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.
Liguria is a very safe region with low violent crime. The main concerns for visitors are petty theft and pickpocketing in Genoa's old town and on crowded Cinque Terre trains, plus natural hazards on the rocky coast and steep coastal trails. Standard precautions make for a trouble-free visit.
Current safety advisory
Low
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
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
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake or overpriced Cinque Terre tickets
Unofficial sellers near La Spezia and Cinque Terre stations offer trekking cards or train tickets at inflated prices, or sell invalid passes
How to avoid: Buy the Cinque Terre Card only at official park kiosks inside stations, at cinqueterre.eu, or from Trenitalia; check the card covers the dates and services needed
Taxi overcharging
Some drivers at Genoa Cristoforo Colombo airport or major stations quote inflated flat fares to Portofino or the Riviera
How to avoid: Use official metered white taxis from ranks, agree or confirm the fare in advance, and prefer the train for longer coastal trips
Restaurant menu overcharging
A few tourist restaurants in Portofino, Monterosso, and around Genoa's port show low prices outside but add high cover charges (coperto) or charge by weight for fish
How to avoid: Check the printed menu and coperto before sitting, confirm the price of fish sold by weight, and always ask for an itemised bill (conto)
Friendship bracelet and petition scam
Strangers in busy areas tie a bracelet on the wrist or push a clipboard petition, then aggressively demand money
How to avoid: Politely but firmly decline unsolicited items, keep hands in pockets, and walk on without engaging
Distraction pickpocketing
Pairs work crowded Cinque Terre trains and Genoa's caruggi, with one person distracting while another takes wallets or phones
How to avoid: Wear bags across the body in front, keep valuables in inside pockets, and stay alert when boarding and leaving packed carriages
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required; ensure routine vaccines are up to date and standard EU travel health guidelines apply
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Liguria and available at public fountains in towns and villages
- Food
- Very high food safety standards; licensed restaurants, focaccerie, and markets are generally safe, including fresh seafood and pesto dishes
- Facilities
- Good public hospitals along the coast; the main hospital is Ospedale Policlinico San Martino in Genoa, with Pronto Soccorso (A&E) departments in Genoa, La Spezia, and Sanremo; pharmacies (farmacia) are widespread and display a green cross
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 113 (Polizia di Stato) or 112
- Medical
- 118 (ambulance) or 112
- Fire
- 115 (Vigili del Fuoco)
- Coast Guard
- 1530 (Guardia Costiera) for sea and coastal emergencies
- General Emergency
- 112 (works from all phones, even without a SIM)
- Main Hospital
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Rome: +39 06 46741
- Embassy Uk
- UK Consulate Milan: +39 02 723001