Travel to Genoa and Liguria in Italy – Episode 937 – Amateur Traveler

Hear about travel to Genoa and Liguria in Italy as the Amateur Traveler talks to Enrica, Ligurian food expert from ASmallKitcheninGenoa.com about her home region in Italy.

Why should you travel to Liguria?

Enrica says, “Liguria is a wonderful region, not just because this is my region, but there are many reasons for traveling here. First of all, for its spectacular scenery. We have a mix of mountains and sea with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and trails. But we also have other fantastic landscapes like the well-known dry and stone walls, so-called Muretti a Secco, which are awarded as a patrimony of UNESCO for their beauty and importance, and of course the world-famous colorful fisherman village facades. Then we have a wonderful veggie oriented cuisine.”

Enrica recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting Genoa and Liguria in Italy, focusing on authentic experiences beyond Cinque Terre. Here’s her suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Genoa & First Impressions

• Arrive in Genoa via the airport or train from Milan.
• Stay in a central hotel (preferably outside the old town for safety at night).
• Start at Spianata Castelletto, a panoramic terrace accessible by public elevator, for a breathtaking view of Genoa.
• Walk through Caruggi (narrow medieval alleys) and explore historical shops (Botteghe Storiche).
• Consider taking a food tour with Enrica to taste pesto, farinata, focaccia, and candied fruit.
• Evening in Boccadasse, a small fishing village within Genoa, ideal for aperitivo or dinner.

Day 2: Genoa’s Historical & Cultural Highlights

• Visit UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli along Via Garibaldi, including:
  • Palazzo Rosso
  • Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria
  • Palazzo Reale
• Visit San Lorenzo Cathedral (famous black & white striped marble facade).
• Explore Museums:
  • Galata Maritime Museum (with a WWII submarine)
  • Aquarium of Genoa (great for families)
  • National Museum of Italian Emigration
• Visit Santa Maria di Castello, one of the oldest areas of Genoa.
• Walk up to Genoa’s lighthouse (Lanterna) for views.

Day 3: Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure

• Take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure.
• Visit Villa Durazzo and its gardens.
• Walk or take the bus from Santa Margherita to Portofino.
  • Explore Castello Brown and San Giorgio Church for panoramic views.
  • Walk along the coast to the Portofino Lighthouse, where there’s a hidden bar.
• Visit Camogli by train from Santa Margherita, a charming fishing village.
  • Try Focaccia al Formaggio at Revello bakery.
  • Take a ferry to San Fruttuoso Abbey, a hidden Benedictine monastery with crystal-clear waters.
  • Enjoy Mandilli de Sea al Pesto at San Giorgio restaurant in San Fruttuoso.

Day 4: Sestri Levante & Chiavari (Optional)

• Take a train to Sestri Levante:
  • Walk between Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) and Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fairy Tales).
  • Visit Convento dell’Annunziata for stunning sea views.
• Visit La Cantina degli Abissi, a winery that ages bottles underwater.
• Stop in Chiavari to see its medieval porticoes, artisan shops, and monthly antique market.

Day 5: Exploring Western Liguria (Finalborgo & Noli)

• Drive west towards Finalborgo, a walled medieval town:
  • Visit Ai Torchi restaurant for traditional Ligurian cuisine.
  • Explore outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, or rock climbing.
• Stop in Noli, an ancient maritime republic:
  • Walk through its medieval streets.
  • Hike to Caponoli for dramatic sea views.
  • Visit Punta Crena Winery for local Granaccia wine tasting.
• Stay in Alassio

Day 6: Alassio, Albenga & Ligurian Olive Oil Region

• Visit Alassio, a chic beach resort town with:
  • A famous pedestrian street Budello di Alassio.
  • Baci di Alassio, a chocolate and hazelnut cookie.
• Visit Albenga, an inland medieval town.
• Drive to Lucinasco in the hills of Imperia, known for:
  • Olio Armato – A traditional olive oil mill with tastings.
  • Petricor – A scenic dining spot under olive groves.
  • Museum of Olive Oil in Imperia.
• Stay in Sanremo

Day 7: Dolceacqua & Apricale

• Visit Dolceacqua, a medieval village famous for:
  • Castello dei Doria and Ponte Vecchio.
  • Rossese di Dolceacqua wine tasting at local wineries.
  • Micchette di Dolceacqua, a sweet brioche-like bread.
• Drive to Apricale, a scenic hilltop village with:
  • The Castle of the Lizard (Castello della Lucertola).
  • Panzarolle, a local fried pastry.
  • Unique artistic atmosphere, with street theater performances in summer.

Final Tips from Enrica:

• Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (October-November).
• Avoid: December & January (many places closed).
• Rent a car: Essential for exploring inland villages and Ligurian olive groves.
• Use Genoa as a base: Easy day trips by train to Portofino, Camogli, and Sestri Levante.
• Don’t expect extremely welcoming locals: Ligurians are known for being reserved.

This itinerary covers a mix of historic cities, coastal villages, nature, and food experiences, making it a comprehensive guide to Liguria beyond Cinque Terre.

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Show Notes

A Small Kitchen in Genoa
Liguria
UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Liguria
Cuisine of Liguria
Genoa
Spianata Castelletto
Caruggi Genoa
Farinata (Italian Chickpea Pancake)
Boccadasse
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi
Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria
Palazzo Reale
Aquarium of Genoa
Galata Maritime Museum
MEI National Museum of Italian Emigration
Genoa Cathedral
Piazza San Matteo
San Donato church
Santa Maria di Castello
Torre Embriaci
Lighthouse of Genoa
Santa Margherita Ligure
Villa Durazzo
Castello Brown, Panoramic
San Giorgio, Portofino
Portofino Lighthouse
La Portofinese cafe, Liguria
Camogli
Revello Camogli
Abbey of San Fruttuoso Camogli
Mandilli de Sea al Pesto
Ristorante Giorgio
Agricola Santa Barbara
Sestri Levante
Chiavari
Convento dell’Annunziata
La Cantina degli Abissi
Mostra Mercato di Chiavari (Monthly Flea Markets in Italy)
Alassio
Finalborgo
Ai Torchi restaurant – Finalborgo
Noli
Punta Crena Winery
Baci di Alassio (Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies)
Albenga
Cervo, Liguria
The Association of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Sanremo
Imperia
Lucinasco
Olio Armato
Petricor
Borgomaro
Museum of Olive Oil
Brandacujun
Sanremo
Dolceacqua
Rossese di Dolceacqua, Liguria
micchette (sweet bread) di Dolce Acqua
Apricale
the Castle of the Lizard
Genoa Food Tour – A Small Kitchen in Genoa

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