Compared to many other areas of Italy, Liguria should only mean something to those who actually call themselves connoisseurs of the country. It has neither the fame of Tuscany, nor the economic importance of Lombardy , nor does it have any major cities such as Rome or Naples. Nevertheless, Liguria is probably one of the most beautiful corners of the entire country.

Up there, far to the north and directly south of Piedmont, there is a part of Italy that was completely independent for a long period of history and once even a separate empire of the Mediterranean. With its center in Genoa, it is not only picturesque beaches, but impressive variety in nature that attracts more and more tourists to the region.

The well-known but little-known landscapes of Liguria

It’s not even that many people don’t know what to find in Liguria. On the contrary, some of the most famous photo landscapes can be found here. For example, there is the Portofino peninsula with its colorful villages, of which everyone has probably seen a picture somewhere. The name Cinque Terre is also probably known to many. Here, too, it is above all the colorful facades and the incredibly blue sea that have already inspired many vacationers and those who have seen it in film and television. In general, Liguria is not for nothing the land of explorers and adventurers within Italy. It attracts with rugged landscapes, with mountains and hills, with rich valleys and, of course, with a beautiful coastline and the picturesque beaches that Italy takes for granted.

The fact that Liguria has such a variety to offer is due to the many natural parks that have been created here over time. Through a unique combination of flora and fauna and a great deal of effort in the protection of native nature, Liguria offers hikers, excursionists, cyclists and simply interested tourists the right opportunity for balance. Just a moment ago in the vibrant city of Genoa, you can be in the dense forests around the city in just a few hours. Or you can take the opportunity to go out on the Mediterranean Sea by boat and explore this sea with all its treasures, which is so important for Europe.

Liguria – between nature, relaxation and beach holidays

Genoa is one of the most beautiful destinations, especially in summer, even for the Italians themselves. The climate here is quite bearable and the beaches stretch over the entire stretch of coast. On the other hand, various villages have retained their traditional charm. Recently, the expansion of the strongholds for tourists was also stopped. Too much of the region’s natural treasures had already been stolen. Today, attempts are being made to reconcile tourism, which is an enormous economic factor for the region, with the desire to preserve as much of Liguria as possible.

Nevertheless, there is a great variety of activities for tourists. Of course, there are countless sights. From Genoa, which itself has a very long history and can boast incredible buildings, to the small fishing villages that may only have one or two restaurants for tourists, but have been able to preserve the unique charm of the region. From water sports to extreme sports in the mountains to relaxing tours for hikers and cyclists, everything can be found here. Due to the fast connection to Piedmont , a holiday with your own car can also be extended to another great part of Italy.

The main attractions of Liguria

One of the most important sights of Liguria is, of course, Genoa. With its impressive harbour and old town with so much history to tell, holidaymakers can easily keep busy for a few days. It is also home to some of the most interesting museums in the region. Many tours through the region and to the sea also start from Genoa – so for sufficient excursions, the appropriate time should be planned during a holiday in Liguria. In addition, the surroundings of Genoa are beautiful and it is worth driving along the coast and stopping in one of the small villages to enjoy the local cuisine.

In addition to visits to such well-known places as Portofino or Cinque Terre, it is above all the natural treasures of Liguria that you should have seen once in a lifetime. These include, for example, the valleys of Le Valli dell’Olivo. This is where a large part of the famous olive oil from Italy comes from. The Hanbury Gardens in Hanbury are another tip. It is one of the largest gardens in Italy and offers an impressive variety of plants and shrubs. If you are in good shape, you should also have taken a bike ride on the Pista Ciclabile. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful routes in Europe.

People and cuisine in Liguria

Last but not least, of course, the cuisine is not to be sneezed at. Fresh seafood is a matter of course for the inhabitants of Liguria and they are only too happy to share with the tourists. Otherwise, they have adapted well to tourism here. There is an excellent infrastructure, many opportunities for activities and a great hospitality for visitors from all over the world. A great place for a trip in Italy.

Holidays in Liguria: The best tips

Journey

• Airports:
  • Genoa (Cristoforo Colombo Airport, GOA): Liguria’s main airport, about 7 km from the city centre.
  • Nice (Côte d’Azur Airport, NCE): About 150 km from Genoa, with good train connections to Liguria.
• Train: Good connections from other Italian cities such as Milan, Turin and Rome.
• Car: The A10, A12 and A7 motorways connect Liguria with other parts of Italy.

Best time to visit

• Spring (April to June): Mild weather and fewer tourists.
• Summer (July to August): Warm weather, ideal for beach holidays, but also the high season.
• Autumn (September to October): Pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Activities and sights

• Cinque Terre: Five picturesque villages along the coast, known for their colorful houses and spectacular hiking trails.
• Genoa: The capital of Liguria with its historic port, aquarium and impressive old town.
• Portofino: An elegant fishing village with exclusive boutiques, restaurants and beautiful coastal paths.
• Sanremo: Famous for its casino, music festival and flowers.
• Portovenere: A charming seaside village and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Beaches: Popular beaches such as Monterosso, Vernazza and Levanto offer ideal conditions for relaxing and swimming.

Important telephone numbers

• Emergency: 112 (general emergency)
• Police: 113
• Fire brigade: 115
• Ambulance service: 118
• Genoa Tourist Office: +39 010 557 2903

German Doctors

• Dr. Johannes Bernhard: Via XX Settembre, 5, Genoa, +39 010 581 220
• Dr. Andrea Weiss: Corso Italia, 10, Genoa, +39 010 362 6967

Important words with translation

• Hello – Ciao
• Thank you – Grazie
• Please – Per favore
• Yes – Sì
• Nein – No
• Sorry – Scusa
• Where is…? – Dov’è…?
• How much does it cost…? – Quanto costa…?
• Emergency – Emergenza
• Doctor – Medico
• Hospital – Ospedale

Holidays

• New Year’s Day: January 1
• Epiphany: January 6
• Easter Monday: variable (March/April)
• Labour Day: 1 May
• National Holiday: June 2
• Assumption Day: 15 August
• All Saints’ Day: November 1
• Christmas: December 25
• St. Stephen’s Day: December 26

Opening hours

• Shops: Usually Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Many shops close at noon for a siesta.
• Supermarkets: Usually daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Restaurants: Lunch from 12:30 to 14:30, dinner from 19:30 to 22:00.
• Banks: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Airport

• Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): The main airport in the region, about 7 km west of Genoa city centre.

NUDISM

• Not official: There are no official nudist beaches in Liguria. Nudism is not practiced and could be considered offensive.

Post / Stamps

• Post offices: In all major cities and towns. Main post office in Genoa. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Stamps: Available at the post office, kiosks and tobacconists.
• Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 20g: approx. 1.10 EUR; Postcard: approx. 1.10 EUR

Safety

• Crime: Liguria is considered safe. Observe common precautions as in any tourist region, especially against pickpockets in busy areas and markets.
• Emergency number: 112

Current

• Voltage: 230 volts
• Sockets: Type C, F and L (Type F as in Germany, Type L Italian standard)

Tip

• Restaurants: Usually the tip is included in the price (coperto). However, an additional tip of 5-10% is welcome if the service is good.
• Taxis: Round up the amount
• Hotels: 1-2 euros per day for cleaning staff

Customs

• Allowances within the EU: No customs restrictions on personal belongings.
• Alcohol: Maximum 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of alcoholic beverages with less than 22%, 90 liters of wine, 110 liters of beer.
• Tobacco: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1 kg of tobacco.

Umbria is one of four regions of Italy that do not border the sea – perhaps that’s why it was left behind for a long time, on the way south, towards Rimini, Capri or Rome.

Admittedly, this stretch of land in northern Italy is no longer a real insider tip, but many areas there are nowhere near as crowded and overused for tourism as elsewhere in Bella Italia.

Umbria is located east of Tuscany and above the Lazio region and consists of 93% mountains and hills. The remaining seven percent hides wide plains with beautiful lakes and widely branched rivers, almost all of which flow into the Tiber, which flows through Umbria’s north. In the east of the country, in the direction of the Marche, there are high mountain ranges, the highest point of which is Monte Vettore (2476 m). Towards the west, the mountain ranges gradually turn into gentler hilly landscapes. By far the largest lake is Lake Trasimani near the city of Perugia.

Umbria – High in the rocks rise venerable abbeys and mighty towers

A land of green and grey, that’s how Umbria looks at first glance, but on closer inspection the land unfolds its austere beauty, which is characterised by medieval – partly Romanesque – towns and villages that proudly lean against sublime rock massifs or are enthroned on velvety hills.

Cities with thousands of years of history nestle on the mountain slopes

The name “Umbria” goes back to the Umbrian people, who settled the area permanently around the year 1000 AD and also developed their own language – Umbrian.

The capital is Perugia, which with its more than 165,000 inhabitants is by far the largest city and at the same time the center of the province of the same name. Perugia was already inhabited in the Iron Age (around 900 BC) and experienced a high cultural flourishing at the time of the Etruscans in the 5th century BC. The arch of the Arco Etrusco from the 3rd century BC, which is still preserved today, bears witness to this time. Also worth seeing is the Gothic cathedral, which was built from the 14th century onwards, to name just a few of the numerous historic buildings in the old town of Perugia. The Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, which houses a comprehensive collection of art objects from the Middle Ages, is of supra-regional importance. The “Archaeological Museum of Umbria” is also located in Perugia.

The city is famous for its “Baci Perugina” (Perugin kisses), a praline speciality made from nougat and whole hazelnuts, which is often bought as a souvenir, but preferably eaten on the spot.

Terni, the second largest city in the region, also has a lot of ancient things to offer, for example in the form of a Roman city gate or an amphitheater theater, which is now used for music and theater performances. In Terni there is a picture gallery that has included works by both Old Masters and contemporary artists.

Behind fortified walls hide great art treasures and a lot of Italian flair

A special feature of many Umbrian towns and villages are the narrow streets that lead to inviting squares in the centre of the village, which are surrounded by imposing palazzi and sacred buildings – typically Italian, there is also a large fountain where you can cool yourself.

Umbria is called “the land of the saints”. This is probably due to the unbroken radiance of the Holy See. Francis of Assisi, who was born around 1182 in the Umbrian city of Assisi. He was the son of a merchant family and later founded the Franciscan order, which was dedicated to poverty and service to the poor and sick. His tomb is located in the church of St. Peter. Francis in Assisi.

Gothic art flourished masterfully in Umbria

Particularly worth seeing is Gubbio, which is located about 35 km northeast of Perugia. On its “Piazza Grande” stands the Prior’s Palace, whose bold monumental building is described as the most important secular building of the Italian Middle Ages. What is not recognizable at a first glance at its front: it was built on a steep slope. Its entire ground floor consists of a single hall.

As in many Umbrian villages, the Duomo of Spoleto is located in the heart of the old town at the end of a large staircase. Built from 1175 onwards, it is a witness to Gothic architecture. Its interior is illuminated by eight rose windows, of which the rose in the centre is described as “the most beautiful rose window in northern Italy”.

The Basilica of San Salvatore was built in the 5th century around the interior of a Roman temple and is considered a valuable testimony to early Christian culture. In 2011, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Rocca Albornoziana, a papal castle from the 14th century, is of great cultural and historical importance. At the foot of the castle complex is the “Ponte delle Torri”, the bridge of towers, which, with its enormous dimensions of over 200 m long and 76 m high, is an example of the impressive skill of the medieval builders.

Simple beauty during the day – the evening plays with a wide range of colours

Umbria’s special charm can be experienced most impressively in the evening atmosphere, when the hustle and bustle has subsided – best from a vantage point on one of the striking hills overlooking the plain, when the sun bathes the land once again in magical colours before sinking behind the mountains.

“Umbrian Night”, says a poem by Paul Celan (1920 – 1970), “with the silver of the bell and the olive leaf”. There is no better way to describe it.

Holidays in Umbria: The best tips

Journey

• Airports:
  • Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi – Umbria International Airport (PEG): About 12 km from Perugia, the main gateway to Umbria.
  • Florence (FLR) and Rome (FCO, CIA): Both airports offer train and bus connections to Umbria.
• Train: Good connections from Rome and Florence to Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto and other cities in Umbria.
• Car: Arriving by car allows flexibility and makes it easier to explore rural areas.

Best time to visit

• Spring (April to June): Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities and city tours.
• Autumn (September to October): Harvest time for wine and olives, mild weather and colourful landscapes.

Activities and sights

• Historic Cities: Visit Perugia, the capital of Umbria, with its narrow streets and the impressive Fontana Maggiore. Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis of Assisi, is famous for the Basilica of San Francesco.
• Nature experiences: Explore Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in central Italy, and Monte Subasio, which offers great hiking opportunities.
• Wine tastings: Visit wineries in Montefalco, known for the Sagrantino wine, and Orvieto, famous for its white wine.
• Culture: Experience the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia in July and the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto in summer.
• Food tours: Taste the famous black truffles of Norcia and the excellent olive oils from the region.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, cycling and horse riding are popular activities in the Umbrian countryside.

Places to visit

• Perugia: The capital of the region with its historic old town, the university and numerous museums.
• Assisi: UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the impressive Basilica of San Francesco.
• Spoleto: A city with a rich history and a famous summer festival, the Festival dei Due Mondi.
• Orvieto: Famous for its Duomo and the underground caves and tunnels.
• Gubbio: A well-preserved medieval town, known for its traditional festivals and breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation

• Luxury Hotels: Numerous luxurious hotels and historic residences offer first-class comfort and service.
• Agriturismo: Stay on a farm and enjoy homemade food and wine.
• Bed & Breakfast: Cozy accommodations in historic buildings and charming villages.
• Holiday rentals: Ideal for families or longer stays, numerous apartments and country houses are available for rent.

Culinary tips

• Regional cuisine: Try dishes such as wild boar stew, truffle pasta and the famous Umbrian sausage from Norcia.
• Wine: Taste local wines such as Sagrantino di Montefalco and Orvieto Classico.
• Olive oil: The region is known for high-quality olive oil, which you can buy directly from the producers.
• Markets: Visit local markets to discover fresh produce and regional specialties.

Practical tips

• Car rental: A car gives you the flexibility to explore the region’s various places and attractions.
• Public transport: Good train and bus connections between the larger cities and tourist destinations.
• Currency: The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants.
• Language: Italian is the official language, but English is often spoken in tourist areas.

Safety

• Crime: Umbria is considered very safe. Usual precautions as in any tourist region are advisable.
• Health: There are numerous pharmacies and medical facilities in the region. Travel insurance is recommended.

In the north of Italy, where the foothills of the Alps merge into the Po Valley near Verona, lies a dream destination for many Europeans, the blue Lake Garda. The largest Italian lake stretches for almost 70 kilometers from Riva del Garda in the north to Sirmione in the south. The lake is lined in the west and east by mountains up to 2300 meters high, which slowly descend to the south and open the gate to the Po Valley. On both sides of the lake, a drivable road with many tunnels, the Gardesana, is carved into the rock and connects the shore villages.

The north around Riva del Garda

If you come down the slopes to Riva del Garda from the north, you will be greeted by a magnificent panoramic view of the lake. This is where the dominance of Mediterranean plants begins. Riva, however, is characterized by the south winds “Ora” and the north wind “Pelér”, which make the waters on the north shore a surfer’s paradise.

The western shore of Lake Garda – from Limone to Desenzano

The shore in the west of Lake Garda shines with palaces, wonderful mountain tours and fine lakeside villages. During his stay, Goethe spoke enthusiastically of the “land where the lemons bloom”. Even today, lemon farms can be visited on the shores of the lake at Gargagnao in the west and Limone in the east. The houses nestle romantically against the mountains on Limone’s narrow strip of shore. The old town, harbour and market square are filled with lively life. Mountain bikes are available for rent in the village, which tempt you to take a tour up the mountain to Tremosine with fantastic views. The cycle path to Pregasina is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Campione del Garda, accessible only by water or through a tunnel, seems spectacularly glued to the almost vertical rock walls resting on a small headland. The place guarantees sailors, kite surfers and surfers the best wind conditions and a large beach.

Gargnano stretches along the shore with its ancient alleys. Some magnificent palaces enchant visitors. The church, originally built by Francis of Assisi, shines with a richly decorated cloister. The fairytale Villa Feltrinelli, owned by the 19th-century family of paper manufacturers, is now a luxury hotel. In the neighboring village of Gardone Riviera, a museum resides in the former, huge residence of the poet D’Annunzio. Andre Heller invites you to the large botanical garden he helped design.

Salo presents a variety of shopping experiences in its old alleys in characteristic small Italian shops. The large cathedral delights with its floor mosaics and the port of Salo is bursting with life. The long waterfront promenade leads past numerous palaces and arcades. A good place to shop is the Saturday market.

Desenzano has a beautiful old town with wonderfully restored merchant houses. Here you can shop elegantly. The town’s large marina is also classy. The place is known for its nightlife with discos and bars. Piazza Malvezzi at the Old Port is a center of city life. In the ruins of a Roman villa, magnificent mosaics can be seen.

Uniquely situated on a peninsula jutting deep into the lake, Sirmione, where Maria Callas already lived during her performances in nearby Verona , has remained a picturesque and partly sophisticated place. In the village with its narrow, old streets, fascinating remains of a Scaliger castle and the Roman baths of Catullo can be visited.

The eastern shore of Lake Garda – from Nago-Torbole to Peschiera del Garda

The eastern shore is strongly influenced by water sports, bathing and adventurous mountain tours. From Torbole you can access the large natural park around the towering Monte Baldo. The Busatte Adventure Park near Torbole offers sports facilities from the high ropes course and the climbing park to mountain bike trails.

Malescine is both a water sports and bathing resort and offers access to the ski areas by cable car in winter. In the Arena Monte Baldo there are all winter sports possibilities, from downhill skiing to ski mountaineering, snowboarding and snowshoeing. In summer, the athletes take mountain bike trails down to the valley. On Monte Baldo, paragliding is offered, also as a tandem flight. At the bay of Val di Sogno, a little south of the village, the trend sport of ultra-fast cat sailing is practiced and taught on two hulls. In nearby Lazise, the water sports enthusiast flies over the water with jet propulsion at Gardawake. In Torri del Benaco, the outdoor planet allows climbing, trekking and canyoning.

Garda shines with lush Mediterranean vegetation. Visitors and locals stroll along the lakeside promenade. At the harbour you can see the Palazzo dei Capitani from the time of Venetian rule. Near Garda, the beautiful Punta San Vigilio promontory juts out into the lake with villas and a small harbour, where you can drink a cappuccino. The Bay of the Sirens on the north side of the headland is probably the most beautiful bathing bay on the lake.

Bardolino breathes the wine culture of the wine of the same name. Winegrowers invite you to wine tasting, a wine museum tells of the ancient culture of viticulture.

The fishing village of Peschiera del Garda in the far south is dominated by a Venetian fortress. Near the village are the amusement parks Movieland Park and Gardaland.

Holidays on Lake Garda: The best tips

Journey

• Airports:
  • Verona (VRN): About 30 km from the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda.
  • Bergamo (BGY): About 80 km west of the lake.
  • Milan (MXP, LIN): About 100-150 km from Lake Garda.
• Train: Good train connections to Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda.
• Car: Easily accessible via the A4 (Milan-Venice) and A22 (Brenner-Modena) motorways.

Best time to visit

• Spring (April to June): Mild weather and blooming landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Summer (July to August): Warm temperatures, perfect for water sports and swimming.
• Autumn (September to October): Pleasant weather, fewer tourists and harvest time in the vineyards.

Activities and sights

• Water sports: Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are particularly popular in the northern part of the lake, around Riva del Garda.
• Hiking and cycling: Numerous hiking and cycling trails offer spectacular views, such as Monte Baldo and the Ponale road.
• Wine tastings: Visit wineries in the Valpolicella region and sample local wines such as Bardolino and Lugana.
• Thermal Springs: Relax in the thermal baths of Sirmione, known for their healing properties.
• Culture and history: Explore historic cities such as Verona, with the famous balcony of Romeo and Juliet, and the Scaliger castles in Malcesine and Sirmione.
• Amusement parks: Gardaland, one of the largest amusement parks in Italy, offers fun for the whole family.

Places to visit

• Sirmione: Famous for its thermal springs, the Scaliger Castle and the Caves of Catullus.
• Riva del Garda: A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with numerous water sports and hiking trails.
• Malcesine: A picturesque town with a well-preserved Scaliger castle and a cable car to Monte Baldo.
• Limone sul Garda: Known for its lemon groves and charming old town.
• Bardolino: A center of wine production with beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.

Accommodation

• Luxury hotels: Many five-star hotels offer breathtaking views of the lake, such as the Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda.
• Mid-range hotels and guesthouses: Numerous family-run hotels and guesthouses offer comfortable and affordable accommodation.
• Campsites: Lake Garda is also a popular destination for campers, with many well-equipped campsites right on the water.
• Vacation rentals: Ideal for families or longer stays, numerous apartments and villas are available for rent.

Culinary tips

• Regional cuisine: Try dishes such as risotto with lake fish, polenta and fresh pasta.
• Wine: Taste local wines such as Bardolino, Valpolicella, and Lugana.
• Olive oil: The region is known for high-quality olive oil, which you can buy directly from the producers.
• Markets: Visit local markets to discover fresh produce and regional specialties.

Practical tips

• Rental car: A car gives you the flexibility to explore the different places around Lake Garda.
• Ferries: Regular ferry services allow you to easily get from one place to another and enjoy the scenery from the water.
• Currency: The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants.
• Language: Italian is the official language, but English and German are often spoken in tourist areas.

Safety

• Crime: Lake Garda is considered safe. Usual precautions as in any tourist region are advisable.
• Health: There are numerous pharmacies and medical facilities around the lake. Travel insurance is recommended.