic, glamorous atmosphere of coastal towns like Portofino and Sanremo.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): The ideal time to visit for hiking in the Cinque Terre and exploring the seaside towns. The weather is pleasant, and crowds are manageable.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Many restaurants and hotels close, especially in smaller towns.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is hot, sunny, and perfect for swimming, but be prepared for high prices and significant crowds throughout the Riviera.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Genova
Genoa is the capital of Liguria and a major historic port city. It boasts a spectacular historic center (one of Europe’s largest), a revitalized waterfront, and a vibrant food scene. It serves as an excellent base for exploring both the Eastern and Western Rivieras.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the city, dive into the carrugi (narrow medieval alleyways) just behind the port. Get lost and discover hidden shops and trattorias.
Cinque Terre
This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site is composed of five colorful villages perched precariously on the cliffs: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. It is a must-see destination for its hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Your Smart Tip: Buy the Cinque Terre Card to get unlimited access to the trekking paths, local trains, and eco-friendly buses that connect the villages.
Riviera di Levante (Eastern Riviera)
The coastline from Genoa toward Tuscany, home to the most famous and fashionable resorts. It includes the stunning natural park of Portofino, the elegant town of Santa Margherita Ligure, and the colorful fishing village of Camogli.
Your Smart Tip: Instead of staying in the expensive Portofino, base yourself in Rapallo or Santa Margherita Ligure for better value and easy ferry access.
Riviera di Ponente (Western Riviera)
This part of the Riviera stretches from Genoa toward the French border, known for its wider beaches, warmer climate, and flower production. Key towns include the glamorous Sanremo and the charming medieval village of Finale Ligure.
Your Smart Tip: For a more active vacation, the Western Riviera is renowned for its world-class mountain biking trails, especially around Finale Ligure.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is typically Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry, and sunny summers. Coastal areas enjoy warmer temperatures, while the inland mountains can be much cooler. The sea helps to moderate temperatures year-round.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Italian is the official language. While English is spoken in tourist centers, learning a few basic Italian phrases is appreciated.
Dining: Lunch is usually served around 1:00 PM and dinner around 8:00 PM. Tipping is not mandatory, but leaving a few extra Euros for good service is customary.
Pace of Life: Liguria has a generally relaxed pace. Rushing is unusual, and locals value savoring meals and conversation.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($35–$60), mid-range hotels ($90–$160), luxury ($200+). Prices are significantly higher in the Cinque Terre and Portofino.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($75+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), train ticket (inter-city), Cinque Terre Card (approx. $18/day).
Activities: Boat tours ($30–$50), museum entrance ($10–$15).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$110 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $130–$200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train: The most convenient way to explore the coast. An efficient train network connects all major towns, including the five villages of the Cinque Terre.
By Ferry: A beautiful and recommended way to travel between coastal towns like Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the Cinque Terre.
By Car: While a car is useful for exploring the inland areas, it is not recommended for the coast due to narrow roads, limited parking, and ZTLs (restricted traffic zones).
Must-Try Food
Pesto Genovese: The region’s most famous export: a sauce of basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Sardo, and olive oil.
Focaccia Genovese: A light, oily, and slightly salted flatbread, often eaten for breakfast.
Farinata: A thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour, baked in a wood-fired oven.
Trofie al Pesto: Hand-rolled, small, twisted pasta served with the classic pesto sauce.
Pansoti con Salsa di Noci: A type of ravioli filled with wild herbs and topped with a creamy walnut sauce.
Cima alla Genovese: A veal breast stuffed with a mixture of vegetables, eggs, cheese, and sometimes sweetbreads, served cold.
Torta Pasqualina: A savory pie traditionally eaten at Easter, made with thin layers of pastry, ricotta, spinach, and whole eggs.
Acciughe Fritte: Fresh anchovies, lightly floured and quickly deep-fried, a classic seaside snack.
Stoccafisso Accomodato: Stockfish (dried cod) prepared with potatoes, pine nuts, olives, and tomatoes.
Canestrelli: Small, delicate, ring-shaped shortbread cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
Must-Try Drinks
Vermentino: A crisp, dry white wine produced on the Ligurian coast, perfect with seafood.
Sciacchetrà: A rare and sweet dessert wine from the Cinque Terre, made from dried grapes.
Pigato: Another excellent local white wine, slightly more full-bodied than Vermentino.
Cinqueterre DOC: A dry white wine blend produced in the immediate area of the five villages.
Rosso della Riviera Ligure di Ponente: A light, often fruity red wine from the Western Riviera.
Limoncino (or Limoncello): A sweet, strong lemon liqueur, typically served chilled after a meal.
Grappa: A potent grape-based pomace brandy, popular as a digestif.
Acqua Minerale: Sparkling or still mineral water, the standard non-alcoholic table drink.