The 12 Prettiest Places in Liguria You Won’t Believe Exist

I literally gasped when I first saw Manarola in Liguria. That moment when the train emerged from the tunnel and this explosion of colorful houses appeared, stacked impossibly on the cliffs above the Mediterranean… it’s burned into my memory forever. The whole Italian Riviera feels like it was created just to make your jaw drop.

The pastel perfection of Portofino’s harbor left me speechless, and don’t even get me started on the wild beaches of the Gulf of Poets. These are the most beautiful places in Liguria that will make you question if they’re even real. Let me show you my 12 favorite spots in this absolutely unreal slice of Italy that keeps pulling me back year after year.

Best Things to Do in Liguria

Looking for the coolest things to do in Liguria? Explore the fascinating Caves of Toirano, stroll through the medieval streets of Dolceacqua, and immerse yourself in the maritime charm of Genoa. Relax by the scenic coastline of Lerici and enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re into history, nature, or seaside escapes, here are the top attractions to visit in Liguria.

1. Camogli

• 📍 Location: Italian Riviera in Liguria, 30 minutes east of Genoa by train
• 🏆 Best For: Beach loungers 🏖️, photography enthusiasts 📸, food lovers 🍽️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling along Via Garibaldi, visiting the historic Basilica, swimming from pebble beaches
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June and September for perfect weather and fewer crowds, winter for authentic atmosphere ⛱️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi – Elegant cliffside hotel with gorgeous sea views

Pastel houses tumble down steep cliffs toward the Tyrrhenian Sea like a watercolor painting come to life. This former fishing village hugs the Ligurian coast east of Portofino. Here, life revolves around the ancient harbor where deep blue waters meet colorful buildings.

Start your morning photographing the famous tall, narrow houses along Via Garibaldi. Then climb up to the Dragonara Castle for sweeping views of the coastline. The local treat is focaccia al formaggio, which you’ll find at traditional bakeries near the harbor.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta marks the village center, where fishing boats still unload their daily catch. I discovered that the best swimming spots are the rocky coves beyond the main beach. Later, enjoy fresh seafood with locals in the harbor square.

2. Caves of Toirano

• 📍 Location: Western Liguria, 1 hour west of Genoa and 45 minutes from the French border
• 🏆 Best For: Speleology enthusiasts 🕳️, history buffs 🦴, adventure seekers 🚀
• 📸 Top Experiences: Underground tours through pristine caves, viewing ancient cave bear fossils, admiring stalactite formations
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (caves maintain constant temperature), spring and fall for exploring the surrounding Medieval village 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Raffin – Family-run hotel in Toirano’s historic center

Thousands of cave bear bones create an eerie prehistoric cemetery beneath medieval Toirano. These limestone caverns stretch over 1,300 meters underground. Neanderthal footprints are perfectly preserved in clay floors, dating back 30,000 years.

The guided tour takes you through chambers with remarkable formations like the “Room of Dancing Stars.” You’ll see where ancient humans sheltered during ice ages. The “Witch’s Chamber” features stalactites and stalagmites that early inhabitants believed held magical powers.

After exploring underground, the charming village above awaits with narrow stone streets. The Ethnographic Museum displays traditional olive oil production methods. I particularly enjoyed discovering 13th-century buildings that seem frozen in time.

3. Dolceacqua

• 📍 Location: Western Liguria near the French border, 1.5 hours west of Nice and 45 minutes from Ventimiglia
• 🏆 Best For: Wine enthusiasts 🍷, art lovers 🎨, romantic getaways 💑
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the iconic arched bridge, wine tasting Rossese Dolceacqua, exploring Doria Castle ruins
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: August for wine festivals, spring for mild weather and blooming wisteria, any time for romantic charm 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Ramada Plaza – Peaceful retreat in the village with vineyard views

Claude Monet painted this place – the medieval bridge arching dramatically over the Nervia River looks identical to his 1884 canvas. The village splits into two parts: ancient Terra with its maze of narrow streets and elegant Borgo across the water. The single-arch Ponte Vecchio seems to defy physics as it spans nearly 100 feet.

Doria Castle offers panoramic views of terracotta rooftops tumbling down hillsides. This 12th-century fortress once controlled the valley. The local Rossese di Dolceacqua wine deserves attention, as tastings at family vineyards reveal centuries of tradition.

I discovered that the August Wine Festival transforms medieval streets into celebration venues. Local specialties like barbajuan pair perfectly with wine tastings. Evening hours bring magical illumination to the bridge, creating perfect romantic settings for riverside dining.

4. Genoa

• 📍 Location: Capital of Liguria on the Italian Riviera, 2 hours by train from Milan, 1.5 hours from Nice
• 🏆 Best For: History travelers 🏛️, food adventurers 🐟, maritime enthusiasts ⚓
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the largest Medieval old town in Europe, visiting the Aquarium, riding historic elevators
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June and September-October for perfect weather, December for magical Christmas markets 🎄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Bristol Palace – Historic luxury in a stunning Art Nouveau building

What happens when maritime power meets medieval charm? Genoa answers spectacularly with Europe‘s largest historic center. The UNESCO-listed Old Town features narrow alleys (carruggi) where ancient churches hide Renaissance treasures. Via Garibaldi showcases perfectly preserved Baroque palaces that rival any European capital.

Christopher Columbus was born here, and that seafaring spirit lives on at the impressive Aquarium of Genoa. Ride historic elevators like Spianata Castelletto for harbor views. The Mercato Orientale bursts with fresh produce and seafood where locals shop daily.

Genoa invented pesto, and finding authentic versions requires exploration of traditional trattorias. I suggest trying farinata (chickpea pancake) in local spots away from tourist areas. The redesigned Porto Antico combines Renzo Piano’s modern architecture with ancient maritime heritage.

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5. Lerici

• 📍 Location: Eastern Liguria at the edge of Gulf of Poets, 1 hour southeast of La Spezia
• 🏆 Best For: Literature lovers 📚, sailing enthusiasts ⛵, coastal hikers 🏃‍♀️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Castle visits, swimming in transparent waters, taking boat trips to coastal villages
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for swimming and sailing, spring for wildflowers along coastal paths 🌺
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Florida – Elegant beachfront property with Gulf of Poets views

Byron swam across this bay where Lerici‘s pastel houses curve around turquoise waters. The gulf earned its poetic name from famous writers who lived here. The imposing Castle of Lerici has guarded these shores since the 1100s.

This medieval fortress offers sweeping gulf views from its museum perch. Wander narrow streets lined with boutiques before taking the coastal Sentiero Lerici-Tellaro hiking trail. This 3.5-mile path leads you past hidden coves to the fishing village of Tellaro.

Crystal-clear waters invite swimming and snorkeling at sandy beaches. Rent boats for exploring secret coves or take ferries to the Cinque Terre villages. I found that sunset aperitivo hour along the promenade captures local social life perfectly.

6. Moneglia

• 📍 Location: Eastern Liguria between Sestri Levante and Cinque Terre, 45 minutes by train from La Spezia
• 🏆 Best For: Family travelers 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, train tunnel hikers 🚂, beach relaxers 🌊
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through the converted railway tunnels, building sandcastles on sandy beaches, exploring medieval fortifications
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for beach weather, April-May for spring hiking and fewer crowds 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Villa Argentina – Charming family-run hotel with garden and sea views

Why endure Cinque Terre crowds when Moneglia offers the same Ligurian charm? This authentic beach town sits between dramatic cliffs along the coast. Real sand beaches here (not pebbles) make family days more comfortable.

The TrekSport pedestrian path connects to Sestri Levante through converted railway tunnels. Underground lighting creates an art installation effect while keeping you cool on summer days. The Lemeglio Castle ruins provide panoramic views without fighting for photo spots.

Medieval alleys reveal lacemakers continuing ancient traditions. Weekly markets showcase fresh produce from surrounding hills, which produce excellent olive oil. I discovered that sunset boat tours along the coast offer unforgettable perspectives before dinner at family trattorias.

7. Porto Venere

• 📍 Location: Eastern Liguria, 45 minutes from La Spezia at the southern end of the Cinque Terre region
• 🏆 Best For: Cliffside adventurers 🏛️, swimmers 🏊‍♂️, sunset chasers 🌅
• 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to San Pietro church, boat trip to Palmaria Island, swimming at Baia Blu
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June or September-October for perfect weather and fewer crowds
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Royal Sporting – Luxury perched on dramatic cliffs with infinity pool

Standing on Porto Venere‘s cliffs feels like floating above the Mediterranean itself. This UNESCO gem outshines Cinque Terre with dramatic clifftop views and Medieval charm. The iconic Church of San Pietro clings to the edge of the sea, its Gothic facade looking ready to tumble into the waves below.

Explore ancient streets leading up to Doria Castle, then descend into Byron’s Cave (named after the poet himself), carved into the rocky coastline. Palmaria Island is a quick ferry ride away, with pristine waters perfect for those sacred Mediterranean swimming moments. For the best sunset views, grab dinner at a harbor restaurant while boats bob gently in the evening breeze.

8. Portofino

• 📍 Location: Italian Riviera, 30 minutes from Santa Margherita Ligure and 1.5 hours from Genoa
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury seekers 💎, yacht enthusiasts ⛵, celebrity spotters 🌟
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Castello Brown, dining by the harbor, exploring San Giorgio church
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) for beautiful weather; avoid crowded summer months
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Splendido Mare – Iconic luxury in the heart of Portofino’s harbor

There’s a reason A-listers choose Portofino (and it’s not just the million-dollar yachts). This tiny harbor packs more glamour per square foot than anywhere else on the Riviera. Pastel-colored houses line the waterfront while the rich and famous sip champagne at harbor cafes.

Castello Brown perches above town, offering views that justify any camera battery drain. The village itself is walkable in minutes, making celebrity spotting surprisingly easy. A quick hike to the lighthouse reveals why this peninsula captivates visitors, with hidden coves and turquoise waters stretching to the horizon.

9. Riomaggiore

• 📍 Location: Southernmost village of Cinque Terre, 12 miles from La Spezia
• 🏆 Best For: Trail hikers 🏃‍♂️, wine lovers 🍷, train jumpers 🚂
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Via dell’Amore, wine tasting in ancient terraces, sunset at Marina di Riomaggiore
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May for hiking, September-October for grape harvest
• 🏨 Where to Stay: La Torretta Lodge – Charming rooms with harbor views

Rainbow houses tumble down steep hillsides to meet the sea at Riomaggiore‘s busy harbor. Fishermen mend nets on the main street while restaurant owners display the day’s catch on ice. The famous Via dell’Amore starts here, though the tougher Sentiero Azzurro rewards hikers with spectacular coastal views.

Wine terraces carved into seemingly impossible cliffs produce the prized Sciacchetrà dessert wine. Marina di Riomaggiore offers the best swimming spot with concrete platforms diving directly into crystal waters. When sunset hits, climb the hillside to capture that perfect photo of the village’s colorful cascade meeting the darkening sea.

10. San Fruttuoso Bay

• 📍 Location: Protected cove between Portofino and Santa Margherita, accessible only by boat or foot
• 🏆 Best For: Snorkeling adventurers 🤿, monastery enthusiasts ⛪, secluded beach seekers 🏖️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the underwater Christ statue, exploring San Fruttuoso Abbey, diving in pristine waters
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for swimming, early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Da Paulin Camere – Cozy, family-run guesthouse in nearby Camogli with sea views and easy access to hiking trails and ferry connections

Paradise might actually exist, and it’s called San Fruttuoso Bay. This hidden cove is accessible only by boat or challenging coastal hike, keeping crowds at bay. San Fruttuoso Abbey rises directly from the pebble beach, its ancient stones reflecting in crystal clear waters.

Beneath the surface lies the Christ of the Abyss, a bronze statue protecting sailors 17 meters below. The bay’s protected status means incredible marine life for snorkelers and divers alike. Pack a picnic because dining options are scarce, but eating lunch in this medieval setting beats any restaurant experience I’ve ever had.

11. Val d’Aveto

• 📍 Location: Inland Liguria, 1.5 hours from Genoa towards the Apennine mountains
• 🏆 Best For: Nature photographers 📷, wildlife watchers 🦌, medieval village explorers 🏰
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Monte Penna, visiting Santo Stefano d’Aveto, exploring Lago delle Lame
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-July for wildflowers, September for autumn colors
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Agriturismo La Taverna del Nonno – Cozy countryside agriturismo offering homemade food, panoramic views, and easy access to nature

Forget everything you thought you knew about Liguria – this alpine valley proves the region isn’t just coast. Val d’Aveto transitions from Mediterranean scrub to dramatic Apennine peaks where wild orchids bloom in ancient beech forests. The Monte Penna summit offers views stretching from Liguria to Tuscany.

The medieval village of Santo Stefano d’Aveto makes a perfect base with traditional trattorias and charming stone streets. Lago delle Lame provides refreshing alpine swimming, while nearby nature reserves protect Europe’s last peat bogs. Come during mushroom season and you’ll find locals foraging for prized porcini in these unspoiled woods.

12. Varigotti’s Beaches

• 📍 Location: Western Liguria, between Noli and Finale Ligure, 1 hour from Genoa
• 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, Saracen tower history buffs 🏯, family vacationers 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• 📸 Top Experiences: Beach hopping along Baia dei Saraceni, exploring 13th-century tower ruins, sunset strolls
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for swimming, May or October for peaceful beach walks
• 🏨 Where to Stay: La Muraglia – Cliffside rooms overlooking Baia dei Saraceni

Golden sand meets turquoise water at what might be the Italian Riviera’s most underrated beach town. Varigotti escaped the overdevelopment that plagues much of the coast, keeping its laid-back fishing village charm. The sweeping Baia dei Saraceni provides an actual sandy beach (rare in rocky Liguria) with crystalline swimming conditions.

The medieval Saracen Tower watches over the main beach, its ancient stones glowing during legendary sunsets. Hidden coves are just a short kayak paddle away. Wake early and join locals at the harbor for morning coffee while fishing boats depart for the day’s catch. At dinner, choose any beachfront restaurant for fresh-caught seafood with your toes practically in the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Liguria 

Want to deepen your understanding about Liguria’s beautiful places? Here are some questions that often come up regarding the best sites to visit in Liguria.

What is the best part of Liguria?

The best part of Liguria truly depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. If you’re a fan of glamorous seaside towns, then places like Portofino and Porto Venere are perfect for you. For those who love hiking and nature, the Cinque Terre and Val d’Aveto offer stunning landscapes. Genoa, the region’s capital, is a must-visit for history buffs and foodies. Overall, Liguria offers a diverse range of experiences, making it hard to pinpoint just one “best” part.

What is Liguria most famous for?

Liguria is most famous for its breathtaking coastline, particularly the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also known for its culinary contributions, such as pesto and focaccia. The region is a Liguria destination for yachting and sailing, with Portofino being a hotspot for the rich and famous. Additionally, Liguria is rich in history, with ancient ruins and beautiful architecture, perfect for history enthusiasts. Lastly, the region is famous for its festivals, like the Festa della Madonna Bianca in Porto Venere.

What are the most scenic places in Liguria?

The most scenic places in Liguria include the Cinque Terre, a collection of five colorful villages perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Each village, from Riomaggiore to Monterosso, offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Porto Venere is another stunning location, known for its dramatic cliffs and historic church, San Pietro, which sits on a rocky promontory by the sea.

The secluded San Fruttuoso Bay, accessible only by boat or hiking, offers crystal-clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere. Val d’Aveto, a mountainous region, provides a different kind of scenic beauty with its lush valleys and alpine lakes. Finally, the beaches of Varigotti offer golden sands and turquoise waters, making it a picturesque spot for relaxation and water activities.

Where to go in Liguria for a romantic getaway?

For a romantic getaway, consider the charming towns of Camogli or Lerici, both offering stunning sunsets and intimate dining experiences. These towns are pretty places in Liguria that provide a romantic backdrop for any love story.

How can I experience the local culture in Liguria?

To immerse yourself in local culture, attend one of the many festivals, visit local markets, or take part in a cooking class to learn how to make regional dishes. These are Liguria’s beautiful places not just in terms of scenery but also in cultural richness.

What outdoor activities can I do in Liguria?

In Liguria, you’ll find a wide range of outdoor activities to suit all interests and skill levels. Hiking is a popular choice, especially in the Cinque Terre, where well-marked trails offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the colorful villages below.

• Water sports are abundant along the coastline; you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, and kayaking, particularly in areas like San Fruttuoso Bay and Varigotti’s Beaches.
• For those interested in cycling, Liguria offers several bike paths, including routes along the former railway lines that provide scenic views.
• If you’re into sailing or yachting, towns like Portofino and Porto Venere are renowned for their excellent marinas and sailing conditions.
• Bird-watching and botanical excursions are also popular in natural parks like the Aveto Regional Natural Park, where you can explore the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Liguria           

As we wrap up this journey through Liguria, it’s clear that this Italian region is a treasure trove of diverse experiences. From the glamorous allure of Portofino to the rustic charm of Val d’Aveto, Liguria offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the most beautiful places in Liguria for their scenic vistas or you’re eager to explore the best part of Liguria through its culinary delights, this region will not disappoint.

Liguria is more than just a travel destination; it’s a mosaic of landscapes, cultures, and flavors that captivate the soul. It’s a place where every moment is an opportunity to discover something new, whether it’s a hidden beach, a local delicacy, or a piece of history that’s stood the test of time. These are the elements that make Liguria a must-see on any Italian itinerary.

So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and come see for yourself why Liguria is one of Italy’s most enchanting regions. From its stunning locations to its rich cultural tapestry, Liguria invites you to experience its many wonders. And who knows? You might just find your own little slice of paradise along the way.