8 Must-See Things to Do and See in Liguria

Nestled between sea and mountains, Liguria is one of Italy's most spectacular regions. This crescent-shaped coastal strip, stretching from the French border to Tuscany, offers a concentration of natural beauty, colorful villages and heritage treasures. From Genoa to the famous Cinque Terre, passing through the pearl of Portofino, the Italian Riviera fascinates with its diversity. Between medieval alleys, turquoise coves and gastronomic specialties, each stop reveals a new face of this authentic region. Here are the 8 must-do things in Liguria for an unforgettable journey to the heart of Northern Italy.

1. Genoa, the maritime capital of Liguria

It's impossible to visit Liguria without stopping in Genoa, its vibrant and historic capital. Former maritime republic rival to Venice, Genoa reveals exceptional heritage through its narrow alleys and majestic palaces. The historic center, one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe, houses the famous Palazzi dei Rolli, listed as UNESCO World Heritage. These 16th-century aristocratic residences, with sumptuous facades and magnificent inner courtyards, testify to the past grandeur of the city.

The Genoa Aquarium constitutes a major attraction of the city (Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genoa, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 44,000 reviews). Located in the renovated old port, it is the largest aquarium in Europe with 70 tanks presenting more than 12,000 animals of 600 different species. The visit lasts about 2.5 hours and immerses visitors in marine ecosystems from around the world. Don't miss the San Lorenzo Cathedral, with its Gothic facade in black and white marble, as well as the picturesque neighborhood of Boccadasse, a former fishing village with colorful houses.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Genoa on foot and independently

Explore Genoa at your own pace thanks to the Ryo audio-guided itinerary. This route takes you through the historic alleys, emblematic squares and hidden treasures of the Ligurian capital. With 26 commented points of interest, you will discover the fascinating history of this former maritime republic while strolling through its authentic neighborhoods. The app guides you step by step so you don't miss any of Genoa's must-sees.

2. The Cinque Terre, jewels of the Ligurian coast

The Cinque Terre undoubtedly represent one of the most spectacular destinations in Liguria, even in the entire world. This UNESCO World Heritage national park brings together five villages clinging to cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each has its unique character, with brightly colored houses that contrast beautifully with the deep blue of the sea and the green of terraced vineyards.

Vernazza is considered by many as the most beautiful of the five villages, with its small natural harbor and square lined with restaurants. Manarola offers breathtaking viewpoints, particularly at sunset from the Punta Bonfiglio promontory. Corniglia, the only village that is not directly by the sea, perches on a rocky spur at 100 meters altitude and is reached by a staircase of 382 steps. For hiking enthusiasts, the coastal trail that connects the villages offers exceptional panoramas. Count about 5 to 6 hours to cover the entire path between Monterosso and Riomaggiore. Don't forget to taste the local wine, Sciacchetrà, a sweet white wine produced on the vertiginous terraces.

3. Portofino, the pearl of the Italian Riviera

Portofino embodies the glamour of the Italian Riviera. This small coastal village, nestled at the bottom of a horseshoe-shaped bay, has become synonymous with elegance and refinement. The Piazzetta, lined with pastel-colored houses and chic restaurants, forms the beating heart of the village. The marina welcomes luxury yachts in a postcard setting that has seduced celebrities and artists from around the world since the 1950s.

Beyond its upscale image, Portofino also offers magnificent natural discoveries. A walk to Castello Brown (Via alla Penisola, 16034 Portofino, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 750 reviews), a medieval fortress perched on the hillside, rewards visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of the village and bay. The Portofino lighthouse, accessible by a coastal path of about 40 minutes, constitutes another must-do excursion. For diving enthusiasts, the protected marine reserve of Portofino contains exceptional underwater depths, notably the famous Christ of the Abyss, a statue submerged at 17 meters depth in San Fruttuoso bay.

4. Sanremo, the city of flowers

Sanremo, nicknamed the city of flowers, is one of the most elegant seaside resorts on the Riviera di Ponente. Famous for its Italian song festival held annually since 1951, the city cultivates a Belle Époque atmosphere with its grand hotels, lush gardens and Art Nouveau casino. La Pigna, the old medieval quarter, forms a maze of narrow streets and stairs that climb up to the sanctuary of Madonna della Costa, from where the view embraces the entire bay.

The Casino di Sanremo (Corso degli Inglesi, 18, 18038 Sanremo, rated 4.0/5 on Google for 1,200 reviews), inaugurated in 1905, is a remarkable architectural monument that hosts concerts and cultural events in addition to its gaming rooms. Villa Nobel also deserves a visit: it was in this residence that the famous Swedish scientist spent the last years of his life. Nature lovers will appreciate the coastal bike path that runs along the sea for several kilometers, and the flower market testifies to the horticultural tradition that made Sanremo famous. The city is also the finish line of the Milan-Sanremo cycling race, one of the most prestigious classics in the professional calendar.

5. La Spezia and Porto Venere

La Spezia constitutes an excellent base for exploring the Cinque Terre while discovering an authentic port city, less touristy than its neighbors. Its historic center, with Via del Prione lined with ancient palaces and shops, invites strolling. The Naval Technical Museum, one of the most important naval museums in the world, traces Italian maritime history through models, navigation instruments and even submarines. The covered market, housed in an Art Nouveau building, offers an immersion in local life with its stalls of fresh products and Ligurian specialties.

16 kilometers from La Spezia, Porto Venere absolutely deserves the detour. This fortified village, also listed as UNESCO World Heritage, seduces with its colorful tower-houses that line up along the port. The San Pietro church, perched on a rocky promontory, offers one of the most photographed panoramas in Liguria. Lord Byron's cave, carved by the sea at the foot of the church, owes its name to the British poet who came to meditate and swim there. Facing Porto Venere, the archipelago formed by the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto can be explored by boat, revealing marine caves, secret coves and crystalline waters suitable for swimming.

6. Savona and its Priamar fortress

Savona is a port city steeped in history that was long the great rival of Genoa. The Priamar Fortress, an imposing 16th-century citadel built by the Genoese on the ruins of the medieval quarter, dominates the city and port. This fortress now houses several museums, including the remarkable archaeological museum that presents remains from Roman times to the Middle Ages. The ramparts offer a pleasant walk with magnificent views of the sea and old town.

Savona's historic center contains other treasures, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Sistine Chapel (be careful, this is not the one in the Vatican!), built in the 16th century and decorated with Renaissance frescoes. The Pancaldo and Leon Pancaldo towers, remnants of the ancient medieval fortifications, mark the entrance to the old port. Savona is also an important cruise port in the Mediterranean, with many ships calling there. The city has beautiful sandy beaches, less crowded than those of neighboring seaside resorts, making it a destination appreciated by families and Italians on vacation.

savone-forteresse-priamar — © Shutterstock

7. Ventimiglia and the Val Nervia

Ventimiglia, less than 10 kilometers from the French border, constitutes an ideal gateway to discover Liguria. The city is divided into two parts: the modern city by the sea and the medieval old town perched on the hill. Ventimiglia Alta, the historic quarter, reveals a maze of cobbled streets, vaulted passages and the Cathedral of the Assumption. The archaeological site of Albintimilium preserves the remains of the Roman city, including a 2nd-century amphitheater still well preserved. The Balzi Rossi, on the border with France, are exceptional prehistoric caves that have yielded Paleolithic remains.

By going up the Val Nervia via the Strada Provinciale 64, you will discover an unknown Liguria, far from tourist crowds. The village of Dolceacqua seduces with its Doria castle that dominates the ancient houses spanning the Nervia torrent via a single-arch medieval bridge. Claude Monet immortalized this setting in several paintings. Apricale, classified among Italy's most beautiful villages, is characterized by its alleys decorated with murals and its timeless atmosphere. Pigna preserves its intact medieval character, with the San Michele Arcangelo church and its remarkable facade in alternating black and white stones. These perched villages offer splendid panoramas over the surrounding valleys and the distant Mediterranean.

8. Albenga and its medieval heritage

Albenga beautifully concludes this tour of Liguria's must-sees. This medieval city, one of the oldest in the region, was founded by the Romans under the name Albingaunum. The historic center preserves its medieval layout with a remarkable concentration of towers, palaces and churches. The San Michele Cathedral, built in the 5th century then remodeled in the Middle Ages, presents an exceptional early Christian baptistery, the oldest and best preserved in Liguria, with its Byzantine blue mosaics.

Along the Via Julia Augusta, an ancient Roman road still passable in places, remain vestiges of the Roman necropolis and amphitheater. Albenga's naval museum notably exhibits remains of a Roman wreck discovered offshore, loaded with amphorae and crockery. The three medieval towers of the city center (Torre Civica, Torre del Comune and Torre Costa) testify to Albenga's past prosperity. Don't miss the Palio, a medieval horse race that pits the city's neighborhoods against each other and perpetuates a tradition several centuries old. Facing the coast, Gallinara island forms a nature reserve accessible by boat, a sanctuary for herring gulls and a paradise for divers with its depths rich in marine life.

By traveling through Liguria from west to east, from Ventimiglia to La Spezia via the mythical villages of the Cinque Terre and the sophistication of Portofino, you will have crossed one of Italy's most beautiful regions. This land squeezed between sea and mountains offers remarkable diversity, mixing exceptional historical heritage, breathtaking landscapes and Mediterranean art of living. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, history buff, epicurean seeking authentic gastronomy or simply looking for natural beauty, Liguria will seduce you and make you want to return. Don't hesitate to use Ryo audio-guided tours to explore Genoa and other Italian cities independently and enrichingly.

FAQ – Visiting Liguria

What is the best time to visit Liguria?

The best time to visit Liguria extends from April to October. The months of May, June and September offer the best compromise with pleasant climate, fewer crowds and ideal temperatures for hiking. July and August are very busy, particularly in the Cinque Terre. Spring reveals the region adorned with flowers, while autumn allows you to enjoy the still warm sea and harvests.

How to get around in Liguria?

The train is the most practical means of transport to get around Liguria. A coastal line connects all major cities from Ventimiglia to La Spezia, with stops in each Cinque Terre village. Tickets are affordable and trains frequent. To explore the hinterland and perched villages like those in Val Nervia, a car is preferable. Be careful, parking can be difficult in historic centers and in the Cinque Terre where it is very limited.

How many days are needed to visit Liguria?

For a first discovery trip, count at least 5 to 7 days. This allows visiting Genoa (2 days), the Cinque Terre (2 days), Portofino and surroundings (1 day), plus one or two other stops like Sanremo or Savona. For a more thorough exploration including the hinterland and relaxation moments, 10 to 15 days would be ideal. The region lends itself well to a road trip or itinerant stay by train.

What are Liguria's culinary specialties?

Liguria is the birthplace of pesto alla genovese, a sauce with basil, pine nuts, parmesan and olive oil. Other must-try specialties include focaccia (flatbread with olive oil), farinata (chickpea flour pancake), trofie al pesto (pasta with pesto), pansotti (herb ravioli), capponada (fish salad), acciughe (Monterosso anchovies) and fresh seafood. For sweets, don't miss amaretti (almond cookies) and pandolce (Genoese brioche with candied fruits).