When you hear the words “Italian Riviera towns,” what comes to mind? When I first moved to Italy, it meant only one thing: Cinque Terre. But that does Liguria a disservice because it has many charming towns stretching along its crescent-shaped coastline.
After living in Italy for 12 years, I think of the Italian Riviera towns differently. They are various places united by culture but each with a distinct style and appeal. I have traveled there extensively and arranged many Italy travel services.
The Italian Riviera has some of the most famous towns in Northern Italy, such as Portofino, the Cinque Terre (or five villages), and Genoa. But, here I’m sharing five Italian Riviera towns outside the usual.
To be clear, we don’t dislike Cinque Terre. The five villages are beautiful and popular for a reason! However, they’re also jam-packed and over-visited.
For example, I remember trying to catch a train to La Spezia from the Cinque Terre village of Riomaggiore. I watched four trains pass, and none had enough space. On the fifth train, I had to make it on at all costs, or I would miss my connection home to Florence.
I squeezed into the train and found my face right in the armpit of a large, very smelly man. And yes, in case you were wondering, he wore a tank top. At that moment, I promised to explore the lesser-visited Italian Riviera towns. The Cinque Terre is lovely, but no view is worth a hairy armpit in my face!
Five Italian Riviera Towns To Know
If you are ready to explore another area of the Italian Riviera, read on. But first, remember that the Riviera is vast, extending from the French border on its northwest side to Tuscany in the south.
Based on years of personal experience and client testimonials, these five Italian Riviera towns in Liguria Italy have captured our hearts. From northwest to southeast, they are Sanremo, Camogli, Santa Margherita, Porto Venere, and Lerici.
Sanremo
Set closer to the French border than the city of Genoa, Sanremo is in the western stretch of the Ligurian coast called the Riviera Ponente.
Sanremo is known as the “City of Flowers” and one of the most glamorous Italian Riviera towns. It is famous for its beautiful gardens, historic Belle Époque buildings, and lively cultural scene. It is also home to Italy’s most prestigious music festival of the same name and combines seaside charm with a touch of old-world elegance.
As a mother with two small kids, I like Sanremo because it’s one of the most kid-friendly Italian Riviera towns. Children will love the long beach, the palm trees, the music scene, and the manicured green spaces. There are plenty of gardens to visit and explore and many places to eat along the promenade, where kids can enjoy the view (or even run around a bit).
What Makes It Worth Visiting:
- An Elegant Seaside Promenade: Stroll along Corso Imperatrice, lined with palm trees and providing stunning views of the Ligurian Sea.
- A Historic Casino & Music Scene: Visit the iconic Casino di Sanremo or experience the renowned Sanremo Music Festival.
- The Mediterranean Gardens: Explore lush botanical gardens and historic villas, such as Villa Nobel (so named after Alfred Nobel, of the “Nobel Prize” who lived here for a time) and Villa Ormond.
How to Get To Sanremo:
- Train: Easily accessible by train from Genoa or Nice, it’s an easy, scenic coastal route even kids will love.
- Car: Driving is an option, but parking can be challenging in peak seasons.
Insider Tip: Rent a bike and ride the 24-km “pista ciclabile” or biking path, that follows an old railway line and the coast
Camogli
Nicknamed the “City of a Thousand White Sails,” Camogli is a charming fishing village just a few train stops south of Genoa. The town is renowned for its vibrant buildings, lively harbor, and scenic pebble beach.
Of all the Italian Riviera towns on this list, Camogli is a perfect getaway for seafood enthusiasts and travelers looking for a more relaxed yet authentic experience.
It is number one in my book because of the food: bakeries serve the famous local focaccia, Focaccia di Recco, and various pastries that are classic Liguria foods.
But also, one of the best pasta dishes I have ever eaten happens in this tiny seaside town. It’s called Pasta Fresca Fiorella, and at this tiny, unassuming hole-in-the-wall, you can enjoy the best pesto sauce you’ll ever eat. There is a reason it’s always crowded with locals, and they can get away with serving on plastic plates! The food is unbelievably delicious.
What Makes It Worth Visiting:
- A Walker’s Paradise: A long beach with strikingly colorful buildings lining the shore.
- Secluded Places to Explore: San Fruttuoso Abbey, a secluded monastery only accessible by boat or on foot.
- Ligurian Charm: Traditional Ligurian character with fewer crowds, plus unbeatable restaurants!
How to Get To Camogli:
- Train: Take a train from Genoa (about 30 minutes).
- Boat: Boat services connect Camogli to Portofino and on to San Fruttuoso.
Insider Tip: Visit the Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival) in May, where locals cook up giant portions of fried fish in an enormous pan by the harbor.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is a town set next to the better-known (and posher) Portofino, but it’s long been a favorite of our clients and us. It was the first town our founder, Aida, stayed in when she moved to Italy, and she was drawn to the kind locals who welcomed her into their community.
This seaside town has many residents, so it offers a more authentic experience than busier, more touristy Italian Riviera towns.
Set with pastel-hued buildings, elegant 19th-century villas, a palm-lined promenade, and plenty of Italian beach clubs, it’s a perfect blend of luxury and coastal charm. It’s also an excellent base for exploring nearby Portofino or beautiful Rapallo.
Santa Margherita Ligure is also pretty kid-friendly. You can easily walk around, visit nearby towns, and even take a funicular in Rapallo to see the hilltop Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro.
Walking and hiking enthusiasts will love walking from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino. It’s a little over an hour and not tricky, but the trail follows along some cliffs’ edge. I wouldn’t recommend it for kids under 12, but older kids and adults who love hiking will find it beautiful and fascinating.
Many of our travel clients choose this town as their base in the Italian Riviera. If you need help determining the best lodging for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What Makes It Worth Visiting:
- The Scenic Waterfront & Marina: Enjoy stunning sea views, luxury yachts, and cute fishing boats in the picturesque harbor.
- The Elegant Villas & Gardens: Stroll through Villa Durazzo’s lush gardens, which offer breathtaking coastline views.
- Easy Access to Other Towns: It is a great starting point for a boat ride around the peninsula. You can visit Portofino or San Fruttuoso. You can train to reach Camogli, Chiavari, Sestri Levante, or Cinque Terre.
How to Get To Santa Margherita Ligure:
Santa Margherita Ligure is well connected by train from Genoa and La Spezia.
Insider Tip: Try the local specialty pansori con salsa di noci, a delicious handmade pasta with walnut sauce (one of the dishes we cover in our What is Pesto article). FYI, I love Osteria Numero 7 for this dish!
Porto Venere
Porto Venere, a picturesque seaside town on the southeastern Ligurian coast, is a fantastic alternative to the often-crowded Cinque Terre. Located just south of the southernmost Cinque Terre town, Riomaggiore, Lerici is often considered the “sixth village.”
Along with the Cinque Terre, Porto Venere is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its historical and cultural significance. It’s a small town with big, dramatic cliffs, a historic castle, and a charming harbor lined with oh-so-Ligurian-colored buildings. Unlike the five villages of Cinque Terre, Porto Venere is a single, compact town, making it easy to explore on foot.
What Makes It Worth Visiting:
- Dramatic Coastal Beauty: Marvel at the rugged cliffs, sea caves, and stunning views from Byron’s Grotto.
- Rich History & Architecture: Explore the medieval Castello Doria and the striking Church of San Pietro perched on a rocky promontory.
- The Gateway to Palmaria Island: Take a short boat ride to Palmaria, a pristine island with hiking trails and secluded beaches. This is an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts.
How to Get To Porto Venere:
- Ferry: Take a ferry from La Spezia or Cinque Terre villages for a scenic arrival.
- Drive: Driving is possible, but parking is limited near the historic center.
Insider Tip: Our founder, Aida, used to boat here or to Lerici (below) from Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany, so it is a long but doable day trip. Be sure to visit at sunset for breathtaking golden-hour views of the Ligurian coast.
Lerici
This hidden gem in the Gulf of Poets is one of the southernmost spots in Liguria, but it is still part of the Italian Riviera towns. Lerici is a charming seaside town with a medieval castle, picturesque coves, and a sleepy, relaxed atmosphere.
We’re adding it to our list of Italian Riviera towns because, like Porto Venere, It is an excellent alternative to the busy Cinque Terre, offering stunning seaside views, historic charm, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Once a favorite retreat for writers like Lord Byron and Percy Shelley, Lerici exudes timeless beauty from the painted houses to the seaside walking path. Nestled along the Gulf of Poets, just south of La Spezia, Lerici boasts a scenic harbor lined with pastel-hued buildings and lively waterfront cafés.
What Makes It Worth Visiting:
- Spectacular Gulf Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Ligurian coastline, which, in my experience, is best seen from Castello di Lerici.
- Secluded Beaches & Crystal-Clear Water: Relax at charming coves like San Giorgio Beach or Fiascherino Bay.
- Literary & Historical Charm: Walk in the footsteps of Romantic poets and explore the well-preserved medieval old town.
How to Get To Lerici:
- Train And Bus or Ferry: Take a train to La Spezia, then a short bus or ferry ride to Lerici. I recommend the ferry as it’s faster and easier.
Insider Tip: Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at Ristorante il Frantoio Lerici.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Riviera Towns
Each of these towns offers unique attractions and vibes:
- Sanremo: Known as the City of Flowers for its colorful floral displays and also famous for hosting the annual Sanremo Music Festival. The town features a charming old town called La Pigna, beautiful beaches, and a renowned casino.
- Camogli: A picturesque fishing village noted for its beautifully painted houses lining the harbor and its annual Fish Fry Festival. Camogli also boasts a small but fascinating maritime museum and a stunning basilica.
- Santa Margherita Ligure: This elegant seaside town is known for its palm-lined harbor, Art Nouveau architecture, and as a gateway to the famous Portofino. Its vibrant atmosphere is complemented by lovely beaches and luxury hotels.
- Porto Venere: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Porto Venere offers breathtaking views, historic churches, and access to the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. Its picturesque streets and dramatic seaside cliffs make it a visual treat.
- Lerici: Famous for its castle that overlooks the bay, Lerici is a favorite among Italian vacationers. The town offers sandy beaches, a scenic golf course, and a quaint central square lined with gelato shops and cafes.
To truly enjoy these towns, consider the following tips:
- Accommodations: Stay in local boutique hotels or B&Bs to experience genuine hospitality and get insights from local hosts about the best places to visit.
- Transportation: While driving offers flexibility, parking can be scarce. Utilizing local ferries or trains is a picturesque and practical way to explore these coastal towns.
- Dining: Try local specialties in small trattorias or seafront restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and Ligurian dishes like pesto pasta and focaccia.
- Activities: To fully immerse yourself in the Riviera lifestyle, engage in local activities such as boat tours, hiking nearby trails, or visiting during local festivals.
The optimal times to visit these towns for good weather and fewer crowds are:
- Late Spring (May to June): The weather is warm but not too hot, and the tourist crowds are not as overwhelming as in peak summer.
- Early Fall (September to October): The sea remains warm enough for swimming, and the summer tourists have largely departed, making it easier to explore and relax.
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Get To Know The Italian Riviera
From the elegant resort town of Portofino to the laid-back fishing village of Camogli, these Italian Riviera towns provide an authentic and unforgettable experience of Italy’s coastal beauty.
If you’re new to this breathtaking region, check out our introduction to the Italian Riviera, where we explore its rich history, stunning landscapes, and why it’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
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