You’ve likely seen snaps of Liguria, Italy, on social media or in travel guides. This stunning region in northwest Italy is best known for its colorful villages and fantastic food. Still, it is also home to the underrated city of Genoa, the chic Italian Riviera, and beautiful beaches you must see to believe.
Are you curious to know more? Then, you’ll want to keep reading our complete guide to Liguria, Italy, based on our team’s years of firsthand experience. We have traveled the region for over a decade and worked with local experts while crafting itineraries for our Italy travel clients.
There is so much to see and do in this corner of Italy, but many travelers don’t know much beyond Cinque Terre. So, in this guide, we will go over all the essential information about Liguria, Italy, including the region’s history, when to go, what to eat, the best towns to visit, and how to get there.
After 12 years of living in Italy, hosting an exchange student from Liguria, and having an au pair with a Ligurian mother, Liguria has become a second home. Our Italian summer home is also only 30 minutes south of this region, and I’ve developed a deep bond with the people and the culture. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Italy, and it will indeed become yours, too. In short, once you go, Liguria, Italy, stays with you forever.
Where is Liguria, Italy?
Liguria is a crescent-shaped region in northwestern Italy, bordered by France to the west, Piedmont to the north, Emilia-Romagna to the east, and Tuscany to the south. This narrow region hugs the Ligurian Sea and is backed by the Apennine Mountains and the Maritime Alps.
The result is a unique landscape where picturesque small towns are often perched on steep hillsides with dramatic panoramic views. This geography, combined with its seafaring history (see below), shapes the region’s culture, food, wine, and people.
Locals will attest that the physical distance from the rest of Italy (thanks to all those mountains) means Ligurians are unique in character. The stereotype is that Ligurians are gruff and salty, but we find that outdated. People from Liguria are known for their quiet resilience, independent spirit, and deep connection to the sea and land, embodying a balance of tenacity, resourcefulness, and a love for tradition, particularly in their cuisine and craftsmanship.
A Brief History of Liguria
The region’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric settlements found in caves along the Ligurian coast. The ancient Ligurians were one of Italy’s earliest peoples, and the region later became an essential part of the Roman Empire.
Today, when traveling around the region, you may be surprised to find that you can still find many ruins to visit. My favorite ruins are in Luni, which was initially named Luna by the Romans. If you’re traveling into the region of Liguria from Tuscany, consider stopping in Luni to see them.
Fast-forward to the Middle Ages and Liguria was defined by powerful maritime republics, most notably the Republic of Genoa, which flourished as a significant naval and commercial power from the 11th to the 18th century. Genoa’s influence extended across the Mediterranean, leading to a thriving trade economy and the construction of impressive fortifications, palaces, and churches.
Over the centuries, Liguria experienced various foreign occupations, including Spanish, French, and Austrian rule, before becoming part of unified Italy in 1861. Today, remnants of its illustrious past can be seen in its historic port cities, medieval villages, grand architecture, and in regional cuisine.
What is the Italian Riviera?
The Italian Riviera refers to Liguria’s stunning coastline along the Ligurian Sea. Stretching from the French border down to Tuscany, it is known for its quaint fishing villages, colorful cliffside towns, and glamorous resorts. The Riviera is divided into two parts:
Riviera di Ponente (Western Riviera): This area extends from Genoa to the French border and includes popular destinations such as Sanremo, Alassio, and Bordighera. It is known for its sandy beaches and relaxed but high-end atmosphere.
Riviera di Levante (Eastern Riviera): This area extends from Genoa to La Spezia and includes the famous Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure. It offers dramatic cliffs, charming harbors, and colorful towns.
Check out our expert guide to learn more about the Italian Riviera.
Towns to Visit in Liguria
The appeal of visiting Liguria, Italy, for many travelers, is the numerous small yet charming towns. While the five towns of Cinque Terre are undoubtedly a highlight of Liguria (and the region’s most popular tourist destination), many other beautiful towns are worth exploring.
Sanremo: Known as the “City of Flowers,” Sanremo is famous for its annual music festival, beautiful gardens, and historic casino. It is also very kid-friendly, with wide sidewalks and lots of places to explore outside.
Genoa: The capital of Liguria, Italy, Genoa boasts a rich maritime history, stunning palaces (my favorite is Palazzi dei Rolli), and one of the largest historic centers in Europe. It’s also home to the famous Aquarium of Genoa. I also find Genoa a bit “industrial” looking, but if you stick to the historic center or old town, it still has lots of history and charm.
Camogli: A colorful fishing village with a beautiful crescent beach, and excellent seafood restaurants. I had the best food of my entire Liguria experience in Camogli. It’s small and quaint but it packs a big foodie punch.
Santa Margherita Ligure: A charming coastal town between Rapallo and Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure offers a more relaxed atmosphere, beautiful villas worth exploring, and a family-friendly waterfront promenade.
Portofino: Portofino is a glamorous seaside town known for its harbor, luxury boutiques, and scenic hiking trails. While I like Portofino, it can be a tourist trap in the height of summer. If you want to see it, I recommend going in September or October.
Sestri Levante: Famous for its two stunning bays, Baia del Silenzio and Baia delle Favole, this town is an excellent alternative to the more crowded tourist spots. It’s one of my favorite hidden gem towns along the coastline and is a popular destination for Italians, so you’ll find yourself among many national travelers.
Check out this article to learn more about our favorite Italian Riviera towns.
Classic Foods From Liguria, Italy
Liguria is a food lover’s paradise, with a cuisine heavily influenced by its coastal location and Mediterranean climate. It is one of my top three food regions in Italy, and for good reason.
I have never eaten better than with a Ligurian in my kitchen, and going to a good restaurant in Liguria never disappoints. Here are some of my must-try dishes:
Pesto alla Genovese: The region’s most famous dish, this green sauce is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s traditionally served with trofie pasta. If you can find a place traditionally making pesto with a mortar and pestle, you’re in for a real treat.
Focaccia: Ligurian focaccia is world-famous, with Focaccia Genovese being the best known. In Liguria, this delicious, olive oil-rich flatbread can be enjoyed plain, with onions, or topped with cheese (like in the famous Focaccia di Recco, which you must try once in your life). My favorite focaccia is the ones they serve smothered in pesto sauce. Look for a place that makes the pesto fresh daily, and prepare to taste heaven.
Farinata: A thin, crispy chickpea pancake cooked in a wood-fired oven, farinata is a simple yet delicious street food popular in Genoa and throughout the region. A word to the parents: the texture (a bit creamy) can be off-putting for some. I like it, but my kids won’t go near the Ligurian version because it’s “squishy” in the middle.
Seafood Dishes: Given its coastal location, Liguria offers a wealth of seafood delicacies, including acciughe ripiene (stuffed anchovies) and cappon magro, a seafood and vegetable salad traditionally served on festive occasions. If you find yourself in Camogli don’t sleep on the mussels and clams. Some of the best I have ever had come from the waters just off the town.
Torta Pasqualina: A savory pie made with layers of thin pastry filled with spinach, chard, eggs, and ricotta cheese, a classic Italian Easter food.
For more on what to eat in Liguria (and where to eat it), check out our Liguria Foods article.
The Best Time to Visit Liguria
The best time to visit Liguria depends on your interests and crowd tolerance. The most popular time is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for going to the beach and doing outdoor activities. However, this is also peak tourist season, especially in Cinque Terre and Portofino, when a madhouse of American tourists heads along the beaten track.
Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the area’s natural beauty. However, beach days will be hit or miss because Liguria, Italy, is pretty far north, so the summer ends earlier than in Southern Italy.
Winter (November-March) is the quietest season, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but it’s a great time to explore Genoa’s cultural sites and enjoy Ligurian cuisine without the crowds. I wouldn’t visit the smaller towns in the off-season, though, as services such as public transport, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc, can be spotty.
I first learned this when I decided to hike from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza in November. Not only was it very cold and windy, but it had rained recently, and many of the paths were muddy, wet, and slippery. When I got to Vernazza I had intended to eat a leisurely hot lunch before heading back to Monterosso by train, but I was so cold, wet, and dirty, I ended up just taking the train straight back to Monterosso.
So, think about what you want to do in Liguria, Italy before you book your trip.
How to Get to Liguria
By Plane
The main airport serving Liguria is Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) in Genoa. It offers direct flights from several European cities, including London, Paris, and Munich.
Travelers from outside Europe typically connect through significant hubs such as Rome (Fiumicino Airport) or Milan (Malpensa or Linate Airport) before reaching Liguria by train or car.
By Train
Liguria has an excellent rail network, with frequent train services connecting it to other major Italian cities. The main railway line runs along the coast, linking Genoa with towns like La Spezia, Sanremo, and Ventimiglia. High-speed trains from Milan, Turin, and Rome make reaching Liguria easy and efficient.
By Car
For those who prefer driving, Liguria is accessible via the A10, A12, and A15 motorways. The scenic coastal roads offer breathtaking views but can be challenging due to their winding nature. Parking can also be difficult in smaller villages.
Driving is my least favorite way to explore the area, so consider other options first. The geography makes driving around very challenging, but I have an Italian husband who insists on driving everywhere.
As such, we have gotten in our fair share of predicaments in Liguria, including getting stuck on a one-way street that was too narrow for our car, parking illegally and almost getting towed, countless tickets for driving in limited traffic zones as well as day trips in which we walked literal miles to get into town and back from our parking spot.
Take it from me: if you have to drive in Liguria, drive to a central city like Genoa or La Spezia, then switch to train travel to hit the smaller coastal towns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liguria Italy
Liguria, located in northwest Italy, is a narrow coastal strip between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps and Apennines mountains. It's known for its dramatic coastline, picturesque towns, and as the birthplace of pesto.
The region extends from the French border at Ventimiglia to the eastern border near La Spezia. It is divided into the Riviera di Ponente to the west and the Riviera di Levante to the east.
Here is a bit about traveling to Liguria Italy, throughout the year:
- Spring (April to June): Ideal for visiting, as the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom, yet the region is not as crowded as in the summer. This is a great time to explore outdoor activities such as hiking the Cinque Terre trails.
- Summer (July to August): This is the peak tourist season, perfect for beach enthusiasts looking to enjoy the seaside and vibrant nightlife. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices.
- Autumn (September to October): It offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it an excellent time to visit historical sites and participate in local festivals, such as the Genoa Pesto World Championship.
- Winter (November to March): Quieter and more remarkable, some coastal areas can be very calm, and though it might be too cold for swimming, the winter months are ideal for enjoying the region’s cultural offerings without the crowds.
Here are tips for how to get to Liguria, Italy:
- Getting There: The main gateways to Liguria are through the Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport or by train and road from other major Italian cities. The region is well-connected by the Italian railway network.
- Transportation Within Liguria: Traveling by train is one of the most efficient ways to explore the coastline, especially the more tourist-heavy areas like Cinque Terre. For more flexibility, renting a car is advisable for visiting the inland areas and smaller towns where public transport may be less frequent.
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Trains In Italy
There is much to explore in Liguria, Italy, from the historical center of Genoa to hiking in the Ligurian Apennines. And, as you can probably guess from our travel tips above, we think the best way to explore the region is by train. The Ligurian coastline is well-connected by regional trains, making it easy to hop between cities.
For tips on navigating Italy’s rail system, booking tickets, and making the most of your journey, check out our train in Italy guide to ensure a hassle-free adventure.
Classic Ligurian Recipes
Looking to get a taste of Liguria, Italy, before you travel there? Here are a few of our readers’ favorites from the region of Liguria!
Liguria Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to Liguria, Italy, in real life? Check out our free Liguria Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles.
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