Curator’s statement
Liguria holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I au paired and experienced daily life along the Italian Riviera beyond the perspective of a typical visitor. Living in the region gave me a deeper understanding of its rugged coastline, colorful seaside villages, and relaxed pace of life. Known for its pesto, focaccia, and beautiful beaches, Liguria offers an authentic look at Italian Riviera living.
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Where to stay in Liguria
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Things to do in Liguria
View of Manarola on the hike from Manarola to Corniglia
Hike the Cinque Terre coastal trails
One of the most memorable ways to experience Cinque Terre is on foot. The trail between Vernazza and Monterosso (about 2.2 miles, roughly 2 hours) is especially stunning for its dramatic cliffside views and iconic overlooks of Vernazza, while the Corniglia to Vernazza stretch (2.5 miles) offers equally beautiful scenery with fewer steep sections.
Take a local pesto-making cooking class
Liguria is the birthplace of pesto, and taking a hands-on cooking class is a must for food lovers. You’ll learn traditional techniques using local basil, olive oil, and pine nuts—often in a local home or countryside setting—making this both an authentic and memorable experience.
Spend a day at a beach club in Santa Margherita Ligure
For a slower-paced day, head to nearby Santa Margherita Ligure and enjoy one of its many chic beach clubs. Expect clear water, striped umbrellas, fresh seafood lunches, and a relaxed Riviera atmosphere perfect for unwinding between sightseeing days.
Taste local Ligurian wines
Ligurian wines are lesser-known but truly special, shaped by steep coastal vineyards and sea breezes. A local wine tasting introduces you to crisp whites like Vermentino and Pigato, often paired with regional cheeses and focaccia for a full sensory experience.
Take a boat day along the coast
Exploring the coastline by boat offers a completely different perspective of Cinque Terre. A day on the water allows you to discover hidden coves, swim in secluded spots, and visit gems like the San Fruttuoso Abbey—only accessible by boat or hiking trail.
Places to eat & drink in Liguria
Portofino, Italy
Ristorante La Torre (Vernazza)
Perched high above Vernazza, this restaurant offers sweeping views over the village and the sea, making the climb well worth it. The menu focuses on classic Ligurian dishes—think fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and local pesto—best enjoyed at sunset (and yes, skip the heels).
Capo Nord (between Santa Margherita Ligure & Portofino)
Set right along the water, Capo Nord is known for its elegant seaside setting and refined take on Ligurian cuisine. Fresh fish, seafood pasta, and beautifully plated crudi pair perfectly with the coastal views, making this an ideal stop for a long, leisurely lunch.
Ristorante Belforte (Vernazza)
Built into the cliffs at the edge of Vernazza, Ristorante Belforte is famous for its dramatic terrace overlooking the open sea. Order the seafood risotto, fresh catch of the day, or anchovy-based dishes—local specialties that shine in this unforgettable setting.
Belmond Hotel Splendido Restaurant (Portofino)
One of the most romantic dining spots on the Italian Riviera, this restaurant sits high above Portofino with panoramic views of the harbor below. The menu leans elevated Italian with exceptional seafood and seasonal ingredients, best paired with a bottle of wine as the town lights begin to twinkle at night.
Panificio Fiordiponti (Santa Margherita Ligure)
For a true local experience, stop by this beloved bakery known for some of the best focaccia in Italy. Expect crisp, olive-oil-soaked focaccia topped with rosemary or onions—perfect for a casual lunch, beach snack, or picnic on the go.
Need to know
Best time to visit Liguria
Late May–June and September are ideal for visiting Liguria, offering warm weather, fewer crowds, and comfortable hiking conditions.
July and August are beautiful but extremely busy, especially in Cinque Terre and Portofino, with higher prices and limited restaurant availability.
Cinque Terre transportation & planning tips
Cinque Terre is made up of five villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—and is best explored entirely by train.
Skip the rental car entirely—roads are limited and parking is extremely difficult. The Cinque Terre Express connects all five towns (plus La Spezia and Levanto) quickly and frequently, making it the easiest way to get around.
If you plan to move between villages or hike, the Cinque Terre Card is well worth it, offering unlimited train travel, access to the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), and major time savings.
Important: Tickets are strictly enforced—always carry your card or ticket to avoid hefty fines.
Travel Advisor
Clara Rodrick
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