Liguria

🏛️ Why Visit Liguria, Italy?

Liguria – Italy's crescent-shaped slice of Mediterranean paradise on the north eastern coast, where the Alps tumble straight into the turquoise sea! This gorgeous region is where you'll find the world-famous Cinque Terre (incredible, colourful, insta-perfect clifftop villages), swanky Portofino, and the birthplace of pesto (yes, please!). Plus, you're getting 300 kilometres of stunning coastline that Disney literally used as inspiration for their movie 'Luca' –your ‘gram will eat even better than you will!

Top reasons to visit Liguria:

🏖️ The legendary Cinque Terre – five UNESCO World Heritage clifftop villages connected by hiking trails offering some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the world

🎉 Birthplace of pesto Genovese – experience authentic basil pesto made with traditional mortar and pestle, plus incredible focaccia and farinata flatbreads

🏰 Glamorous Portofino – the exclusive resort beloved by celebrities with its iconic pastel-coloured harbor and luxury yacht scene

🌊 Diverse coastal experiences – from the sandy beaches of Finale Ligure to the dramatic rocky coves of San Fruttuoso, accessible only by boat or hiking

☀️ Amazing hiking opportunities – the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri runs 440 kilometres across the region's ridgetops, plus countless coastal trails

🎭 Top Things to Do in Liguria

There's absolutely loads to keep you busy in this brilliant coastal region, from ancient maritime cities to world-renowned hiking trails and some of the most photogenic villages in Italy. The beauty of Liguria is that you can combine beach relaxation, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventures all in one absolutely cracking jollie.

Iconic Coastal Villages

🎠 Cinque Terre National Park – Explore all five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) by train or tackle the famous Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail. Each village has its own character and brilliant restaurants!

🏛️ Portofino – This exclusive fishing village turned glamorous resort is every bit as gorgeous as the photos suggest. Climb to Castello Brown for epic harbor views or take a boat trip to the hidden San Fruttuoso Abbey.

🏰 Camogli – This charming fishing village features tall, colourful houses and hosts the amazing Sagra del Pesce festival every May, where they fry fish in a massive 5-meter pan for hundreds of visitors!

Cultural and Historical Gems

🏖️ Genoa Historic Centre – Europe's largest medieval city centre is absolutely fascinating, with narrow caruggi (alleyways), stunning palaces on Via Garibaldi, and the brilliant Aquarium of Genoa with its 27,000 square meters of exhibits.

🎨 Finale Ligure and Finalborgo – This brilliant combination of seaside resort and medieval hilltop village offers sandy beaches plus gorgeous medieval architecture. The focaccia here is legendary!

Unique Experiences

🐬 Whale Watching – The Ligurian Sea is part of the Cetacean Sanctuary, where you can spot fin whales, dolphins, and sperm whales on boat trips from ports like Imperia.

🍷 Cinque Terre Wine Tasting – Visit the terraced vineyards that create the dramatic landscape and taste local whites like Vermentino and Albarola. The views are as good as the wine!

🌊 Cristo degli Abissi – Snorkel or dive to see this famous underwater statue of Christ, 17 meters below the surface near San Fruttuoso, created in memory of Italy's first scuba diver.

Hidden Gems

🏰 Dolceacqua – This medieval village near the French border features a stunning humpback bridge and castle that inspired Claude Monet. Brilliant for escaping the coastal crowds!

🎭 Boccadasse – Genoa's most beautiful fishing village feels like a separate world with its colorful houses, tiny pebble beach, and brilliant seafood restaurants.

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Liguria Holiday (that's still brilliant)

Right, Liguria doesn't have to cost a fortune, especially if you know the tricks! This gorgeous region can be absolutely doable on a budget – you just need to be smart about when you go and where you stay. Here's how to make your euros stretch further without missing any of the magic.

When to Go

Skip July and August when prices go through the roof and the Cinque Terre becomes absolutely packed. Visit in May, June, or September when the weather's still gorgeous but you'll get proper good deals on accommodation. Plus, the hiking trails are much more enjoyable without fighting through crowds!

Smart Savings

• Cinque Terre Card - Gets you unlimited train travel between villages plus hiking trail access for about €16-33 depending on duration. Absolute bargain if you're doing the full experience!

• Stay in Levanto or La Spezia - These towns are brilliant bases for exploring Cinque Terre but cost half the price of staying in the villages themselves

• Aperitivo culture - Many bars offer free snacks with drinks from 6-8pm, perfect for a cheap dinner

Free Fun

Hiking the coastal paths costs nothing except the train fare to get there, and the views are absolutely mind-blowing. Exploring Genoa's historic centre is free, and wandering the narrow medieval streets is like stepping back in time. Many churches and smaller villages don't charge entry fees.

Getting About

The regional train system is brilliant value and connects all the major destinations. A day pass covering the whole coast costs less than €15. Many coastal towns are also connected by affordable ferry services that give you amazing views.

Food Tips

Hunt down the local focaccia shops – a massive slice costs just a few euros and is incredibly filling. Street food like farinata (chickpea pancake) is cheap and delicious. Shop at local markets for fresh produce and have picnics with seaside views.

The bottom line? You can absolutely have a cracking time in Liguria without spending gigantic(ally expensive) amounts. Pick the right time to visit, stay smart about accommodation, and you'll discover that this brilliant region gives you amazing bang for your buck!