Things to do
Liguria is more than just stunning coastal views—it’s a place to taste, explore, and soak in la dolce vita. No matter where you go, don’t leave without trying the local specialties:
🍞 Focaccia – You can't miss Bea's favorite way to eat it your typical Ligurian breakfast: capuccino e focaccia.
🌿 Pesto – This is the birthplace of pesto, so trust us, you’ve never had it like this before. Order it with trofie pasta, and thank us later.
🍝 Spaghetti allo Scoglio – One of Stella's favorite Ligurian dishes. So yum she asks for seconds. Her reco is the one in Boccasasse (GE), at Creuza de Ma Boccadasse.
🍨 Gelato – Well duh, do we need to say more? One of our favorite spots is the famous one in Genova, gelateria Don Paolo, where right next to it is one of the best aerial views of the city.
Now that you're properly fueled, here are some of our favorite places to explore:
Cinque Terre
Colorful villages clinging to the cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and postcard-perfect views at every turn—Cinque Terre is the kind of place that doesn’t even need a filter. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason!
🚆 Getting there: Train only for this one! They run frequently from Sestri Levante (or wherever you are staying) and will drop you at any of the five villages.
⚠️ Heads up: It can get crowded, we recommend starting your day off early to avoid selfie sticks.
Santa Margherita
🚆 Getting there: The train is your best bet since parking can be tricky, though there are parking garages if needed.
Camogli
If you want all the charm of Cinque Terre but with fewer crowds, Camogli is your spot. The colorful houses, a picture-perfect pebble beach, and some of the best focaccia around make it an easy favorite.
🚆 Getting there: It’s a quick train ride away, takes away the stress for parking, and trust us, it’s very limited in this village in particular (we got fined, woops).
Genova
Bea's birthplace. If you want to explore the caruggi (roads) of Liguria’s capital city, this is for you. Packed with history, charm, and great food. Stroll through one of the largest medieval centers in Europe, explore the vibrant street life, and if you’re into it, the Aquarium of Genoa is one of the best in Europe. Oh, and fun fact, Christopher Columbus set sail for the Americas right from the Genoa Port. His ship is still there for you to visit!
🚆 Getting there: A quick and easy train ride from Sestri Levante. Driving is also an option, there are plenty of parking garages in the city.
Best Ligurian Beaches
For the ultimate beach day, head west—this stretch of coast is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Italy.
☀️ Varigotti: A little slice of paradise with golden sand and water so clear you can see your toes. The colorful houses along the shore make it feel like a dream.
☀️ Noli: A mix of sandy and rocky beaches with seriously beautiful waters, plus a charming medieval old town nearby that’s perfect for exploring before or after your beach day.
🚆 Getting there: Both are accessible by train or car.