Awesome Liguria
Your complete travel guide to the Italian Riviera — honest, detailed, and written by people who actually spend time here.
Liguria is the crescent-shaped Italian region that gave the world pesto, focaccia, and the Cinque Terre — five sherbet-coloured villages clinging impossibly to cliffs above the Mediterranean. But Liguria is so much more than its most famous postcard. From the sprawling medieval maze of Genoa (Italy’s most underrated city) to the palm-lined promenades of Sanremo, from the glamorous harbour of Portofino to the wild hiking trails of the Alta Via, this thin strip of coast between the Alps and the sea rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious.
We built Awesome Liguria to be the guide we wish we’d had — practical, honest, and unafraid to tell you when a famous spot isn’t worth the detour. Whether you’re planning a 5-day itinerary, hunting for the best pesto in Genoa, looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre, or just figuring out when to visit — start here.
Upcoming Events in Liguria
July 25, 2026 – July 26, 2026
Sagra del Bagnun 2026 — Riva Trigoso’s Anchovy Stew Festival
August 2, 2026
Palio del Golfo 2026 — La Spezia’s Historic Boat Race
August 2, 2026
Stella Maris 2026 — Camogli’s Sea Procession & Fireworks
August 6, 2026 – August 14, 2026
Agosto Medievale 2026 — Ventimiglia’s Medieval Festival & Historic Boat Regatta
August 13, 2026 – August 14, 2026
Torta dei Fieschi 2026 — Lavagna’s Medieval Wedding Pageant
August 18, 2026 – August 21, 2026
Viaggio nel Medioevo 2026 — Finalborgo’s Award-Winning Medieval Festival
Latest Guides
- Kayaking, SUP & Canoeing in Liguria: The Ultimate Paddler’s Guide
- Best Things to Do in Liguria When It Rains: Museums, Food Tours & Indoor Activities
- Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Liguria: Best Hotels & Beaches for Your Dog (2026)
- Liguria by Train: The Complete Guide to Scenic Rail Routes on the Italian Riviera
- Sanremo vs Alassio: Which Western Ligurian Town Is Right for You?
- Where to Eat in Sanremo: Best Restaurants from the Old Town to the Seafront
- Liguria for Digital Nomads: The Complete Guide to Remote Work on the Italian Riviera
- Birdwatching in Liguria: The Complete Guide to Spotting Rare Species on the Italian Riviera
- Where to Eat in Savona and the Riviera delle Palme
- Best Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Spots in Liguria: Complete Guide (2026)
- Best Gardens and Historic Villas of the Italian Riviera
- Best Street Food in Genoa: 10 Must-Try Ligurian Street Eats
- Best Hotels in Genoa City Center: Where to Stay in the Historic Heart
- Rapallo Travel Guide: Castles, Cable Cars and the Authentic Ligurian Riviera (2026)
- The Most Romantic Hotels in Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure
- 7 Days in Liguria: The Ultimate Riviera Itinerary (2026)
- Easter in Liguria: Holy Week Traditions, Processions and Food (2026)
- Sustainable Travel in Liguria: How to Explore the Italian Riviera Responsibly
- Liguria for Solo Travelers: The Complete Guide for Independent Explorers
- Limoncino and Ligurian Liqueurs: A Guide to the Riviera’s Best Spirits
- Liguria Road Trip: The Ultimate 7-Day Riviera Driving Itinerary (2026)
- Where to Eat in Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure: 10 Best Restaurants (2026)
- Best Beach Clubs & Lidos in Liguria: Stabilimenti Guide 2026
- Best Restaurants in Genoa: Where Locals Actually Eat (2026)
- San Fruttuoso Abbey: Complete Guide to Liguria’s Hidden Seaside Monastery
- Liguria in Winter: Why the Off-Season Is the Italian Riviera’s Best-Kept Secret
- Where to Stay in Liguria for Families: Best Hotels, Resorts & Areas for Kids
- Porto Venere Travel Guide: Liguria’s Other UNESCO Gem (2026)
- Bicycle Touring in Liguria: The 5 Best Cycling Routes on the Italian Riviera
- Noli & Varigotti Travel Guide: Liguria’s Most Beautiful Undiscovered Coast (2026)
- Best Bakeries & Panetterie in Liguria: Where to Find the Best Focaccia, Farinata and More
- Best Photography Spots in Liguria: Where to Capture the Italian Riviera’s Most Beautiful Views
- Savona Travel Guide: Liguria’s Underrated Port City (2026)
- Best B&Bs and Guesthouses on the Ligurian Riviera: Where to Stay for Authentic Italian Hospitality
- Ligurian Seafood Guide: The Complete Guide to Fish, Shellfish and Coastal Cuisine (2026)
- Imperia Travel Guide: Olive Oil, Beaches & the Authentic Italian Riviera (2026)
- Camping & Glamping in Liguria: Best Campsites on the Italian Riviera (2026)
- Liguria for Seniors: The Complete Accessible Travel Guide (2026)
- Day Trips from Milan to Liguria: 5 Best Escapes from the City (2026)
- Art & Museums in Genoa: Palazzi dei Rolli to Contemporary Art (2026)
- Dolceacqua Travel Guide: Monet’s Bridge and Liguria’s Most Beautiful Medieval Village
- Alassio Travel Guide: Beaches, Shopping & the Famous Budello (2026)
- Best Gelato in Liguria: 15 Must-Try Gelaterias on the Italian Riviera
- Luxury Hotels in Liguria: 10 Most Exclusive 5-Star Stays on the Italian Riviera
- Ventimiglia Travel Guide: Markets, Beaches and the French Riviera Border
- The Ultimate Guide to Ligurian Aperitivo: Best Sunset Drinks & Snacks on the Italian Riviera
- Liguria with Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide (2026)
- Cooking Classes in Liguria: Learn to Make Pesto, Focaccia and More
- Where to Stay in Imperia Province: Best Hotels, Towns & Accommodation Guide (2026)
- Finale Ligure Travel Guide: Climbing, Beaches & Italy’s Outdoor Capital (2026)
- The Ultimate Liguria Packing List: What to Wear & Bring for Every Season
- Sestri Levante Travel Guide: The Bay of Fables and Silence (2026)
- Liguria for Couples: 12 Romantic Experiences on the Italian Riviera
- The 10 Best Sunset Spots in Liguria: Where to Watch the Golden Hour
- Tellaro & Lerici: The Gulf of Poets’ Most Beautiful Villages (2026)
- Camogli Travel Guide: The Italian Riviera’s Best-Kept Secret (2026)
- Is Liguria Safe? Complete Travel Safety Guide (2026)
- Best Restaurants in Cinque Terre: Where to Eat in Each Village
- Liguria on a Budget: Complete Cost Guide (2026)
- Getting Around Liguria: Trains, Ferries, Buses and Driving
- Budget Accommodation in Liguria: Where to Stay Under €100
- Boutique Hotels in the Italian Riviera: 10 Most Beautiful Places to Stay
- Olive Oil in Liguria: A Tasting Guide to the Riviera’s Liquid Gold
- Ligurian Wine Guide: Vermentino, Pigato, Rossese and More
- 5 Days in Liguria: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)
- Where to Stay in Genoa: Best Areas and Hotels (2026)
- Agriturismo in Liguria: Best Farm Stays Worth Booking
- Whale Watching in Liguria: Complete Guide to the Pelagos Sanctuary
- How to Get to Cinque Terre: Complete Transport Guide (2026)
- Best Time to Visit Liguria: Month by Month Guide (2026)
- Where to Eat the Best Pesto in Genoa: 8 Essential Addresses
- Cinque Terre Hiking: Complete Trail Guide for 2026
- Best Hotels in Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure for Every Budget
- Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: Complete Guide for Every Budget
- La Spezia Travel Guide: Gateway to Cinque Terre and Beyond
- Boat Tours and Coastal Cruises in Liguria: The Complete Guide
- Focaccia Genovese: History, Recipe & Where to Find the Best
- Liguria Food Guide: 20 Dishes You Must Try
- 15 Best Beaches in Liguria: Sandy Bays, Secret Coves & Crystal Water
- Best Hiking Trails in Liguria: From Coastal Paths to Mountain Summits
- 10 Charming Villages in Liguria You’ve Never Heard Of
- Sanremo Travel Guide: Beyond the Music Festival
- 10 Best Day Trips from Genoa (2026 Guide)
- Genoa Travel Guide: Italy’s Most Underrated City (2026)
- Portofino vs Santa Margherita Ligure: Which to Visit?
- The Ultimate Cinque Terre Travel Guide (2026)
Start Planning Your Trip
Not sure where to begin? Start with our 5-day Liguria itinerary, check out the best time to visit month by month, or browse all destinations to find the towns that speak to you. Liguria rewards curiosity — the best discoveries are often the ones you didn’t plan for.
Last updated: July 2026 · View all guides →