Cinque Terre
Five UNESCO-listed cliffside villages linked by coastal trails, trains, and ferries on the eastern Riviera
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About Liguria
Liguria stretches roughly 350 km along the Ligurian Sea, from the French border in the west to Tuscany in the east, divided into the Riviera di Ponente and the Riviera di Levante on either side of Genoa. The region packs an extraordinary variety into a slim coastal strip: the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre and Portovenere, the celebrated resorts of Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Sanremo, and Genoa's vast historic centre with its Strada Nuova palaces. Inland, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and hiking trails climb steeply from the sea. Whether you come for coastal walks, seafood and pesto, sailing, or belle-époque grandeur, Liguria delivers the Mediterranean at its most concentrated and scenic.
- Capital
- Genoa
- Largest city
- Genoa
- Population
- ~1.5 million
- Languages
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Explore Liguria by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Liguria
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Portofino
An iconic pastel fishing harbour turned luxury resort on a wooded promontory
Genoa Old Town and Strada Nuova
One of Europe's largest medieval centres, with UNESCO-listed Renaissance and Baroque palaces on Via Garibaldi
Portovenere
A colourful harbour town with the church of San Pietro on the rocks, part of the UNESCO Gulf of Poets
Acquario di Genova
Italy's largest aquarium, a major family attraction in Genoa's restored Old Port
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Liguria Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Liguria, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Liguria
- Days 1-2Liguria city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Liguria
- Days 1-3Liguria comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Liguria, departure
Where to stay in Liguria
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €65
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €160
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €450+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Belmond Hotel Splendido
Perched on a wooded hillside above Portofino harbour, the Belmond Hotel Splendido occupies a former Benedictine monastery converted into a hotel in 1901. The property is renowned for its terraced gardens, heated saltwater infinity pool, and panoramic views over the Tigullio Gulf. Long a retreat for film stars and royalty, it remains one of the Italian Riviera's most celebrated luxury addresses.
Check rates on Booking.comBelmond Splendido Mare
Set directly on Portofino's celebrated piazzetta and facing the harbour, Belmond Splendido Mare is the seafront sister property to the Hotel Splendido on the hill above. The intimate hotel offers fourteen individually designed rooms and suites, many with harbour views, alongside the DaV Mare restaurant. Guests have access to the facilities of the larger Splendido, including its pool and spa.
Check rates on Booking.comEight Hotel Portofino
Eight Hotel Portofino is a small luxury boutique property a few minutes' walk from Portofino's central piazzetta and harbour. The hotel blends contemporary design with the relaxed elegance of the Riviera, offering a quiet retreat away from the busiest part of the village. Its restaurant and terrace provide a calm setting for dining within the famous resort town.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hotel Miramare
A Belle Époque landmark on the seafront promenade of Santa Margherita Ligure, the Grand Hotel Miramare opened in 1903 and remains a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel features a heated seawater pool, a private beach platform across the road, and subtropical gardens. Its location places guests within easy reach of Portofino, Rapallo, and the wider Tigullio coast.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Liguria
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Trattoria Rosmarino
A stylish trattoria in the heart of Genoa's old town near Palazzo Ducale, set in an industrial-chic room with green banquettes. The kitchen reworks Genoese classics such as trofie al pesto, pansoti with walnut sauce, and stuffed vegetables using locally sourced ingredients. It is a reliable, atmospheric choice for a sit-down introduction to Ligurian cooking in the centro storico.
Il Marin
A refined seafood restaurant on the top floor of the Eataly building in the Porto Antico, with sweeping views over Genoa's old harbour. The kitchen produces creative, technically precise fish dishes built around the day's catch and regional produce, paired with a deep list of Ligurian whites. It is one of the most ambitious tables in the city, ideal for a special-occasion dinner with a sea view.
Sa Pesta
A historic Genoese institution in the centro storico, in business for over a century and famous for its farinata baked in a vast wood-fired oven at the entrance. The short menu also features torta pasqualina, vegetable tortes, stuffed vegetables, and cima alla genovese served at simple shared tables. It is one of the best places in the city to taste old-recipe Genoese cucina povera at very fair prices.
Antica Osteria di Vico Palla
A characterful old tavern tucked into a narrow alley behind the Porto Antico in the Sottoripa district of Genoa. The kitchen serves generously portioned, well-seasoned Ligurian classics, with the mixed fritto misto of seafood a particular favourite among locals. Wood-beamed and convivial, it is a dependable spot for traditional Genoese cooking away from the tourist traps.
Trattoria Ugo
A beloved family-run trattoria in central Genoa renowned among locals for one of the city's finest plates of trenette al pesto, served in the traditional way with potatoes and green beans. The menu sticks to honest Genoese home cooking with daily specials and homemade pasta. Small and popular, it rewards those who book ahead.
Trattoria Osvaldo, Boccadasse
A rustic seafood trattoria in the picturesque former fishing village of Boccadasse on Genoa's eastern shore. The kitchen specialises in the day's catch, fritto misto, and Genoese pasta dishes served in a cosy room a few steps from the pebble beach. The setting among pastel houses and fishing boats makes it a memorable lunch or sunset dinner stop.
Getting around Liguria
Liguria is long and narrow, and its main coastal railway line is the single best way to travel - it links Genoa with the Cinque Terre, La Spezia, and the western Riviera quickly and cheaply. The Cinque Terre villages are best reached by train or ferry, not car. Genoa has a compact public transport network of buses, a short metro, funiculars, and public lifts. A rental car is only really useful for the inland hills and quiet western Riviera, not for the Cinque Terre or congested coastal towns.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30 | €90 | €280 |
| Food (per day) | €18 | €40 | €110 |
| Transportation | €10 | €15 | €35 |
| Activities | €7 | €15 | €25 |
| Daily total | €65 | €160 | €450+ |
Best time to visit Liguria
Essential travel tips
- Buy a Cinque Terre Card for combined train and trail access between the villages
- Many resort villages have limited traffic zones (ZTL); arrive by train or ferry where possible
- Restaurants typically open for dinner from 7:30PM
- Try trofie al pesto and farinata, two Ligurian specialities, at a local trattoria
Safety information
Liguria is a very safe region; the main risk is petty theft and pickpocketing in Genoa's caruggi (narrow medieval alleys) and around Piazza De Ferrari, Via San Lorenzo, and the Stazione Principe area, especially after dark
On the Cinque Terre coastal trails buy the Cinque Terre Trekking Card or Cinque Terre Card Treno (covers the Sentiero Azzurro and regional trains, roughly €7.50 for one day on foot or about €19.50 including unlimited trains); the famous Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia paths require a valid ticket and good shoes
Always validate (stamp) regional train tickets in the green machines on the platform before boarding; failure to validate can mean a fine of €50 or more, and inspectors are common on the busy Genoa-La Spezia Cinque Terre line
Trenitalia and local transport strikes (sciopero) happen periodically; check the carrier website for guaranteed service bands and confirm timetables before travelling between the Cinque Terre villages
The rocky coves and cliffs around Portofino, Camogli, and the Cinque Terre have strong currents and sudden deep water; swim only in marked areas, watch for rough seas during libeccio south-westerly winds, and never dive into unknown water
Summer crowds peak from June to August in the Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Sanremo; pickpockets work crowded train carriages and the narrow village lanes, so keep bags zipped and worn across the body
Sun and heat are intense on the exposed coastal paths; carry water, wear a hat and high-factor sunscreen, and avoid midday hiking in July and August, when the trails can be closed for heat
Mosquitoes (including the tiger mosquito) are common near the coast and rivers in summer; bring repellent and consider window screens, as accommodation in older buildings may lack them
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Liguria?
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card; non-EU visitors from many countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days; others require a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What is the best way to visit the Cinque Terre?
The easiest way to explore the Cinque Terre is by regional train, which connects all five villages and La Spezia in minutes. A Cinque Terre Card covers both the trains and access to the national park hiking trails. In summer, ferries also link the villages and offer scenic coastal views, though they do not stop at Corniglia.
What food is Liguria famous for?
Liguria is the birthplace of pesto alla genovese, traditionally served with trofie or trenette pasta. Other specialities include focaccia, farinata (a chickpea flatbread), pansoti with walnut sauce, and fresh seafood. The region also produces white wines such as Vermentino and the prized Sciacchetrà dessert wine of the Cinque Terre.
What are the top attractions in Liguria?
The top attractions in Liguria include the Cinque Terre, Portofino, Genoa's old town and Strada Nuova palaces, Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets, and the Acquario di Genova. Each offers a distinct experience, from cliffside villages and luxury harbours to medieval city streets.