Curator’s statement
Liguria is one of my favorite regions in Italy to plan trips for and the perfect home base for a week of exploring. Rent a car and spend your days discovering everything from iconic destinations like Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Genoa to smaller hilltop villages where you'll often stumble upon some of the best meals of your trip. Summer is an especially beautiful time to visit (although it gets hot!), with long days perfect for sightseeing, beach clubs, and leisurely aperitivos by the sea. Be sure to indulge in the region's incredible cuisine, from fresh seafood and handmade pesto to warm focaccia and crisp local Vermentino wines.
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Things to do in Liguria
Explore Cinque Terre by boat
One of my favorite ways to experience Cinque Terre is from the water. Whether you choose a private charter or a shared excursion, seeing the colorful villages perched dramatically above the sea offers a completely different perspective of the Italian Riviera.
Take a guided walking or food tour of Genoa
I always recommend exploring Genoa with a local guide, whether on a walking tour or a food and wine experience. It's the best way to uncover the city's hidden alleyways, grand palaces, and rich maritime history while sampling Ligurian specialties like pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood.
Bike through Lucca's historic center
Although it's located just across the border in Tuscany, Lucca is an easy day trip from eastern Liguria and one I think is well worth making. Rent a bike or join a guided cycling tour to ride along the city's perfectly preserved Renaissance walls before wandering its charming piazzas, medieval streets, cafés, and boutiques.
Spend a day in Portofino
I recommend taking your time in Portofino rather than trying to rush through it. Browse the waterfront boutiques, linger over a seafood lunch, and make your way to Castello Brown or the lighthouse for spectacular views over the harbor.
Stop by Pisa to see the Leaning Tower
If you're driving between Liguria and Tuscany, I always suggest making a stop in Pisa. Even an hour or two is enough to admire the famous Leaning Tower, wander through the Piazza dei Miracoli, or climb the tower if you've booked tickets in advance.
Relax at a beach club
A beach club day is one of my favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon along the Ligurian and Tuscan coast. While there are plenty of wonderful options, I especially love Dalmazia Beach Club at Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi, where you can relax by the sea before ending the day with sunset cocktails at Lux Lucis.
Discover Liguria's wine country
If time allows, I highly recommend setting aside an afternoon to explore Liguria's wine country. The rolling hills are home to excellent wineries producing crisp Vermentino and other regional wines, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy local flavors alongside beautiful vineyard views.
Places to eat & drink in Liguria
La Terrazza (Portofino): The elegant restaurant at Belmond Splendido with incredible sea views. Very much a quintessential Portofino experience.
Cracco Portofino (Portofino): Michelin-starred tasting menu with contemporary seafood, perfect for a night of fine dining.
Trattoria Tripoli (Portofino): A more casual option in Portofino, family-run and serving Ligurian cuisine for over a century.
Torre Aurora (Monterosso al Mare): Gorgeous seaside restaurant and cocktail bar located inside a historic tower, a great way to end your day exploring Cinque Terre.
San Giorgio (Genoa): Michelin-starred modern Ligurian cuisine.
Ristorante All'Olivo (Lucca): A very special meal with Tuscan specialties. A can't-miss in Lucca.
Buca di Sant'Antonio (Lucca): Historic old-school trattoria in Lucca.
Need to know
Renting a car is highly recommended and is by far the easiest way to explore Liguria's coastline and inland villages. However, you'll want to use trains or ferries when visiting places like Cinque Terre and Portofino, where parking is limited and can be expensive. If you plan to rely on trains, be sure to check for scheduled rail strikes ahead of time, especially during the summer months, as they can impact travel plans.
Reservations are highly recommended for popular restaurants, but one of the best parts of visiting Liguria is simply wandering its colorful towns and hidden corners, so be sure to leave time for spontaneous exploration as well.
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Megan McLaughlin
Megan McLaughlin
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