4 Nights in Genoa: An Authentic Ligurian Coast Experience

Settle into your hotel first, then head to Genoa’s historic centro. You’ll find one of Europe’s largest medieval old towns here. The narrow caruggi reveal centuries of maritime history that you can get lost in. Walk Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage street lined with Renaissance palaces. These showcase Genoa’s former wealth as a maritime republic when this city rivaled Venice in power.

For lunch, visit Sà Pesta in the heart of the old town. They serve traditional Genovese dishes with ingredients from local markets just steps away. Spend your afternoon exploring the historic center’s maze-like streets. You’ll discover hidden churches and local artisan workshops that tourists often miss.

For dinner, try Cavour Modo21 Trattoria. The chef transforms traditional Ligurian recipes with modern techniques while keeping their authenticity. End your day with gelato from Gelateria Pizacane Genova. This local institution has been perfecting their craft for decades.

Take the morning train or drive to Portofino, but stop first in Santa Margherita Liguria. This elegant resort town has fewer crowds than Portofino. The journey takes about 45 minutes with spectacular coastal views. In Portofino, you’ll see why this tiny fishing village became synonymous with Mediterranean glamour. The pastel houses reflect perfectly in the protected harbor. Explore beyond the main piazzetta to find hiking trails with stunning viewpoints and quiet spots.

For lunch, head to Camogli instead of eating in tourist-heavy Portofino. Izoa Ristorante Camogli gets their seafood directly from local fishermen and maintains an authentically Italian atmosphere. Spend your afternoon swimming at Baia Cannone. Locals prefer this hidden gem because the water stays crystal clear and the setting feels secluded. Return to your hotel for a sunset aperitivo on their terrace.

Spend this day in Camogli, a fishing village that maintains its working-port authenticity while offering beautiful swimming spots. The colorful houses lining the harbor weren’t painted for tourists. This practical tradition helped fishermen identify their homes from the sea.

Start with breakfast at a harbor-side cafe where locals gather before work. Explore the town’s narrow streets that climb from the waterfront. The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta offers architectural beauty and panoramic views. For lunch, try the famous focaccia at Focacceria Revello. They’ve been perfecting their recipe for generations using olive oil from local groves.

Spend your afternoon on coastal paths connecting Camogli to smaller beaches and viewpoints. Consider booking a pesto-making class with a local family or arranging a sunset boat ride. End your day with dinner at U Giancu. The menu changes based on the day’s catch and creates an experience that feels like dining with locals.

Try the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, a spectacular coastal walk from Spiaggia Capolungo to Porticciolo di Nervi. This 2 km path takes you along cliffs and through charming neighborhoods with the view of the sea. You’ll encounter locals walking dogs, joggers training, and elderly residents who’ve taken this walk for decades. The route offers constantly changing Mediterranean perspectives with hidden coves and swimming spots only locals know.

After completing the passeggiata, you can continue to Boccadasse by bus, train, or a longer walk if you’re feeling energetic. Boccadasse is another Ligurian small fishing village. Boats sit pulled up on a small beach and houses are built directly into rock faces. For lunch, small trattorias serve whatever local fishermen brought in that morning. The menu changes with the seasons. Nearby, you can get gelato at Caffè Cremeria Ciarapica for a well-deserved treat that’s recommended by locals. After lunch, swim in clear waters or sit with locals watching the sea. When you’re ready to head back, stop at Gnam Gnam Genova near Nervi for a simple meal or drink with sea views.

Your final day offers two options based on your priorities. If Cinque Terre remains on your bucket list, take the early train from Genoa and focus on one or two villages rather than all five. This lets you actually experience the places rather than just photograph them. Monterosso offers the best beaches, while Vernazza provides the most dramatic setting. Both maintain a more authentic character than the heavily touristed Riomaggiore.

If you prefer diving deeper into this region, spend the day discovering Genoa’s upper neighborhoods and viewpoints. Take the funicular to Spianata Castelletto for views that show Genoa’s relationship with both mountains and sea. Explore neighborhoods like Carignano where locals live and work away from tourist areas. For lunch, revisit a favorite discovery or try a neighborhood trattoria serving working-class Genovese families.

Spend your afternoon shopping for local products: Ligurian olive oil, fresh pesto ingredients, and artisanal items. End your journey with a farewell dinner celebrating the authentic flavors and warm hospitality that make this region special.