Liguria

Italian-style holidays on the Riviera

The Ligurian coast stretches from Tuscany, along the Gulf of Genoa to the French border in Ventimiglia. To the east lies the Riviera di Levante, a series of small bays, sparkling gulfs and vibrant holiday towns. To the west, the Riviera di Ponente unfolds, featuring the charming resort of Alassio and the bustling capital Genoa nestled in between.

The Riviera di Levante is one of Italy's most beautiful coastlines, home to the iconic Cinque Terre which offers unparalleled excursion opportunities. Along the coast, delightful seaside resorts such as Santa Margherita Ligure and Sestri Levante await exploration.

These wonderful regions are perfect for a seaside holiday or a relaxing long weekend. With inviting beaches, exquisite gourmet cuisine, and a wide range of excursions by train, bus, or boat, you’re guaranteed unforgettable experiences!

Riviera di Levante highlights

The five villages of the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre are the jewel of the Riviera di Levante, boasting vibrant houses that cling to the Mediterranean hillside creating a stunning postcard-perfect backdrop and a dream destination for short trip or holidays in Italy.

Monterosso features a spacious sandy beach; Vernazza enchants with its quaint harbor where fishing boats sway; Corniglia perches majestically on a hill; Manarola's colorful houses cascade down the cliffside; and Riomaggiore, the capital, nestles beautifully among the hills.

The Cinque Terre Regional Park

Time stands still in the Cinque Terre Regional Park. In this corner of paradise, the best way to travel between villages is by regional train which operates throughout the day connecting all five stations. During the high season, you can also travel by boat.

The villages are also linked by a network of hiking trails within the Cinque Terre Park. These well-marked paths vary in difficulty and offer breathtaking panoramic views for hikers to enjoy.

The Cinque Terre Treno Card allows for unlimited train travel between Levanto and La Spezia with stops in all five villages and also grants access to the hiking trails.

Accommodation along the Riviera di Levante

Given the limited accommodation options in the Cinque Terre, we recommend staying in charming towns such as Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, or Sestri Levante. These picturesque towns serve as excellent starting points for train journeys and excursions to the Cinque Terre, offering a perfect blend of comfort and accessibility.

Seaside resorts on the Riviera di Levante

Rapallo, Santa Margherita, and Sestri Levante are beloved seaside resorts along the Levante coast, offering a mix of entertainment, stunning beaches, and excellent shopping opportunities. A boat trip to the picturesque Portofino is also a favourite from these charming towns.

Cinque Terre Treno Card

The train is the easiest way to reach the villages of the Cinque Terre. The “Cinque Terre Treno Card” includes unlimited 2nd class travel on the “Cinque Terre Express” regional train network between Levanto and Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. It also offers access to hiking trails and buses in each of the villages, elevators for people with reduced mobility (Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza stations), public toilets and a Wi-Fi network.

Camogli

The houses of Camogli reach high into the sky - colorful and majestic. Even from a distance, fishermen returning from the sea could recognize the village by its gleaming facades. Even today, the nets hung out to dry in the picturesque little harbor bear witness to the lively fishing tradition. Along the charming promenade lined with bars and restaurants, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea and the hustle and bustle of the summer months.

Portofino

The pearl of the Levantine Riviera owes its reputation to its fantastic location. At the foot of the hill stretches the piazzetta, lined with charming café terraces that border directly on the picturesque harbor, where magnificent yachts are anchored. From here, narrow alleyways wind up the hill, which is dotted with magnificent villas, to Castello Brown, from where a breathtaking view of the gulf opens up. The whole area is surrounded by the Portofino Regional Park, a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts.

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Vernazza

Probably the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages, impresses with its rocky outcrop crowned by the imposing Doria Castle. In the heart of Vernazza lies the central square, surrounded by the typical, colorful houses that cling to the steep slopes, lined with vineyards and olive groves. A path leads from the square up to the Sanctuary of San Bernardino, from where an incomparable panorama opens up - on a clear day, the view even extends as far as Corsica.

Gelateria Vernazza

In den verwinkelten Gassen von Vernazza lohnt sich ein Abstecher in die Gelateria Vernazza, die nur wenige Schritte vom Hafen entfernt in der Via Roma Nr. 13. Hier zaubert die Familie Giononni köstliches, hausgemachtes Eis - aus natürlichen Zutaten, ohne Farb- und Konservierungsstoffe. Ob Schokolade, Melone, Pistazie oder ausgefallene Geschmacksrichtungen wie Ricotta-Feige oder die Kreation „Cinque Terre“ mit Schokolade, Mascarpone und Waldbeeren - hier ist Gelato immer ein Genuss!

Santa Margherita Ligure

Surrounded by green hills, this charming and popular vacation resort impresses with its lively center, picturesque harbor and inviting sea promenade. What could be more appealing than enjoying the sun on the beach, strolling through exclusive boutiques and ending the day with an aperitivo on one of the sunny terraces? Another advantage: Portofino and the Cinque Terre National Park are within easy reach from here.

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Frequently asked questions

The hidden gems of Liguria are primarily smaller towns and quieter areas away from the busy seaside resorts. These include Camogli and Sestri Levante on the Riviera di Levante, which are easily accessible by train, as well as lesser-known areas around the Portofino Regional Park or Genoa’s old town, away from the harbour.
The hidden gems among Liguria’s beaches are smaller coves and outlying areas of well-known resorts that are less crowded than the main beaches. These include quieter stretches near Sestri Levante outside the Baia del Silenzio, unspoilt coves between Camogli and Punta Chiappa, and smaller stretches of beach outside the centres of Santa Margherita Ligure.
In Liguria, the beaches differ significantly between the west and the east. Wider sandy beaches are found mainly on the Riviera di Ponente, for example around Alassio, whilst the Riviera di Levante is known for its smaller, often sheltered coves with clear water, which are particularly scenic.
Holidays in Liguria are possible both on the eastern Riviera di Levante, with places such as Sestri Levante, Santa Margherita Ligure and the Cinque Terre, and on the western Riviera di Ponente, with wider beaches around Alassio. In addition, cities such as Genoa, La Spezia and Imperia offer a combination of coastline, culture and excursion opportunities throughout the region.