Manarola on its rocky headland in the Cinque Terre
EuropeHistoryFoodCulture

Genoa

Historic port city of the Ligurian coast

Plan with AISee the 1 itineraryPhoto: Peter Thoeny, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Best timeMay, June and September; the villages are very crowded in July and August.
Typical trip length5 days
On travli1 itinerary
Getting aroundRegional trains link Genoa, the five villages, La Spezia and Pisa.
CurrencyEuro

About Genoa

Genoa climbs steep hills above one of the Mediterranean's major ports. Its medieval center is a maze of narrow alleys called caruggi, among the largest old towns in Europe. Via Garibaldi is lined with the Palazzi dei Rolli, grand merchant palaces now housing art collections. The Old Port holds the Aquarium of Genoa and waterfront walks.

Trips here suit those interested in maritime history and Ligurian food. Pesto and focaccia come from this region. Short visits focus on the old town and port, while longer stays add Boccadasse and day trips to Portofino.

Why travelers love it

Genoa Old TownOne of Europe's largest medieval old towns, a maze of narrow lanes called caruggi.Genoa CathedralGenoa's black-and-white striped cathedral of San Lorenzo, guarded by stone lions at the door.Via GaribaldiGenoa's grandest street, lined with Renaissance palaces that now hold the Strada Nuova Museums.Porto AnticoGenoa's old harbour, rebuilt as a waterfront with the aquarium, a maritime museum and harbour views.Aquarium of GenoaOne of Europe's largest aquariums, on the old harbour, with sharks, dolphins and penguins.BoccadasseA tiny fishing village of pastel houses and a pebble cove on Genoa's eastern seafront.

Top attractions

Genoa Old Town
NeighbourhoodGenoa Old TownGenoa, Italy
Genoa Cathedral
CathedralGenoa CathedralGenoa, Italy
Via Garibaldi
StreetVia GaribaldiGenoa, Italy
Porto Antico
WaterfrontPorto AnticoGenoa, Italy
Aquarium of Genoa
AquariumAquarium of GenoaGenoa, Italy
Boccadasse
Fishing villageBoccadasseGenoa, Italy

1 Genoa itinerary

Genoa, Italy
Genoa, ItalyGenoa, Cinque Terre and Pisa in 5 Days5 days · By travli

Genoa questions

Is 5 days enough for Genoa, the Cinque Terre and Pisa?

Yes, for the main sights. It gives you a full day in Genoa, two and a half days in the villages and a day in Pisa.

Do I need a Cinque Terre Card?

You need one to walk the paid coastal paths like the Blue Path. The Via dell'Amore also needs a timed booking, and one version of the card covers the trains between the villages.

Which Cinque Terre village is best to stay in?

Monterosso has the most hotels and a real beach. Vernazza and Manarola are prettier but smaller, with fewer rooms.

How far is Pisa from the Cinque Terre?

About an hour to an hour and a half by train, usually with a change at La Spezia.