Always wanted to travel to Italy but unsure of what to see? Here you go with the best itineraries in Liguria for a brief stay!
5 Days Itinerary
Day 1 : Genoa and the Aquarium
Genoa, the capital of Liguria, is the largest port of Italy and its history is still alive strolling along its streets. The Most Serene Republic of Genoa ruled over the Mediterranean during the 12th to the 13th centuries and left an architectural heritage you can admire in the historical center of the town.
Nowadays one of its main attractions is undoubtedly the Aquarium, the third-largest in Europe. If you have kids but also if you love the sea life I strongly suggest a visit.
Activities in Genoa:
You can visit the historical city center and take an elevator to Spianata Castelletto, one of the main viewpoints of the city.
Right next to the aquarium you will also find Galata Maritime Museum and trust me it’s one of a kind. It’s the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean and it also gives the chance to visit a submarine, an integral part of the exhibition.
Main buildings and Churches to see: Cathedral of S.Lorenzo, in the city center + Palazzo Reale, the residence of many aristocratic Genoese families over centuries.
Day 2: Portofino and Camogli
The origins of these villages date back to the Romans, but nowadays are a touristic attraction and summer destination almost as popular as Cinque Terre. Portofino’s picturesque center attracted a lot of international celebrities over time and also hosts a beautiful lighthouse at the end of a promontory that is absolutely worth a visit.
The first Sunday of August, in Camogli, occurs the Stella Maris Festival dedicated to the Madonna It consists of different celebrations, but the most evocative is after the sunset: people leave candles over water from the beach and the sea becomes enlightened in a magic atmosphere.
Day 3-5: Cinque Terre & Gulf of Poets
On day one: you can visit Monterosso and Vernazza.
You can visit Corniglia and Manarola the second day
And then on day three: you can visit Riomaggiore and then take a ferryboat to the beautiful Porto Venere.
Coming from Rome you will only have to reverse the itinerary:
Day 1-3: Cinque Terre & Gulf of Poets
Day 4: Portofino & Camogli
Day 5: Genoa and The Acquarium
Shortest (about 3 days):
Coming from Milan:
Day1: Genoa. Following the previous tips about what to see and visit in Genoa, I suggest you this plan:
Morning: Alternative 1: the Galata Maritime Museum and Palazzo Reale / Alternative 2 (suggested with kids): the Aquarium + S. Lorenzo Church.
Afternoon: Visit the city center and go to Spianata Castelletto at sunset.
Day2: Portofino and Cinque Terre
After going to Portofino from Genoa in the morning, you can go directly to Vernazza and Manarola, maybe booking a night there.
Day3: Cinque Terre
On your last day you can visit Riomaggiore and Porto Venere.
Coming from Rome you will just need to reverse the itinerary.
Day 1: Porto Venere & Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore)
Day2: Cinque Terre (Manarola, Vernazza) & Portofino
Day 3: Genoa
Click here to discover the long version of the itinerary (7 days duration)!
Tips by Locals:
From Milan: Coming from Genoa, I suggest you use Levanto or one of the Cinque Terre (for example Monterosso) as a place to spend the night.
From Rome: Coming from Rome, I suggest La Spezia as a place to sleep (it’s also cheaper than Cinque Terre).
The Aquarium: it’s the third in Europe: try to spend around two/three hours, but no more!
What to Eat in Genoa: Close to the Aquarium and Piazza De Ferrari there is a burger shop called Masetto, you will find the best burgers in the Riviera (also veggies ones).
Which Village in Cinque Terre: the villages you must visit are definitely Vernazza and Manarola. If you have time also Riomaggiore is worth it!
Hope this article has been useful, contact us for any question !