Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This top ten list explores the coastlines, fishing villages and historic towns that define Liguria’s narrow stretch along the Italian Riviera.
From the iconic cliffs of the Cinque Terre to the elegance of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, the region is packed with scenic stops and postcard views. Genoa adds scale and history with its vast medieval centre. You’ll also find pastel-coloured houses in Camogli, waterfront castles in Lerici, and quiet lanes in Finalborgo. Liguria mixes charm, colour and sea views at every turn. |
Camogli, Liguria
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Cinque Terre
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Cinque Terre is a string of five coastal villages built into dramatic cliffs along the Ligurian coast. Colourful houses, fishing boats and narrow lanes create a postcard-perfect scene.
The villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore — are linked by walking paths and a scenic train line. Each offers its own unique charm and sea views. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top destination for hikers and photographers. Trains and boats run regularly, especially in warmer months. |
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Portofino
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Portofino is a small fishing village turned luxury hideaway, known for its pastel harbour, yachts and celebrity appeal. It sits on a protected bay surrounded by pine-covered hills.
The town has boutiques, seafood restaurants and walking paths to nearby viewpoints. Castello Brown offers panoramic views, and the lighthouse walk is another popular route. Portofino is reached by boat or bus from Santa Margherita Ligure. It’s compact and elegant, ideal for a half-day visit or relaxed overnight stay. |
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Sestri Levante
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Sestri Levante is a coastal town with two distinct bays — the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables. Its old town is full of painted buildings, piazzas and cafés by the sea.
The beaches are sandy and popular with families, while walking trails lead into the surrounding hills. The town hosts several music and literature festivals throughout the year. It’s easily reached by train and has good local facilities. Sestri Levante is a quieter alternative to the Cinque Terre with a similar atmosphere. |
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Camogli
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Camogli is a small seaside town known for its colourful waterfront buildings and traditional fishing harbour. The beach is lined with umbrellas and backed by steep hills.
The historic centre has narrow alleys, painted façades and several churches. Boats run to San Fruttuoso Abbey, tucked into a cove, and the Punta Chiappa headland offers great walking. Camogli is on the rail line between Genoa and the Cinque Terre. It’s an ideal stop for those looking for authentic Ligurian life. |
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Rapallo
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Rapallo is a lively coastal town with a long promenade, beaches and historic landmarks. Its 16th-century castle stands at the water’s edge and the cable car climbs to a hilltop sanctuary.
The town has wide streets, Liberty-style buildings and excellent rail and ferry connections. Day trips to Portofino, Santa Margherita and Chiavari are easy from here. Rapallo offers a good range of hotels and restaurants. It’s popular with both tourists and locals and works well as a base for wider exploration. |
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Portovenere
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Portovenere sits on the Gulf of La Spezia and is often considered a quieter counterpart to the Cinque Terre. Its pastel houses and castle overlook the sea and offshore islands.
The Church of San Pietro is perched dramatically above the cliffs, while boat trips offer views of sea caves and the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. Portovenere is best reached by bus or ferry. It’s a compact town full of atmosphere and seafront beauty. |
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Lerici
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Lerici lies across the gulf from Portovenere and has a strong literary connection — Shelley and Byron spent time here. The town is centred around a harbour and a hilltop castle.
Its promenade connects to nearby San Terenzo and several small beaches. Boat trips and sea kayaking are popular in the summer, and walking trails lead into the hills. Lerici is accessible by bus or car from La Spezia. It’s less busy than the Cinque Terre and has a relaxed, local feel. |
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Santa Margherita Ligure
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Santa Margherita Ligure is a stylish resort town on the Tigullio Gulf, known for palm-lined promenades and Liberty-era villas. The harbour is filled with boats and backed by green hills.
The town has boutiques, gelato shops and a choice of restaurants by the sea. It’s the main access point for buses and ferries to Portofino. Santa Margherita is on the train line and has a good selection of hotels. It’s both practical and scenic, ideal for extended stays. |
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Genoa
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Genoa is the capital of Liguria and a historic port city with a maze-like old town. It was once a maritime republic and its palaces, churches and museums reflect centuries of trade and power.
The city has a gritty charm, with narrow alleys (caruggi), an impressive aquarium and a UNESCO-listed street of noble mansions — the Palazzi dei Rolli. Genoa has two train stations and an airport. It’s a cultural and urban counterpoint to the smaller resorts of the Ligurian coast. |
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Finalborgo
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Finalborgo is an inland walled village near Finale Ligure, known for its medieval streets, artisan shops and mountain views. It’s one of the best-preserved historic centres in Liguria.
The area is popular with rock climbers, cyclists and walkers thanks to nearby trails and cliffs. The village hosts festivals, markets and events throughout the year. Finalborgo is reached by bus or a short drive from the coast. It’s a great mix of history, activity and local life away from the crowds. |
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