Things to do & places to visit in Liguria, Italy

Liguria #12 destination in Italy 2023. The average rating score is 4.34 based on 95.3k traveler reviews, of 155 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 21:15.

Top things to do (36)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Enjoy Cinqueterre Boat Tours (885 reviews)
- Amazing, Must-do Experience in Manarola
Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours

We did the sunset boat tour with Paolo on Monday 20th June 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour was reasonably priced (60 euros each) given the quality of the experience. Paolo is a Manarola local and was able to impressively provide the tour of all 5 villages of Cinque Terre in a variety of languages (English, Portuguese, French), providing plenty of local recommendations and stories about the region. For the second half of the tour (after stopping in Monterosso for half an hour), as we watched the sunset from the water, there was a really relaxed and romantic vibe on the boat, with music playing and drinks provided (wine, beer, water). This was our most enjoyable experience in Cinque Terre! Thank you Paolo! See more..
5.0 Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere (880 reviews)
- Cinque Terre by boat
Parks

Rent a boat in La Spezia, take the boat to the last of the 5 cities. Take a plunge and enjoy the view from the seaside away from all the people. Go with the boat close to the shore and stop on the way to take a swim. Some places you can swim to shore and hang on the beach . See more..
5.0 5 Terre Pelagos Boat Tours (449 reviews)
- A truly amazing experience, definitely a great highlight in all of the trips we have ever made.
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

We had a very awesome experience on the boat around in Cinque Terre. Cosimo was the best host ever treated us very nicely , was very helpful, and wanted to make our experience the best. We really appreciate everything he did. You could tell Cosimo loves what he does. This was really one of the highlights if not the best part of our 2 week vacation in Italy. He went the extra mile and took pictures and videos of us, which was not even advertised. And Andrea was also very helpful and kind, he even helped is find a great place to have lunch, and made sure we were very well taken care of. Would love to go back, and hire you guys again for that awesome private experience. Thank you guys so much, very kind. God bless See more..
5.0 Sailing 5 Terre - Day Tours (209 reviews)
- What a unique experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Boat Tours

I would like to thank Paolo and his crew for the wonderful experience they gave us during our city trip. It was a unique experience to discover the beauty of the Cinque Terre with friends on board this beautiful boat. The welcome from the captain was warm, the food on board was delicious, the prosecco cooled us down on this beautiful day. Paola thanks for everything, we will definitely do this again. See more..
5.0 Get Away Boat Tours in the Cinque Terre (177 reviews)
- Great private tour with a fantastic host!
City Tours • Boat Tours • Private Tours • Speed Boats Tours • Day Trips

We did a private 2 hour - 6 person afternoon tour with Yuri. Fantastic experience. The tour itself was beautiful, encompassing all parts of Cinque Terre, with beautiful views of the villages/towns from the sea. Yuri was very knowledgeable about each town and highlighted the historical aspects of each one which was very interesting. The highlight for us was the wedding proposal that I planned for my now fiance. Yuri helped me plan a specific back drop to stop at for the prosal, had a pre-planned song the I requested loaded up to play for the moment, and took photos + video of the event. And of course he helped us out with plenty of champagne on board for celebrating as well. Between the great weather, a host that went above and beyond for our special moment, and the beautiful Cinque Terre background of it all it was a perfect afternoon! I would highly recommend Get Away Boat Tours for anyone wanting to experience Cinque Terre in an unforgettable way with long lasting memories! See more..
4.5 Boccadasse (4.951 reviews)
- Gorgeous Fishing Village- Even Though Everything was Closed
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

We visited this adorable fishing village in January and everything was shut. But we were there at sunset and just took it all in. It's a beautiful place. I would go again tomorrow. If you are going in the off-season- bring your own wine and sandwiches. Sit on a bench and enjoy a different way of life. See more..
4.5 Vernazza (3.841 reviews)
- Amazing village - perfect for what we wanted and needed
Civic Centres

We don’t have one proper Info Points yet, but several all around Vernazza Some locals and shops/restaurants’s tenders are at your disposal for info and tips. Currently, you can count on: * Giovanni, at the sport supplies store Vernazza Sport * Stefano and Chilli, at the takeaway Lunch Box You can also contact us using a traditional e-mail message or texting us on WhatsApp or adding ‪#‎VisitVernazza‬ to your tweets. The same hashtag used on Instagram will allow you to get featured on our social networks! See more..
4.5 Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza (3.780 reviews)
- Great tough hike
Hiking Trails

Tough steep straight up hike to the souvire. I highly recommend hiking boots or trail runners as there were many spots where running sneakers or less would have been a problem. This is definitely rated HARD and you’ll need good cardio to get to the top in less then 1.5 hours. Many people were stopping and turning around. I’ve hiked many Colorado 14’rs etc and I was tired getting to the top. Great views along the way. See more..
4.5 Portovenere (3.536 reviews)
- Clean quaint posh fishing town that’s is the gateway to Italian Riviera .
Monday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

Beautiful breezy weather..clear and sunny but not hot.clear water that’s refreshing. Views of palmaria , tono and tonitto. Easy ferry to CT and Lerici … 28€ each and leaves each hour, more frequently in summer. Rent your own boat, dine easily abs shop is cute small Artisan shops that line the main drag and few small cobblestone streets. drive around la spezia harbor is laborious w construction and traffic.. but the water views w mountains in back..are enough to keep you going.. the entire valley down from Parma to the coast is a beautiful Green drive. The church and fort are short up hill climbs with huge payoff in terms of view, sunsets. Harbor is clean and easy. Everything is close and there is no lack of things to do. Nearby islands or towns offer beaches or other spots to enjoy as well. Everything is close. Love to come again as the weather was lovely and the people kind.. Liked how few tourists.. mostly Italians ..some French and German ..few English speaking people. See more..
4.5 Galata Museo del Mare (3.284 reviews)
- Nice museum of the sea & Genoa's maritime history
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Galata Maritime Museum of Genoa, developed by Mu.MA, is the most important maritime museum of the Mediterranean whose mission is to cover the history of navigation. See more..
4.5 Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi (3.255 reviews)
- Best sea views of Genova
Historic Walking Areas

Beautiful place! Easy to reach from Genova, there is a train station in Nervi and from there you can start the walk otherwise it is about 10 km from Genova center. There are busses as well I think. It is possible to go into the water but there are many rocks so be careful. Pleasant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets. Just enjoy. See more..
4.5 Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - Duomo di Genova (2.915 reviews)
- A Must See
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

No visit to Genoa is compete without a visit to “Cattedrale Di San Lorenzo!” The architecture of the outside of the Cathedral, as well as the inside of the Cathedral are breathtaking in every way. Unfortunately, as of the time that I took these photos (July, 2022), the outside of the structure is being cleaned or restored so there is a lot of scaffolding, but do not let it prevent you from visiting! As you can see from my photos, it is still magnificent. Cathedrals and Holy Sites as amazing as “Cattedrale Di San Lorenzo” deserve to be kept up and looking great, so please be mindful of that if you visit! See more..
4.5 Bay of Silence (2.829 reviews)
- A gem in Liguria
Beaches

Baia del Silenzio.. We visited this place in September and due to Covid entry to the beach is limited. Day before we arrived at 09.30 and it was already full so we werent allowed to enter. We were told to arrive arrive earlier than 08:00. Today we arrived at 07:00, there were already many people on the beach. We watched the sunrise. By 08:30 they closed the entry. Theres a designated place for all visitors so once you’re in its really pleasant and worths every second of waking up early :) Its a small public beach, better come prepared with your umbrella and stuff. There are restaurants and bars around. If you’re in Liguria , do not miss this amazing spot! See more..
4.5 Spianata Castelletto (2.692 reviews)
- The amazing view is worth the effort of the climb!
Observation Decks & Towers

How tantalizingly close the Spianata Castelletto looked on the map, just 100 meters from the Palazzo Bianco...which turned out to be 5 times longer a tortous walk up a steep gradient. Which is what we love about Genoa after all, the way the city has miraculously managed to grow on a steep hillside over the centuries. So just take your time if you do walk up via the Salita alla Spianata Castelletto and you will be rewarded by a great view looking down onto the port and the old city. The salita has a flat surface in the middle but has steps built onto each side of the street for walking convenience. Also, once you are done with the views at teh Spianata Castelletto the immediate neighborhood is a pleasant walk and as it is residential so has a very lived-in feel with several open shops during working hours. See more..
4.5 Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari (2.509 reviews)
- Beautiful fountain
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A spectacular water fountain. Lovely for sitting next too and bathing hot feet after a days walking around the city. The fountain is particularly beautiful at night. It’s lit up with coloured lights and is busy with street entertainers, and plenty of people to watch. One if the best fountains to be seen in Europe. See more..
4.5 Pista Ciclabile Area 24 - Sanremo (2.408 reviews)
- Great outdoor experience in fall
Biking Trails

Started in Ospedaletti (bus from Ventimiglia leaving every 15min) & rented with NoloBici ($5/hr). So much fun going through tunnels and along the coast, and swanky SanRemo, with periodic restaurants & cafes along the path. Beautiful in late fall on a sunny day! See more..
4.5 Cinque Terre Trails (2.364 reviews)
- A must see!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Walking Areas • Hiking Trails

Stunning villages built into cliffs. A must see. Be aware, the villages are miles apart, much farther than I imagined. Be prepared if you hike the trails, some areas are closed. There is a cinque terre train that connects the villages as well as a ferry. We chose the ferry as the views from the sea are breathtaking. Lovely small towns to explore, shopping, restaurants and small cafes, prices were affordable and portions looked plentiful. See more..
4.5 Via Giuseppe Garibaldi (2.226 reviews)
- Palaces of Genoa
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings

The street is lined with numerous historic palaces that were built by the great families of their time. Today many have been converted to museums, restaurants or commercial establishments. A great way to see the opulent old architecture of the city. See more..
4.5 Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre (1.964 reviews)
- Train is the Way
Monday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM National Parks

We base ourselves in Manarola and hopped between the other four towns by train. Each is only a few minutes from the next closest and the trains were quite regular and easy to use. Each town has a different vibe. Monterosso al Mare feels like a Riviera town, Corniglia is perched up on a cliff, Riomaggiore is the large one and Manarola is the nicest one. All beautiful in their own respects. See more..
4.5 Santa Margherita Ligure (1.509 reviews)
- Fabulous coastal town on the Portofino headland
Neighborhoods

This quaint harbor on the Italian Riviera makes for a lovely stop between Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Snap photos of the colorful boats that line the marina and take a seat outside a bar for a spot of people-watching. Explore the town center with its narrow streets and pastel-colored houses, and check out the delightful shops and restaurants for a taste of the local cuisine and culture. Overlooking the town is Castello Brown, a historic castle with panoramic views that are well worth walking up for. Skip the heavy traffic—Santa Margherita Ligure is best reached by ferry or train. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Abbazia di San Fruttuoso (1.447 reviews)
- Great beach - cheap beach!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

Tra Camogli e Portofino, in una profonda insenatura nella frastagliata costa del Promontorio di Portofino, sorge la celebre Abbazia di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte nell'intatto borgo marinaro omonimo. Dopo la prima frequentazione monastica, il complesso di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte fu umile abitazione per pescatori, spesso covo di pirati, poi proprietà per secoli dei Principi Doria: un luogo assolutamente unico, dove l'opera dell'uomo si è felicemente integrata con quella della natura. Sono visitabili il complesso monastico del X-XI secolo con il Chiostro, la Sala Capitolare, la Chiesa; e le tombe dei Doria e il corpo a mare gotico del XIII secolo. See more..
4.5 Lungomare Europa - pista ciclabile fra Varazze e Cogoleto (1.370 reviews)
- On the old railway line
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Very nice cycling road , most part of it is using the old railway line including galleries. Nice view on the sea and on the mountain See more..
4.5 Old Bussana (Bussana Vecchia) (1.255 reviews)
- A step back in time...
Ancient Ruins

Devastated by an earthquake and abandoned, this unique medieval village has been reborn and is now inhabited by an international artists community. See more..
4.5 Finalborgo (1.239 reviews)
- Beautiful ancient village
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The old city is surrounded by walls and dominated by the two castle : the Fortress San Giovanni and the castle Gavone. Beautiful streets with shops, bar and coffee shops. Restaurants with tables on the street Very picturesque See more..
4.5 Grotte di Toirano (1.156 reviews)
- Toirano caves
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

The Toirano cave site is one of the main tourist attractions in Liguria and consists of the natural cavities of Basura and S. Lucia Inferiore. The Grotta della Basura (which means "witch"), discovered in 1950, is characterized by the presence of prints of men from the Upper Paleolithic Age and important palaeontological finds, mainly Cave Bear bones ("Ursus Spelaeus"). The bones of these plantigrades, which were typical of the Pleistocene Epoch and used to visit the cave during hibernation, can still be seen in the "Bear Cemetery" (about 30,000 years old). Foot, hand and knee prints of Homo Sapiens Sapiens can be found in the clay concretions of the "Print Corridor" (about 12,000 years old). In the cave rooms you will find a wide variety of stalactites and stalagmites, different in shape and size, as well as the typical "mammillary" concretions. The last part of the cave, which used to be under water, is very picturesque, with its peculiar, rounded concretions entirely covered in a uniform, light-yellow layer of tiny calcite crystals. In the Grotta di S. Lucia Inferiore, discovered in 1960, both the limestones and the walls of the wide rooms are covered in calcite flowers and aragonite crystals. The two caves, connected by an artificial tunnel, are about 1,300m long and can be visited in about 70 minutes. See more..
4.5 Museo di Palazzo Reale (1.136 reviews)
- Well Worth the Entrance Fee
Monday: Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

Given the entrance fee is only €4 I thought this was a very worthwhile attraction. It is close to the other main sites & just minutes from the principal station, so slips easily into your itinerary. There aren’t a huge amount of rooms to be viewed but some, the Hall of Mirrors in particular, is stunning. The main facade, only visible by paying to enter, is also a photo opportunity that justifies the ticket. See more..
4.5 Pista Ciclopedonale Levanto - Framura (1.101 reviews)
- Bike ride to Bonassola
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Biking Trails

We hired bike from the Levanto surf shop in the nth of the town. The owner was very helpful and gave clear instructions for the ride and a tourist map. Cost 6 euro for 4 hrs. The ride trough the tunnels is easy to find at the beach front. The tunnels have a cool breeze and plenty of spots to stop and see the views. Framura is a bit tricky to get to the beach. Use the lift and then go under the rail line. You then find the beach at the end of the station. There are many swim spots along the way. See more..
4.5 Palazzi dei Rolli (1.084 reviews)
- A voyage in the rich history of the city
Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:59 AM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

On 13 July 2006, the site"Genoa: le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli" entered UNESCO’s World Heritage List of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Forming an organic urban unit, the site is made up of late-Renaissance and Baroque streets and squares lined by over a hundred palaces belonging to the city’s noble families. The grandest residences, each with its own architectural style and individual character, were an official lists (Rolli), and lots were drawn to decide which palace would have the privilege of playing host to visiting state dignitaries. Often erected on sloping ground, the Palazzi dei Rolli were designed according to the sequence atrium-courtyard-grand staircase-gardens and boast richly decorated interiors. They embody a distinctive social and economic identity and mark the beginning of the era of modern urban architecture in Europe. See more..
4.5 San Pietro Church (939 reviews)
- Serenity
Monday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

Spectacular location - an oasis of calm and serenity. Highly recommend visiting at 7am _ no visitors and can climb up and admire view of local fishing boats bringing in their catches and the stupendous views of the Gulf of Poets and beyond. When the church is open during the day it is a beautiful place of calm to reflect and light a candle if you so wish. Steeped in history and focal point of portovenere. See more..
4.5 Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montallegro (844 reviews)
- a serene shrine
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

The Sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Monteallegro was built i 1558. From 1934 a cable car was built joining it to Rapallo. There are many paintings and sculptures by famous artists inside. Whilst we were there a mass was being celebrated at lunchtime attended by about ten parishioners. A short stop is recommended in this quite and peaceful shrine as part of your visit to Monteallegro See more..