Cinque Terre
These five UNESCO-listed villages cling to the coastal cliffs, linked by hiking trails offering spectacular views over the sea.
Liguria
Between the five colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, the elegant harbor of Portofino and maritime Genoa, Liguria unfolds a spectacular coastline curving along the Mediterranean. This narrow coastal strip, backed by hills, offers hiking trails, coves and Italian lifestyle.
Why visit Liguria?
Liguria brings together the Cinque Terre, five UNESCO-listed villages clinging to cliffs, Portofino, a former fishing harbor turned symbol of Italian elegance, and Genoa, a former maritime republic with dense historical heritage. This narrow strip between sea and mountains makes the region ideal for coastal hiking and cuisine.
What to discover in Liguria?
The Cinque Terre, five UNESCO-listed villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore - cling to the steep cliffs of the Ligurian coast, linked by hiking trails offering spectacular views over the sea and terraced vineyards. Further east, Portofino charms with its picturesque harbor lined with pastel houses, its yachts and Castello Brown overlooking the bay, while the coastal path to San Fruttuoso crosses a protected nature reserve.
Genoa, the regional capital and a former maritime power, holds one of the largest medieval historic centers in Europe, with UNESCO-listed Renaissance palaces along Via Garibaldi and its old port redeveloped around the aquarium. Ligurian cuisine, marked by pesto genovese, focaccia and seafood, can be enjoyed in trattorias in coastal villages as well as in port-side restaurants. Between the Riviera di Levante and the Riviera di Ponente, the region also offers quieter seaside resorts such as Sestri Levante or Camogli, away from the crowds of the Cinque Terre.
Cities to visit in Liguria
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Liguria in pictures
Must-Sees
Liguria combines cliffside villages, elegant harbors and coastal trails.
Portofino
This picturesque harbor lined with pastel houses, a symbol of Italian elegance, is best explored around its marina and Castello Brown overlooking the bay.
Genoa's Historic Center
One of Europe's largest medieval historic centers brings together narrow lanes, UNESCO-listed Renaissance palaces and a lively old port.
Cinque Terre Blue Trail
This coastal path links the five villages on foot, between terraced vineyards, coves and views over the Mediterranean.
San Fruttuoso
This isolated abbey, reached on foot or by boat from Portofino, sits in a protected cove within the regional nature park.
Riviera di Levante and Ponente
From San Remo to La Spezia, the Ligurian coast alternates elegant seaside resorts, wild coves and colorful fishing villages.
Practical Information
- Main city
- Genoa
- Area
- About 5,420 km²
- Population
- About 1.5 million
- Language
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer)
- Climate
- Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild winters
- Best season
- Spring and autumn
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Liguria?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for hiking the Cinque Terre trails, while summer, hotter and busier, remains ideal for enjoying the coast's beaches and coves.
Do I need a visa to visit Liguria?
EU citizens do not need a visa. Travelers from other countries should check Schengen entry requirements, usually a valid ID card or passport.
How many days should I plan for Liguria?
Allow at least four to five days to discover the Cinque Terre, Portofino and Genoa. A longer stay allows for a broader exploration of the Riviera di Levante and Ponente.
How do you get around Liguria?
The train runs along the coast and efficiently serves the Cinque Terre and main towns, a practical alternative to driving on often narrow, winding roads.
What should I eat in Liguria?
Pesto genovese, focaccia and fresh seafood are essential specialties, paired with white wines produced on the terraced hills of the Cinque Terre.
Do I need to book in advance to visit the Cinque Terre?
Yes, an access pass is required for the hiking trails between villages, and booking accommodation is recommended in summer, a period of heavy tourist traffic.
Plan your trip to Liguria
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
