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.
