You need to prepare a nice list of the best things to do in Liguria if you’re visiting this Italian region soon. There is just so much to see and do that it can be overhelming! But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Best known for the Italian Riviera, Liguria is a northwestern Italian region that follows the Mediterranean coast. It got its name from the Ligurians, its inhabitants before the Romans.
The region is about 25 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean and shares borders with the Cote d’Azur in France in the west and the Central Italian region of Tuscany in the east.
On the eastern coast of Riviera di Levante, this crescent-shaped region in northwest Italy is home to the Cinque Terre, five vibrant fishing villages, as well as the fashionable Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.
Liguria is the home of pesto, one of Italy’s most popular sauces, as well as Vermentino white wines.
Liguria is a diverse region that is ideal for every type of traveler, beyond its touristy locales and signature cuisine.
14 Best Things to Do in Liguria, Italy
From ancient cities to coastal hiking trails, gulf boat tours to the Olive Oil Route, here are the 14 best things to do in Liguria, Italy.
1. Take the Liguria Loop
The Liguria Loop, which uses public transportation (train and boat) to get around, is a great way to get to know this part of the Italian Riviera.
The route takes you through three towns: Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, and Portofino.
Because of its many accommodations and dining options, Santa Margherita Ligure is an ideal starting point for exploring the peninsula.
• Santa Margherita –
Colorful squares and a waterfront bordered with palm trees make Santa Margherita Ligure a lovely place to visit.
The Basilica di Santa Margherita, with its ornate interior and opulent chandeliers, is arguably the town’s most popular tourist attraction.
• Camogli –
Located at the foot of the Monte di Portofino, this small fishing village is known for its colorful buildings and annual fish festival.
Explore the fortress, the narrow alleys, and the centuries-old fishing traditions while you’re here.
Also, be sure to try the focaccias at the renowned Revello focacceria.
• San Fruttuoso –
The historic treasures of San Fruttuoso, despite its diminutive size, are well worth a visit.
Upon entering the inlet, visitors are greeted by the 13th-century Benedictine monastery of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte, which consists of a 10th-century church and a Romanesque cloister.
• Portofino –
Portofino is a sleepy fishing village with a picturesque harbor that serves as a haven for the region’s colorful fishing boats and high-end yachts alike.
The emerald-green harbor is lined with lovely restaurants and cafés, and a lovely botanical garden is nearby for a stroll. It’s only a short walk from the town center to the Castello Brown and the San Giorgio church and lighthouse.
2. See the famous five: Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, a stunning location made up of five fishing villages (hence the name), is a major draw for tourists to Liguria.
Tourists who want to take in breathtaking views of the ocean will find themselves at home on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cinque Terre is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, hikers, and anyone who wants to see the Mediterranean in all its glory.
• ALSO READ: Top 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy
Take your time in Cinque Terre and spend at least two nights there. This area has become popular with mass tourism and quick tours, but it deserves to be experienced in Italy.
3. Explore the enchanting Bay of Poets and its beautiful islands
After your visit to Cinque Terre, proceed ro the nearby Bay of Poets, also called the Gulf of Poets. You should definitely take some time on this stunning bay.
Formally known as the Gulf of La Spezia, the Bay of Poets is Liguria’s hidden gem that has for centuries enthralled artists and poets, hence, the name. Some of them were regular visitors, with others deciding to call it home for a while.
Deep and wide, the Bay of Poets is on the eastern tip of Liguria’s coast, stretching between the island villages of Portovenere and Lerici. La Spezia is the main town in the bay, right in the middle of it.
The Bay of Poets and its stunning islands are Liguria’s lesser-known attractions you should not resist. Petrarch, Lord Byron, the Shelleys, Virginia Woolf, D. H. Lawrence, and alot others certainly didn’t!
4. Go hiking in Liguria
Hiking is a great way to fully enjoy and appreciate nature, to find hidden places, and to see the world around us in a whole new way.
Cinque Terre National Park and Portofino Regional Nature Park are popular places to go hiking in Liguria.
In Genoa, the “vertical city,” there is urban hiking that allows you to descend through the typical Ligurian “creuze.”
The Sentiero del Pellegrino, which connects Varigotti and Noli in the western Ligurian Riviera, is another must-do hike for anyone visiting the region.
Meanwhile, Campiglia to Portovenere in Eastern Liguria is a fantastic hiking route, as is the entire stretch between them. It’s accessible on foot and provides stunning views. Despite its proximity to the Cinque Terre, this path remains relatively undiscovered and is ideal for those looking for a low-intensity hike.
5. Take a boat tour of the three gulfs
There is no better way to see towns and villages than by sea.
In Liguria, a great place to go sailing is the Riviera di Levante. Sail to the breathtaking Golfo Paradiso and Golfo del Tigullio from Porto Antico in the Golfo di Genova. After leaving the moorings, you’ll arrive at Recco, where bakers use formaggio to make focaccia bread.
The red, yellow, and pink houses of Camogli line the seashore, and the marina glistens with dozens of tiny white gozzi (traditional wooden boats).
As a former fishing village turned tourist hotspot, Portofino is now home to posh boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, and five-star hotels, making it second only to San Fruttuoso in terms of upscale appeal.
6. Experience Liguria’s festivals and events
• ALSO READ: 9 Unique Italian Festivals and Events You Will Want to Tell Your Friends
Time your visit to Liguria to take part in its cultural events and festivities. It’s a great way to get a taste of local life and culture by participating in these unique activities.
The Battaglia dei Fiori, or Battle of the Flowers, takes place every June in Ventimiglia. The main attraction of the festival is a massive parade featuring floral-themed floats of every description.
During the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics which takes place in Genoa, you can take part in parades and other events honoring the ancient Italian seaports of Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice.
Meanwhile, Italy’s most prestigious music festival is held in Sanremo – the Festival di Sanremo. It is a celebration of Italian songwriting with notable guests from all over the world. This is a celebration of Italian songwriting.
7. See a different face of Liguria: The Witchcraft Museum in Triora
For those interested in Liguria’s mountainous backcountry, visit the Museo Etnografico e della Stregoneria (Museum of Ethnography and Witchcraft) located in Valle Argentina and the Alpi Liguri Regional Park. The basement is home to an exhibit on witchcraft, while six other rooms tell the story of a bygone era of rural life.
Local history is depicted here through the trials and tortures inflicted on women of the town who were accused of practicing black magic between 1587 and 1589.
Take a break from your tour of the historic prisons to sample Triora bread and bruss, an intensely flavored, creamy cheese.
8. See the “miraculous statue of Madonna” at Sori
In the 16th century, pirates stole a Madonna statue. It was found without damage some 50 years later, at Sori beach in Riviera di Levante (eastern Liguria). It disappeared again in the waters during World War II, only to be found again at the very same beach over a decade later – in perfect conditions.
9. Discover Taggiasca olives in ancient oil mills
Liguria’s Via dell’Olio (Olive Oil Route) runs from Savona to Imperia along the Ponente coast. Taggiasca, the king of olive oils, hails from the medieval village of Taggia, where it was first produced. Using the fruit of the olive tree to make olive oil dates back to ancient times.
Visiting olive oil mills is a fascinating and enjoyable way to learn about their rich history. Take a look at the millstones and participate in a tasting session organized by the museum. You can see the millstones in action as they cold-press the delectable Taggiasca olives toward the end of the autumn.
10. Explore Liguria’s capital city
Genoa, a port city and the capital of Liguria, is known for pesto, the grand Piazza de Ferrari, and the city’s maritime history. Why, it’s the birthplace of the explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus.
Genoa also boasts a number of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture, including the 42 noble palaces that make up the Palazzi dei Rolli (Palaces of the Lists) in Le Strade Nuove (New Roads). The area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pay respect at San Lorenzo Cathedral and be sure to not miss the Lighthouse of Genoa which, at 76 meters, is said to be Italy’s tallest and most important.
Whether or not you have a kid or kids in tow, you should go to Romanego, the oldest candy store in Italy, which dates back to 1780. Candies are still handmade there today. Also spend some time at Acquario di Genova, the biggest aquarium in the country.
And while you’re there, visit the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno, one of the best cemeteries in Italy. Visited by Mark Twain and described by Ernest Hemingway as “one of the wonders of the world,” this is a must in Genoa.
11. Shopping in Liguria
It’s no surprise that Liguria is also a haven for shopping, given that the region has long been a favorite of celebrities and royalty alike.
With a wide range of shopping options, whether you’re looking for high-end designer goods or artisanal goods from the local farmers and artisans, there’s something for everyone in Liguria.
Fashion, jewelry, and other high-end goods can be found in Portofino, a popular hangout for VIPs and celebrities. Meanwhile, the Cinque Terre outlet stores are great for bargain-hunters looking for high-end brands at discount prices.
You may also visit one of the many outdoor markets held throughout the region each week to see the handiwork of local artisans.
Cities like Deiva Marina, Chiavari, and Genoa all have unique markets once a week, where you can buy fresh produce, arts and crafts, and other goods made by people in the area.
12. Visit one of the only two Sistine Chapels in the world
Photo by Sailko via Wikimedia Commons
Savona, one of the biggest cities in Liguria, is about an hour from Genoa. It is known as the city of Popes (“la città dei Papi”), thanks to two popes who were born in the city – Pope Sixtus IV and Pope Giulio II.
Savona is home to one of the only two Sistine Chapels in the world. The other one is in the Vatican.
Savona’s own Sistine Chapel – Savonese Cappella Sistina – was built by Pope Sixtus IV, who was born and raised in Savona. Chapel is right behind the cathedral. While there are no Michelangelo paintings on the ceiling (but Paolo Geralamo Brusco instead), Savona’s Sistine Chapel is just as worthy of your visit.
13. Taste and make pesto
Pesto, one of the most popular Italian sauces, is the symbol of Liguria around the world. Not only can you sample homemade pesto while on the Italian Riviera, but you can also take a cooking class to learn how to make it yourself using a marble mortar and wooden pestle!
If you’re interested in learning more about the pesto process from seed to plate, a trip to the historic greenhouses where pesto’s flavorful basil is raised is a must experience.
14. Partake in more local delicacies
Of course, Ligurian cuisine is not limited to focaccia and the world-famous pesto sauce. It is a coastal region so expect seafoods galore – and indulge!
Liguria is also the birthplace of trofie, a handmade pasta that’s usually served with – you guessed it – pesto sauce. Trofie al pesto is a must-eat when you’re in Liguria. It’s just of many Ligurian pasta dishes to choose from, so check them out when you visit a trattoria.
Pan di Spagna is a classic Italian cake that you can sample in the region as well.
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