The Italian or Ligurian Riviera is one of the most beautiful and authentic regions of Italy. You will find it in the north of the country between the French Riviera and Tuscany. The unique natural beauty of this area will leave you in awe ! However, its most special feature is the old colorful houses and narrow alleys of the Ligurian villages. The Italian Riviera is the ultimate summer destination, since it has countless dreamy beaches, amazing Mediterranean vibes and vibrant nightlife that covers all tastes. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the best towns on the Italian Riviera.
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Things to know before visiting the Italian Riviera
The Italian Riviera is known for its stunning beaches, colorfully painted towns, magical sunsets, delicious food and luxurious lifestyle. So, you will find everything you need for a perfect summer vacation. One of the best ways to fully enjoy your summer there is to take cruises from one place to another. You will be left speechless with the clear blue waters and breathtaking views. Depending on when you visit, we suggest you stay in larger places and closer to the center to have the famous parts of the Riviera to yourself. Otherwise, most towns will be overcrowded after 9am during the peak summer season. Be aware that some of them are quite expensive. So, if you are on a budget, we recommend visiting them off-season to avoid the crowds and higher prices.
If you are a nature lover, the Ligurian coast is an awesome place with epic hiking spots, like the Cinque Terre hiking trails. So, you can have a relaxing or adventurous time. One of the best things to do is just wander the narrow streets admiring the colorful houses and flowers. In case the main reason you are visiting Liguria is its beaches, you will have the opportunity to enjoy fascinating ocean views and greenery almost everywhere. Lastly, the Italian Riviera is the perfect region for an authentic Italian dining or wine experience !
How to get to the Italian Riviera ?
The easiest way to access the Italian Riviera is to fly into Genoa International Airport which serves the entire region. If you can not find a convenient flight, you can alternatively fly to Milan or Pisa first and then take the train or bus to Genoa. Another valid way to reach Liguria is by boat, since Genoa has one of the busiest ports in Europe ! Once there, the easiest way to get around the Italian Riviera is definitely by train or bus. The distance between the towns is quite short, so you will not have any problems. However, we would not advise you to get there by car, especially during high season. Driving and parking will be quite a mission. Plus, most of the historical centers are not accessible by car.
Where to stay on the Italian Riviera ?
The tourist season starts from April to mid-October. Chances are you will be visiting this famous Italian region around that time. If so, we recommend choosing larger cities to base yourself on. For example, Genoa is the best place to stay and from there visit Camogli or Portofino. The same applies to La Spezia and Cinque Terre. So, if you want to have more options at better prices, you can choose Genoa and La Spezia as your bases during your trip. However, if you want to stay in Portofino and Cinque Terre, we suggest you book your stay months in advance to find better deals. You always have the option of staying in a more affordable accommodation by choosing a hostel or bed and breakfast instead of a hotel. We strongly recommend that you read the reviews and choose the one that is best for you !
The best time to visit the Italian Riviera
Although in theory you can visit most of the popular places on the Italian Riviera all year round, the best time to visit is during the shoulder season or summer. You will not get a full taste of their unique beauty if you cannot swim in the deep blue waters or stroll around the old towns and ports under the sun. But, it is best to avoid the tourist crowds by visiting from April to late June or late August to October. The villages of Cinque Terre and Portofino in particular get hectic in the peak season and it is quite a challenge to find a table in restaurants or even to walk the streets !
Best places to visit on the Italian Riviera
1-Genoa
Genoa is the capital of the Italian Riviera with plenty to do and see. It has amazing Mediterranean vibes and a stunning coastline. But, it is its authenticity that makes it special ! That is why it reminds us of Marseille which is the most authentic city in the South of France. The main tourist attractions of the city are the Old Port, the Old Town and the Aquarium. As you can guess, you should expect big crowds in the summer months. So, if you want to enjoy its charming center and the Ligurian Sea without too many people, you can easily start your day early in the morning. As we said earlier, Genoa is the most convenient place to base yourself, because it offers many accommodation options. You can then take day trips to the other parts of the Italian Riviera which can be reached either by train, bus or ferry.
You cannot leave Genoa without visiting Boccadasse which is the most beautiful neighborhood and the hidden gem of Genoa. Since it is only a few kilometers from the city center, you can reach it by local bus or on foot. It is really worth your effort, as the views along the way will blow your mind. Once there, be ready for magical sunrises or sunsets, cozy cafés and restaurants and picturesque streets. Boccadasse beach is a real gem that attracts many tourists and locals in the summer. If you want to go for a swim or just sunbathe, you should visit before 11am. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Boccadasse, the natural and architectural beauty will leave you in awe !
2-Camogli
Just 36 kilometers from Genoa, you will find the best kept secret of the Italian Riviera called Camogli. It is one of our favorite places in the whole area. It has a turquoise beach, an adorable port and old town that offer great views almost everywhere. As it is a lesser known place compared to Genoa, Cinque Terre and Portofino, it is the perfect place to unwind and admire the views. Since it is so close to Genoa, you can easily visit it by train. But, we suggest taking a boat tour from Genoa that covers Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino in one day. All these places are tiny, so you can get a first impression by visiting all in one day !
3-Portofino
In the heart of the Italian Riviera, you will find the little paradise called “Portofino”. It is about 15 kilometers from Camogli and about 40 kilometers from Genoa. So, if you plan to stay in Genoa, you can visit it as a day trip, even more than once. Although it is a small village, it has everything ! Get ready for dreamy beaches with crystal clear waters and beautiful surroundings. There are private and public swimming areas for all preferences and budgets. As Portofino is one of the most luxurious destinations in Europe, there are many glamorous beach bars and restaurants that are perfect for a relaxing summer vacation. However, you can find a free spot in the public areas to leave your towel and take a dip in the amazing waters. We really recommend taking a snorkel tour, because Portofino has a rich marine life.
Of course, it is also the perfect place to live your Italian dream ! Colorful buildings, an adorable port, photogenic streets, charming restaurants and shops make it such a special destination. It is so pleasant to walk along the marina or get lost in the streets admiring the wonderful views. But, you should know that the main square (Piazza Martiri dell’ Olivetta) and the marina are the hotspots of Portofino with thousands of tourists in peak season. So, if you want to have these iconic locations to yourself, you can visit them early in the morning. The best way to make the most of your time is undoubtedly to take a boat tour from Genoa. The views will take your breath away, especially if you are an ocean lover.
4-Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is one of the five iconic villages of Cinque Terre. It has the longest sandy beach which is ideal for relaxing on a sunbed or swimming in the deep blue waters. Monterosso is the starting point for many of the boat tours to other gems of the Ligurian coast. We highly recommend taking a kayak tour that starts from Monterosso and covers most of dreamy beaches of the Cinque Terre villages. The views and the whole experience will leave you with the best impressions. In addition to the coastline, you should expect a beautiful old and new town. The most authentic area is the old town where you will find many shops, cafés and restaurants. For all of the above, Monterosso is the right place to stay if you are traveling as a family.
5-Vernazza
Right after Monterosso, you will find yourself in the pretty village of Vernazza. It is a picturesque town full of natural and architectural beauty. The port with its colorful houses and fishing boats is the hotspot with masses of tourists every summer. Wandering around the port enjoying the fascinating views is a real treat. In case you want to take beautiful photos without tourists around you, we suggest you get there as early as possible. Despite its size, Vernazza has plenty of things to do and beautiful places to explore. You can easily walk around the old town, have a delicious meal overlooking the port and the sea, or even go shopping etc. It is impossible not to fall in love with this amazing Ligurian town !
One of the highlights of our Cinque Terre trip was undoubtedly the hike from Vernazza to Monterosso. About 15-20 minutes from the starting point of the hike, you will find yourself in front of the most magnificent panoramic view of Cinque Terre. The Ligurian Sea and Vernazza from above will leave you speechless again. That is why you should take a panoramic vineyard trekking tour for a unique travel experience. Nothing compares to tasting the local wine while admiring the incredible panoramic views. Τo go from Vernazza to Monterosso, you need to be in good shape, because the hike is long with many steep spots ! If you do not feel comfortable doing so, you can alternatively reach the famous Vernazza viewpoint and return to the village.
6-Manarola
Manarola is one of the most charming villages in Cinque Terre with magical sunsets. It is located after Corniglia which we do not include in this list. You can easily visit it directly from Vernazza by train and the journey takes around 7 minutes. The most popular spot in Manarola is the promenade that offers epic views of the village and the ocean. If you are a sunset lover like us, we recommend going there in the late afternoon to find a good spot to watch the beautiful sunset. We could easily describe it as one of the most romantic things to do in Cinque Terre. However, you should expect hundreds of tourists, even in the shoulder season (spring or fall). Just a few steps from the port, you will find the famous restaurant “Nessum Dorma”. It is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Cinque Terre with delicious Italian dishes and wonderful views ! If you want to immerse yourself in Italian cuisine, we recommend taking an authentic pesto making class.
7-Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the last village of Cinque Terre or the first village if you visit from La Spezia. For us, it was the first place we visited and it surprised us with its vibrant colors and picturesque streets. To get the best view of the village, you have to take a boat ride or climb the rocks on the beach. If you choose the second option, you will need about 30 minutes to climb all the rocks to find the best viewpoint. We suggest you visit early in the morning to have this unique place to yourself ! But, you can also go at sunset for a picnic or a pizza date on the rocks. It will be overcrowded, but you will still be able to find a good spot. The old town of the village is equally beautiful with adorable alleyways, old houses, restaurants etc.
In case you are looking for hidden gems in Cinque Terre, the bar “II Sole a 180 Gradi” should be at the top of your list. We found it by accident while doing a little hike in Riomaggiore. You can get there either on foot or by car. This place is a real gem, as it offers some of the most epic views on the Italian Riviera. Although not one of the fanciest bars, nothing beats watching the sunset from there while having a drink or a light meal !
Other nearby places to visit in Italy
1-Florence
Florence is one of those rare places that no matter how many times you visit, it is never enough. Located in the heart of Tuscany region, it is the definition of Italian charm and beauty. There are countless beautiful places to visit, especially in the historical center which is home to most of the city’s masterpieces. Walking downtown will give you the chance to see the Florence Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the famous Ponte Vecchio and more. However, you cannot leave the city without visiting Piazzale Michelangelo. It offers the best panoramic view of Florence. That is why it is also considered the best sunset spot ! If you visit it at sunset or in the evening, you will enjoy one of the most romantic moments admiring the wonderful view, sipping wine and listening to the music. You can easily take a day trip usually from Florence to Cinque Terre, especially when pressed for time.
2-Milan and Lake Como
Milan is the fashion capital of Italy with brilliant architecture, charming streets and various luxury stores. It is a must-visit in Italy and is easily accessible by train, bus or car from almost any Italian city. Milan Cathedral is a world-renowned masterpiece with countless tourists visiting and photographing it every year. So, apart from the luxurious lifestyle, this city is also worth visiting for its rich history. If you want to enjoy a romantic stroll with your loved ones in the city center, we recommend that you go there before 9am. The vibes and architecture will leave you in awe. As you can guess, you will find many incredible cafés and restaurants to grab a coffee or an Italian meal.
If you have enough time ahead of you, you should add the unique Lake Como to your itinerary. Although it is a separate place from Milan, it is very close, about 39 minutes by train. So, you can spend a day or two in Milan and then take a day trip to Como. However, there are many iconic towns on this lake. So, we suggest you take a guided tour from Milan to Lake Como. Bellagio and Varenna are the fairytale towns you do not want to miss on this trip. They have a worldwide fame, mainly because of their special architecture and the magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Whatever you choose to do in Lake Como, these towns will amaze you with their uniqueness.
Final Thoughts
The Italian Riviera is full of gems that you should visit at least once in your life. For us, the whole region is one of the best summer destinations not only in Italy, but also in Europe. Each of the above places has something unique to offer. They perfectly combine Italian and Mediterranean architecture, beauty, food and vibes. You can easily take advantage of their geographical location to visit as many places as you can during this trip.
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