Liguria
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Latest page update: 17 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Liguria
Liguria offers a wide range of highly rated hotels, shaped by its narrow coastline, pastel-painted villages and elegant Riviera towns. In Portofino, Belmond Hotel Splendido is one of the region’s most iconic addresses, set above the harbour with terraced gardens, sea views and refined interiors that capture the glamour of the Ligurian coast. Also overlooking Portofino’s bay, Eight Hotel Portofino provides a more intimate alternative, combining contemporary design with a peaceful hillside setting a short walk from the waterfront. In Santa Margherita Ligure, Grand Hotel Miramare stands out for its Liberty-style architecture, sea-facing rooms and palm-lined gardens, offering a classic Riviera atmosphere close to Portofino.
Along the Cinque Terre coast, Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare is among the best-known options, set on a cliff with panoramic terraces and direct access to the coastal paths. In Vernazza, Albergo Barbara offers a simpler but well-regarded stay in a central location overlooking the harbour, appealing to travellers focused on walking the Cinque Terre trails. Further west, Grand Hotel Alassio Resort & Spa provides a beachfront experience with extensive facilities, including a spa and private stretch of sand on one of the Riviera’s longest beaches.
In Rapallo, Excelsior Palace Hotel combines historic grandeur with modern comforts, featuring sea-view terraces, pools and a beach club overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. Meanwhile, Bristol Palace Hotel in Genoa offers an elegant city option, known for its sweeping marble staircase, period interiors and convenient location for visiting the historic centre.
On the western Riviera near Bordighera, Grand Hotel del Mare Resort & Spa delivers a full resort experience with terraces facing the sea, landscaped gardens and a focus on wellness. Completing the selection, Miramare The Palace Hotel in Sanremo blends Belle Époque character with coastal views and proximity to the seafront promenade, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Riviera dei Fiori.
Along the Cinque Terre coast, Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare is among the best-known options, set on a cliff with panoramic terraces and direct access to the coastal paths. In Vernazza, Albergo Barbara offers a simpler but well-regarded stay in a central location overlooking the harbour, appealing to travellers focused on walking the Cinque Terre trails. Further west, Grand Hotel Alassio Resort & Spa provides a beachfront experience with extensive facilities, including a spa and private stretch of sand on one of the Riviera’s longest beaches.
In Rapallo, Excelsior Palace Hotel combines historic grandeur with modern comforts, featuring sea-view terraces, pools and a beach club overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. Meanwhile, Bristol Palace Hotel in Genoa offers an elegant city option, known for its sweeping marble staircase, period interiors and convenient location for visiting the historic centre.
On the western Riviera near Bordighera, Grand Hotel del Mare Resort & Spa delivers a full resort experience with terraces facing the sea, landscaped gardens and a focus on wellness. Completing the selection, Miramare The Palace Hotel in Sanremo blends Belle Époque character with coastal views and proximity to the seafront promenade, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Riviera dei Fiori.
Where is
Where is Liguria?
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Hemmed-in by the Alps to the north, France to the west and Tuscany to the south, the region of Liguria represents a narrow strip of land that's quite breathtakingly beautiful.
Although the official name of the region is Liguria, it often gets referred to as the 'Italian Riviera", partially to distinguish it from its French counterpart, but also to provide a more descriptive epithet. The 440 kilometres of coastline on the Ligurian Sea get the most attention but Liguria also has an intriguing hinterland to explore. |
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Regione Liguria
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Regional capital: Genoa
Population: 1,508,847 (in 2024 - source) Size: 5,422 km² Provinces: 4 Highlights: Cinque Terre, Sestri Levante, Portofino, Portovenere |
What People Ask About Liguria
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Discover
Discover Liguria
La Superba: Liguria's historic capital Genoa
In an area dominated by the sea, it's no surprise to learn that its capital city Genoa was once a mighty maritime power of the medieval world, rivalling Venice for control of world trade at one time in its history. Known affectionately as La Superba, Genoa marks the halfway point along Liguria's coastline, dividing it in two with the Riviera di Ponente to the west and the Riviera di Levante to the east.
Iconic seaside locations on Liguria's two Rivieras
Within the two rivieras are some of Italy's most beautiful seaside resorts, along with the area known as the Cinque Terre, or "five lands", a series of fishing villages recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the nearby town of Portovenere and the small group of islands it faces including Palmaria.
The names of Liguria's most famous resorts read like a who's who of Italian seaside towns including Portofino, Sanremo and Rapallo. Lesser-known but no less beautiful, towns such as Sestri Levante and Camogli fly slightly under the international radar but are firm favourites among Italians.
The names of Liguria's most famous resorts read like a who's who of Italian seaside towns including Portofino, Sanremo and Rapallo. Lesser-known but no less beautiful, towns such as Sestri Levante and Camogli fly slightly under the international radar but are firm favourites among Italians.
The four provinces of Liguria
As with all of the twenty regions of Italy (with the exception of Valle d'Aosta), Liguria is split into a series of provinces. Generally-speaking, the provinces are named after the main cities and towns in the region and in Liguria's case they are officially the Metropolitan City of Genoa, La Spezia Province, Savona Province and Imperia Province.
La Spezia
Looking at those four provinces from east to west: La Spezia is an important commercial port and home of a large naval base. It sits at one corner of what is known as the Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of Poets) with the Portofino Peninsula to its south and a series of seaside towns to its west including Lerici and San Terenzo.
Liguria is roughly divided from neighbouring Tuscany by the River Magra although the important and beautiful town of Sarzana with its impressive castle still sits within the environs of Liguria. Further inland, characteristic hill towns such as Vezzano Ligure pepper the landscape.
Liguria is roughly divided from neighbouring Tuscany by the River Magra although the important and beautiful town of Sarzana with its impressive castle still sits within the environs of Liguria. Further inland, characteristic hill towns such as Vezzano Ligure pepper the landscape.
The Metropolitan City of Genoa
West of La Spezia we find the recently-renamed Metropolitan City of Genoa which used to be called Genoa Province. Aside from the obvious appeal of the regional capital, there are some of Italy's most sought-after resorts within this province with Camogli, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino all cornering the eponymous peninsula. There are also some lower-key but exceptionally beautiful fishing villages closer to Genoa including Nervi and Bogliasco.
Savona
Of the two provinces that form the Riviera di Ponente, Savona Province is the more easterly. The city of Savona has a large, historic port which has recently been modernised and is now one of the most attractive in the region.
The seaside towns of Alassio, Laigueglia and Finale Ligure are among the most popular in Liguria, while the historic town of Albenga with its medieval centre offers something very different from its neighbours. Head inland from Finale Ligure and you find the charming, colourful little town of Finalborgo, included in the list of the Borghi Più belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages).
The seaside towns of Alassio, Laigueglia and Finale Ligure are among the most popular in Liguria, while the historic town of Albenga with its medieval centre offers something very different from its neighbours. Head inland from Finale Ligure and you find the charming, colourful little town of Finalborgo, included in the list of the Borghi Più belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages).
Imperia
Imperia Province occupies the area between Savona Province to the east and France to the west. This stretch of coastline was one of the first to be developed when international tourism arrived around the beginning of the 19th century.
The greatest expression of architecture from the period can be found in Sanremo; a signature seaside town famous for its casino and glamorous hotels. There are dozens of smaller resorts along this coastline which ends at the border town of Ventimiglia; edge even closer to the French border and you'll find the beautiful Hanbury Botanical Gardens.
A distinctive topographical feature of Liguria is a series of roads that climb away from the coastline up into the hills and mountains of the region's interior. These really are worth exploring with Dolceacqua, Triora and Apricale offering particular appeal.
The greatest expression of architecture from the period can be found in Sanremo; a signature seaside town famous for its casino and glamorous hotels. There are dozens of smaller resorts along this coastline which ends at the border town of Ventimiglia; edge even closer to the French border and you'll find the beautiful Hanbury Botanical Gardens.
A distinctive topographical feature of Liguria is a series of roads that climb away from the coastline up into the hills and mountains of the region's interior. These really are worth exploring with Dolceacqua, Triora and Apricale offering particular appeal.
Getting around in Liguria
Liguria is well-served by travel links; international travellers can fly into Genoa Christopher Columbus Airport at the very heart of the region and then choose to move around by public transport or private car.
Most of Liguria's seaside towns have a train station in or close to the city centre while the most popular resorts and villages can also be reached via sea during the summer months.
The roads are generally good in Liguria as well, the E80 motorway runs just behind the coastline, all the way from France to Tuscany while the smaller, inland roads are generally well-looked-after. One area to be avoided by car though is the Cinque Terre which can easily be reached by train or boat.
Most of Liguria's seaside towns have a train station in or close to the city centre while the most popular resorts and villages can also be reached via sea during the summer months.
The roads are generally good in Liguria as well, the E80 motorway runs just behind the coastline, all the way from France to Tuscany while the smaller, inland roads are generally well-looked-after. One area to be avoided by car though is the Cinque Terre which can easily be reached by train or boat.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Liguria
- Cinque Terre and the Coastal Trails span five historic fishing villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—set along steep cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. The area is crossed by walking paths such as the Sentiero Azzurro, with views of terraced hillsides, vineyards, and colourful harbours.
- Genoa and the UNESCO Old Town include one of Europe’s largest medieval centres, with narrow lanes known as caruggi, Renaissance palaces along Via Garibaldi, and the imposing Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The Porto Antico area features the Aquarium of Genoa and modern architecture by Renzo Piano.
- Portofino and the Marine Park combine a luxury harbour setting with protected coastline and walking trails. The town’s pastel-coloured houses curve around a small bay, while the paths to Castello Brown and the lighthouse offer scenic views. The surrounding marine area is popular for diving and boat excursions.
- Sanremo and the Flower Riviera are known for Liberty-style villas, gardens, and the annual music festival. The old town, known as La Pigna, includes stepped alleyways, arches, and panoramic points, while the coastal cycle path connects Sanremo with Arma di Taggia and Ospedaletti along a former railway line.
- Camogli and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso offer a combination of seaside village atmosphere and historical architecture. Camogli’s tall houses face the pebbled beach and fishing harbour, and boat trips lead to the hidden abbey at San Fruttuoso, tucked between forested cliffs and accessible only by sea or trail.
- Finalborgo and the Climbing Cliffs lie inland from Finale Ligure and are part of a historic fortified village surrounded by walls and towers. Known for its medieval streets and craft shops, Finalborgo is also a base for hiking and rock climbing in the surrounding limestone cliffs and valleys.
- Rapallo and the Cable Car to Montallegro sit between Genoa and Portofino, with a seafront promenade, historic castle, and liberty-style buildings. The cable car climbs to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, offering panoramic views across the Tigullio Gulf and paths into the hills.
- La Spezia and the Naval Museums serve as a gateway to Cinque Terre, with a working port and museums dedicated to maritime history. The Technical Naval Museum includes ship models, naval instruments, and historical displays, while the seafront gardens and promenade are lined with palms and fountains.
- Alassio and the Muretto Wall are part of Liguria’s western coast, known for sandy beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere. The Muretto features tiles signed by artists and celebrities, while the town centre offers pedestrian lanes, cafés, and views of the Gallinara Island offshore.
- Dolceacqua and the Stone Bridge are located in the inland valleys near the French border. The medieval bridge crosses the Nervia river and leads to the old village and Doria Castle. The area is also known for Rossese wine production and narrow lanes lined with stone houses.
Tours and Activities
Liguria Tours and Activities
What to Eat
What to Eat in Liguria
- Pesto alla genovese – A raw sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, pecorino, and Ligurian olive oil, traditionally ground by hand. Served with pasta such as trofie or trenette, it is the most famous dish of the region and a symbol of Genoese identity.
- Focaccia genovese – A flat, golden bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt, sometimes enriched with onions or olives. Eaten throughout the day, it is especially popular at breakfast with cappuccino, and often sold warm in slices from bakeries.
- Farinata – A thin, oven-baked pancake made from chickpea flour, water, salt, and olive oil, cooked in a wood-fired oven until crisp on top. Originating in Genoa, it is sold in slices from street stalls and focaccerie, often eaten hot with black pepper.
- Trofie al pesto – Short, twisted pasta made from durum wheat and water, traditionally served with pesto, potatoes, and green beans. The dish originated in the Riviera di Levante and is closely linked to home-made pesto using local basil varieties.
- Coniglio alla ligure – Rabbit stewed with olives, pine nuts, rosemary, garlic, and sometimes white wine or stock, resulting in a deeply flavoured dish. Found in inland towns, it reflects Liguria’s use of herbs, nuts, and preserved ingredients due to limited land.
- Acciughe ripiene – Fresh anchovies stuffed with breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and cheese, then baked or lightly fried. This preparation is common in coastal villages and demonstrates Liguria’s ability to turn humble ingredients into flavourful, satisfying dishes.
- Torta pasqualina – A savoury Easter pie made with thin layers of dough, filled with ricotta, eggs, and herbs such as chard or artichokes. Traditionally made with up to 33 layers of pastry, it is now eaten year-round as a starter or light lunch.
- Panissa – A firm version of farinata made from chickpea flour, cooked until solid and then sliced and fried or served cold. Especially popular in Genoa and Savona, it is often sold as street food and paired with bread or eaten on its own as a snack.
- Cappon magro – A complex layered seafood salad arranged on a base of soaked hardtack, topped with fish, shellfish, vegetables, and green sauce. Traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve and major feast days, it originated among Ligurian sailors and later became a festive dish.
- Pandolce genovese – A dense, sweet bread filled with raisins, candied fruit, and pine nuts, typically served during Christmas. Symbolising abundance, it is sliced and shared among families, with one piece traditionally saved for the poor or visitors.
Photo Gallery
Liguria Photo Gallery
Liguria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Liguria
By Rail: Liguria is served by an extensive rail network, including both regional and long-distance services. The main line runs along the coast from Ventimiglia to La Spezia, with Trenitalia operating regional trains and InterCity or Frecciarossa high-speed services to and from cities such as Genoa, Savona, Imperia, and La Spezia. Journey times from Milan to Genoa are around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and from Florence to La Spezia about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Most major towns and cities in Liguria have centrally located stations within walking distance of local attractions.
By Road: Liguria stretches along the north-western coast of Italy and is served by the A10, A12, and A7 motorways. The A10 runs from the French border through Ventimiglia, Imperia, and Savona to Genoa; the A12 continues from Genoa to La Spezia. The drive from Milan to Genoa takes approximately 2 hours, while Florence to La Spezia takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Parking is available in most towns, though space can be limited in coastal villages.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
By Road: Liguria stretches along the north-western coast of Italy and is served by the A10, A12, and A7 motorways. The A10 runs from the French border through Ventimiglia, Imperia, and Savona to Genoa; the A12 continues from Genoa to La Spezia. The drive from Milan to Genoa takes approximately 2 hours, while Florence to La Spezia takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Parking is available in most towns, though space can be limited in coastal villages.
Nearest International Airports:
- Genoa Airport (Aeroporto di Genova Cristoforo Colombo): Located about 7 kilometres west of Genoa’s city centre, the drive takes 15–20 minutes. The airport serves several domestic and European destinations.
- Pisa Airport (Aeroporto di Pisa Galileo Galilei): Situated around 80 kilometres south-east of La Spezia, with a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. It offers a wide range of international and low-cost flights.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano Malpensa): Located roughly 180 kilometres north of Genoa, the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is one of Italy’s busiest airports with global connections.
Ferry Connections:
- Genoa is a major ferry port with regular services to Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, and North Africa. Operators include Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), Tirrenia, and Corsica Ferries.
- La Spezia also operates ferry services to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, especially in spring and summer, with multiple daily sailings for tourists.
- In the western part of the region, Savona and Imperia have seasonal ferry connections, mainly to Corsica and Sardinia.
- In addition to long-distance ferries, smaller coastal routes operate along the Ligurian coast, providing access to towns such as Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, and San Fruttuoso.
Private Transfers
Liguria Private Transfers
A private transfer is one of the most straightforward ways to travel around Liguria, offering door-to-door service without the need to plan train or bus connections along the coast. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional driver, making onward travel simple and stress-free.
In Liguria, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is the main hub, well connected with transfers to the city centre in around 20 minutes. From Genoa, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France can be reached in about 2 hours 30 minutes, while Milan Malpensa Airport is around 2 hours away by car. The coastal resorts are also easily connected: Portofino is about 1 hour from Genoa, Cinque Terre can be reached in around 1 hour 45 minutes, and La Spezia is just under 2 hours away.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
In Liguria, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is the main hub, well connected with transfers to the city centre in around 20 minutes. From Genoa, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France can be reached in about 2 hours 30 minutes, while Milan Malpensa Airport is around 2 hours away by car. The coastal resorts are also easily connected: Portofino is about 1 hour from Genoa, Cinque Terre can be reached in around 1 hour 45 minutes, and La Spezia is just under 2 hours away.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Metropolitan City of Genoa
Boccadasse, Genoa
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Imperia Province
Sanremo, Imperia Province
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La Spezia Province
Levanto, La Spezia Province
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Savona Province
Finalborgo, Savona Province
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Liguria by Category
Hill Towns of Liguria
Liguria's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Major Cities and Towns of Liguria
Orange Flag Towns of Liguria
Things to see in Liguria
Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
Top 10 Small Towns in Liguria You Shouldn’t Miss
Liguria's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Major Cities and Towns of Liguria
Orange Flag Towns of Liguria
Things to see in Liguria
Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
Top 10 Small Towns in Liguria You Shouldn’t Miss
Liguria Destinations A-Z
Airole
Alassio
Albenga
Albisola Superiore
Andora
Apricale
Arenzano
Arma di Taggia
Bergeggi
Boccadasse
Bocca di Magra
Bogliasco
Bonassola
Bordighera
Borghetto Santo Spirito
Borgio
Brugnato
Bussana
Cadimare
Camogli
Campiglia
Campo Ligure
Castel Vittorio
Castellaro
Castelnuovo Magra
Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
Castiglione Chiavarese
Celle Ligure
Ceriale
Cervo
Chiavari
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Train Timetables
Cogoleto
Colletta di Castelbianco
Corniglia
Deiva Marina
Diano Marina
Diano Castello
Dolceacqua
Fezzano
Fiascherino
Finale Ligure
Finalborgo
Framura
Genoa
Imperia
Isolabona
Laigueglia
La Spezia
Lavagna
Le Grazie
Lerici
Levanto
Lingueglietta
Loano
Manarola
Marinella di Sarzana
Millesimo
Moneglia
Montemarcello
Monterosso al Mare
Nervi
Noli
Ospedaletti
Palmaria
Paraggi
Perinaldo
Pietra Ligure
Pigna
Pignone
Portofino
Portovenere
Rapallo
Recco
Riomaggiore
Riva Ligure
Riviera di Levante
Riviera di Ponente
San Bartolomeo al Mare
San Lorenzo al Mare
San Terenzo
Sanremo
Santa Margherita Ligure
Santo Stefano al Mare
Santo Stefano d'Aveto
Sarzana
Sassello
Savona
Seborga
Sestri Levante
Sori
Spotorno
Taggia
Tellaro
Toirano
Triora
Varazze
Varese Ligure
Varigotti
Ventimiglia
Verezzi
Vernazza
Vezzano Ligure
Zoagli
Zuccarello
Alassio
Albenga
Albisola Superiore
Andora
Apricale
Arenzano
Arma di Taggia
Bergeggi
Boccadasse
Bocca di Magra
Bogliasco
Bonassola
Bordighera
Borghetto Santo Spirito
Borgio
Brugnato
Bussana
Cadimare
Camogli
Campiglia
Campo Ligure
Castel Vittorio
Castellaro
Castelnuovo Magra
Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
Castiglione Chiavarese
Celle Ligure
Ceriale
Cervo
Chiavari
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Train Timetables
Cogoleto
Colletta di Castelbianco
Corniglia
Deiva Marina
Diano Marina
Diano Castello
Dolceacqua
Fezzano
Fiascherino
Finale Ligure
Finalborgo
Framura
Genoa
Imperia
Isolabona
Laigueglia
La Spezia
Lavagna
Le Grazie
Lerici
Levanto
Lingueglietta
Loano
Manarola
Marinella di Sarzana
Millesimo
Moneglia
Montemarcello
Monterosso al Mare
Nervi
Noli
Ospedaletti
Palmaria
Paraggi
Perinaldo
Pietra Ligure
Pigna
Pignone
Portofino
Portovenere
Rapallo
Recco
Riomaggiore
Riva Ligure
Riviera di Levante
Riviera di Ponente
San Bartolomeo al Mare
San Lorenzo al Mare
San Terenzo
Sanremo
Santa Margherita Ligure
Santo Stefano al Mare
Santo Stefano d'Aveto
Sarzana
Sassello
Savona
Seborga
Sestri Levante
Sori
Spotorno
Taggia
Tellaro
Toirano
Triora
Varazze
Varese Ligure
Varigotti
Ventimiglia
Verezzi
Vernazza
Vezzano Ligure
Zoagli
Zuccarello
