Genoa, the maritime capital of Liguria, brings the sea within reach of Turin - a dense, characterful port city of medieval caruggi, sumptuous Rolli palaces, Europe's largest aquarium, and the regenerated Porto Antico. From its station the Ligurian coastal railway opens up the Riviera, from Camogli and Portofino to the colourful Cinque Terre.
Genoa lies about 170 km south of Turin and brings the Mediterranean within easy reach of landlocked Piedmont. Trenitalia regional and Intercity trains link Turin Porta Nuova with Genova Piazza Principe in roughly 1h40 to 2 hours (fares around €12-22), and from Genoa the Ligurian coastal railway threads along the Riviera. The maritime capital of Liguria is a dense, atmospheric port city, once a great seafaring republic, with one of the largest and best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe - a labyrinth of narrow caruggi (alleys) opening suddenly onto squares, churches, and the striped marble cathedral of San Lorenzo. The grand counterpoint is Via Garibaldi (the Strada Nuova), lined with the sumptuous Rolli palaces of Genoa's merchant aristocracy, several now museums (the Musei di Strada Nuova) and together a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The regenerated Porto Antico, redesigned by Genoa-born architect Renzo Piano, is the family-friendly heart of the waterfront, home to the Acquario di Genova - the largest aquarium in Italy - the Galata maritime museum, and the Biosfera and Bigo panoramic lift. A sensible one-day arc is to walk from Principe station down to the old port and aquarium, wander the caruggi and Via Garibaldi, and lunch on Genoese specialities: trofie or trenette al pesto (pesto was invented here), focaccia, farinata (chickpea flatbread), and fresh seafood. For those wanting the sea, Genoa is also the gateway to the Riviera: the coastal train continues to the fishing village of Camogli, to chic Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, and on to the five villages of the Cinque Terre - though reaching the Cinque Terre and returning to Turin in one day is a long outing better suited to an overnight. The city itself rewards a full day, combining culture, food, and the buzz of a working port. Genoa works year-round thanks to its many indoor attractions, while spring through autumn is best for combining it with time on the coast. The dense old town is wonderfully characterful but busy, so usual care with belongings in the crowded lanes is sensible.
How to get there
- Train: Turin to Genoa (about 1h40-2 hrs, regional/Intercity)
- Car: A6 Turin-Savona then A10 to Genoa (about 2 hrs)
- Onward coastal trains to Camogli, Santa Margherita, and the Cinque Terre
- Hop-on ferries and the Porto Antico aquarium in Genoa
Location
Genova Piazza Principe station, Piazza Acquaverde, 16126 Genoa
44.4169, 8.9189 View on map
Highlights
- The Acquario di Genova at the Porto Antico
- Medieval caruggi and the UNESCO Rolli palaces
- Via Garibaldi's frescoed noble palaces and galleries
- Gateway by coastal train to the Riviera and Cinque Terre
Tips for visiting
- The aquarium and Porto Antico are walkable from Principe station
- Try Genoese pesto, focaccia, and farinata
- Continue by coastal train to Camogli or the Cinque Terre
- Genoa's old town is dense - watch belongings in busy lanes
When to visit
A year-round destination thanks to its indoor attractions, ideal even in winter. Spring through autumn is best for combining the city with time on the Ligurian coast and the Riviera by train.
Accessibility
Genoa's Porto Antico waterfront and the aquarium are largely flat and accessible, and the Metro has step-free options. The medieval old town is a maze of narrow, sloping, often stepped caruggi that can be difficult for wheelchair users, so the seafront and Via Garibaldi areas are easier to navigate.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Turin to Genoa?
Trenitalia regional and Intercity trains link Turin Porta Nuova with Genova Piazza Principe in about 1h40 to 2 hours. Fares are roughly €12-22 each way, and services run frequently through the day.
Can I reach the Cinque Terre from Turin in a day?
It is possible but long. From Genoa the coastal line continues to the Cinque Terre, but the full journey from Turin and back makes for a very long day. Genoa itself, or the nearer Riviera towns like Camogli, suit a day trip better; the Cinque Terre is best with an overnight.
What is Genoa famous for?
Genoa is famous as a historic maritime republic, the birthplace of pesto and focaccia, and home to Italy's largest aquarium at the Porto Antico. Its medieval caruggi and the UNESCO-listed Rolli palaces on Via Garibaldi are highlights.
Is the aquarium easy to reach from the station?
Yes. The Acquario di Genova and the Porto Antico are a walk or short Metro ride from Genova Piazza Principe station, making them easy to combine with the old town on a day trip from Turin.