Liguria is a narrow, crescent-shaped region in northwest Italy, hugging the Mediterranean between the Alps, the Apennines, and the sea. Known as the Italian Riviera, it is famous for the five cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre, the glamorous harbour of Portofino, and the maritime city of Genoa. Liguria is also the birthplace of pesto, focaccia, and a culinary tradition built around the sea and the steep, terraced coast.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Acquario di Genova
Italy's largest aquarium and one of the biggest in Europe, with dolphins, sharks, penguins, manatees, and a vast tropical tank in Genoa's restored Porto Antico - a guaranteed family highlight in any weather
Duration: Half day
Galata Museo del Mare & Submarine
The Mediterranean's largest maritime museum in Genoa, where children board a real submarine (the Nazario Sauro), climb a full-size galleon replica, and explore interactive emigration and seafaring exhibits
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bigo Panoramic Lift (Porto Antico)
A rotating panoramic lift designed by Renzo Piano that rises 40 metres above Genoa's old harbour for sweeping views over the city, port, and rooftops - a quick thrill children love
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Paraggi & Levanto Beach Day
The sandy emerald bay of Paraggi near Portofino and the wide beach at Levanto offer calm, shallow swimming and beach clubs with facilities - the easiest Riviera beaches for families with young children
Duration: Full day
Cinque Terre Train Hopping
Hop the regional train between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, with short rides and frequent departures making the five pastel villages easy for families to explore car-free
Duration: Full day
Nervi Parks & Seaside Promenade
Genoa's Nervi district offers large green parks, a famous clifftop seaside promenade (the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi), rock pools, and open space for children to run, all easily reached by city train
Duration: Half day
Casella Narrow-Gauge Train
A scenic vintage narrow-gauge railway climbing from Genoa into the green Apennine hills, a gentle and characterful ride through tunnels and viaducts that delights younger train enthusiasts
Duration: Half day
San Fruttuoso Abbey Boat Trip
A short boat ride from Camogli or Santa Margherita to the medieval abbey of San Fruttuoso, tucked in a hidden cove reachable only by sea or trail, with swimming off the pebble beach
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Stella Maris (Levanto)
Friendly family-run hotel near Levanto's sandy beach, a relaxed gateway to the Cinque Terre with spacious family rooms and easy train access
Family features: Family rooms, near sandy beach, bike rental, helpful Cinque Terre advice, breakfast included
NH Collection Genova Marina
Modern harbourfront hotel beside Genoa's Porto Antico, within walking distance of the aquarium and maritime museum, with family rooms and marina views
Family features: Family rooms, steps from the aquarium, central harbour location, restaurant, connecting rooms
Agriturismo farmhouses (Riviera hinterland)
Rural farm-stay accommodation in the hills behind the coast with outdoor space, animals, and authentic Ligurian cooking - a favourite with families seeking a quieter base
Family features: Outdoor play space, farm animals, family rooms, home-cooked meals, nature setting
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Ligurian restaurants warmly welcome children at any hour - 'che bello/a!' is a common greeting for young travellers
Focaccia and farinata (chickpea flatbread) are inexpensive local staples that almost all children love
Trofie or trenette al pesto is the mild, family-friendly regional pasta to try first
Gelaterias line the seafront promenades and are perfect for keeping children happy between sights
Kids menus (menu bambini) are common at coastal restaurants, typically €7-10 for pasta and a drink
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.