Guide to Liguria

Guide to Liguria (54)

Our recommendations if you are planning a vacation or visit to Genoa, the Cinque Terre or the rest of Liguria.

  • Cinque Terre Apartment Accommodation
    For anyone seeking self catering apartment accommodation between Portofino and the Cinque Terre along the Ligurian coast, then Residence Kriss in Deiva Marina is a good option, especially for families, But if you are seeking a more private stay, perhaps for a longer break or vacation, then also con...
  • Guided Tour of Cinque Terre
    Enjoy a tour of the Cinque Terre in Liguria with Tasting Tours. Its name derives from 'terra' which in medieval times actually meant 'village' rather than 'town'. So Cinque Terre referring to the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre Tour Highligh...
  • Grand Hotel Diana Majestic Restaurants
    Everything about the Grand Hotel Diana Majestic in Diana Marina, Imperia, is designed to make sure your holiday is relaxing, you lose the stress and, not least, eat well along the charming Ligurian coast. There are various dining and restaurant options at the Diana Majestic, both for guests and vis...
  • Levanto Restaurant Il Giardino di Palazzo Vannoni
    It is possible to dine on fine Ligurian dishes either inside or outside in the garden of the new restaurant of the Hotel Stella Maris in Levanto. The cuisine is authentic, known locally as 'casalinga levantese impera' and is given special attention by the owner, Signora Renza. From early July, thr...
  • Get Married in Portofino, Portovenere or 5 Terre
    If you are looking to hold your wedding in the romantic destinations of Portofino, Portovenere or the Cinque Terre in Liguria, then contact Infinity Wedding and Events® - Weddings in Italy. This young, wedding planning network based in neighboring Tuscany, offers a selection of fine locations and s...
  • Genoa Gourmet Tour
    This food or gastronomic tour of the centuries old historic port of Genoa is clearly focused on finding local snacks and classic Genovese dishes. Created by Tasting Tours it is a fascinating journey which you may not have thought of doing on your own. Start the tour from the old port and walk up t...
  • Guided tour of Portofino, Santa Margherita and Rapallo
    This tour of the surroundings or territory of Portofino is aimed at discovering the three “pearls of the Tigullio". What are they? Read on and get in  touch with Tasting Tours to book your place. The tour starts in Rapallo, the oldest town in the area and located in the most sheltered part of the G...
  • Residence Paganini, Carro near Cinque Terre
    The historical cottage Residence Paganini is located in the romantic medieval hamlet of Carro in the Val di Vara, province of La Spezia, just five kilometers inland from the famous Cinque Terre in Liguria. Now offering exclusive cottage accommodation, this 17th century residence was owned by the fa...
  • Hotel Al Terra di Mare, Levanto
    The four star Hotel Al Terra di Mare overlooks Levanto near the Cinque Terre not far from Monterosso and offers an environmental friendly location for a relaxing family holiday. It is the only eco friendly hotel in the zone built and inspired by the local environment. For example, the hotel ...
  • Hotel Stella Maris, Levanto, Cinque Terre
    The Hotel de Charme Stella Maris is located at the gates of the fabulous Cinque Terre in Liguria and the port town of Levanto is the perfect base for discovering the zone. In fact, the building is a genuine 19th century 'palazzo' complete with frescoes covering the high ceilings. It is el...
  • Grand Hotel Diana Majestic, Diano Marina, Imperia
    The Grand Hotel Diana Majestic is located in the coastal resort of Diano Marina, a short distance from the city of Imperia. It is 80km from Genoa International Airport and 70km from Nice airport in France and the Costa Azzura. A stay at the 4 star Grand Hotel Diana Majestic along the Italian Riv...

LIGURIA TRAVEL INFORMATION AND TOURISM SUGGESTIONS

If you have ever driven from Nice to the Cinque Terre in a vintage Beetle you'll soon discover its a very long way indeed. Best to take the foot off the pedal and stop off along the way.

First up is Sanremo. Bearing in mind the beautiful coast, the medieval hamlet of Taggia and the fine olive oil producing hills, perhaps the annual Festival of Italian songs is no longer the best promotional vehicle for the town.

Passing the many snug beach resorts before Genoa, we must mention Spotorno. The home of pesto and the national association is based here. Do descend from the sky high freeways overpassing the regional capital and spend time in Genoa.

From here the signs start indicating Portofino, Portovenere and the Cinque Terre, but consider Levanto for an overnight stay.

Then there is the very different culture of the coastal hinterland and inland hills as the Ligurian Alps give way to the Apennines on the Ligurian Tuscan border.

Consult our latest or last updated Liguria travel articles below, or access them all from the links right divided by recipes, food, wine, itineraries and tour suggestions.

  • Riviera delle Palme

    Published in Liguria Itineraries
    The four main coastal towns in the province of Savona are Albissola, Celle Ligure and Varazze as well as Savona itself. This stretch of mountainous land marks the arc of Liguria and the beginning of the Italian peninsular proper and where the Maritime Alps meet the Ligurian Apennines. The provincial capital has always been a rival port to Genova. It even supported Hannibal and the Carthaginians against Rome in 205 BC and was only conquered by the latter in 1528. The Priamar Fortress was immediately built on the 'roccia' to keep an eye on the burghers. Today, it is a…
    Last modified on 08 May 2012

Carro near the Cinque Terre

Published in Liguria Itineraries
The small hamlet of Carro is located in Val Di Vara. Although just 20 minutes from the Cinque Terre, it is a world away from pesto and seaside walks. Portofino is 40km away and Porto Venere 30km. With forgotten pathways crossing uncontaminated woods and forests so close to the beaten track, it may be worth making a visit if you are a nature fan. Indeed, nearby Varese Ligure has obtained the European Certification for Environmental Quality. Carro is where composer Nicolò Paganini’s grandparents lived. Every year the International Festival Paganiniano di Carro takes place in his honor. But Friday August…
Last modified on 25 April 2012

Stuffed cabbage leaves recipe

Published in Liguria Recipes
This recipe was sent to us by Mr. Paracucchi of the Locanda dell'Angelo, Ameglia, in the province of La Spezia. ingredients 1 kg (Savoy) cabbage, 50g bread crumbs, 1 glass of milk, 150gr sausage meat, 20gr grated pecorino cheese, 6 spoons olive oil, 2 eggs, grated nutmeg, salt and pepper
Last modified on 19 November 2011

Liguria recipe with mussels

Published in Liguria Recipes
Ligurian mussels fish recipe with sultanas and pine nuts ingredients 1kg mussels, 400gr spring onions or leeks, 500gr rice, tin of peeled tomatoes, 40gr sultanas, 60gr chopped pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
Last modified on 19 November 2011

Castagnaccio chestnut flour recipe

Published in Liguria Recipes
This chestnut sweet dish is not by any means exclusive to Liguria, but each region and even locality gives it a personal twist ingredients 500gr chestnut flour, 70gr sultanas, 40gr pine nuts, a teaspoon wild fennel seeds, extra virgin olive oil.
Last modified on 19 November 2011

Liguria Cuisine Away from the Coast

Published in Liguria Food
The wooded slopes and peaks of the hilly hinterland of the region mean the cuisine of the Ligurian valleys is notable for honey, mushrooms (notably 'porcini'), horse chestnuts and even goat and potatoes. Yet, it is worth keeping an eye out for a cheese by the name of brùsso, a soft cheese similar to the ricotta cheese which is quite used for filling pies. Most likely to be found in the area bordering Piemonte, the cheese is almost exclusively home made. It is produced by mixing various types of seasoned cheeses such as robiole in a terracotta pot. The mixture…
Last modified on 19 November 2011

La Spezia Province

Published in Liguria Itineraries
The city of La Spezia comes under the authority of the APT Cinque Terre e Golfo dei Poeti. The territory is divided into 5 distinct portions; the city, the Gulf of La Spezia, Cinque Terre e Riviera, the Val di Magra and the Val di Vara. La Spezia is home to Italy's largest naval presence. It was little more than a backwater before Cavour transferred the Piemontese fleet during the unification of the country (that's Piemonte without any coast!). The Naval Museum was also transferred, this time from Genova, and is the first point of call for getting under the…
Last modified on 19 November 2011