Discover the Italian Riviera Beyond the Crowds: Cinque Terre, Sanremo, Genoa & Hidden Coastal Gems
There are places in Italy that feel like destinations.
And then there are places that feel like a lifestyle.
Liguria (lee-GOO-ree-ah) is the second.
This narrow coastal region in northwest Italy stretches between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country.
Colorful villages cling to cliffs.
Fishing boats rest in tiny harbors.
Pesto is still made with local basil.
Train rides reveal some of Italy’s most beautiful coastal views.
And life moves at the perfect Italian pace: slowly.
While many travelers know Liguria because of Cinque Terre, the region offers so much more.
From the glamorous Riviera dei Fiori (Flower Riviera) near Sanremo to the historic port city of Genoa, Liguria invites you to explore deeper.
At a Glance
📍 Region: Liguria (lee-GOO-ree-ah)
🌊 Known For: Cinque Terre, pesto, coastal villages, focaccia, seafood
🚆 Best Transportation: Train + walking
🗓️ Ideal Stay: 5–7 days
☀️ Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–October
👩 Solo Traveler Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🍷 Signature Wine: Vermentino
Why Visit Liguria?
Liguria is where mountains meet the sea.
Unlike the wide-open landscapes of Tuscany or the dramatic volcanic scenery of Sicily, Liguria feels intimate.
The towns are connected by:
🚆 Scenic train routes
🥾 Coastal hiking paths
⛵ Boat rides
🌿 Hidden walking trails
It rewards travelers who slow down.
Liguria’s Regions
Liguria is divided into four provinces:
Imperia
The western Riviera.
Known for:
🌺 Sanremo
🫒 Olive groves
🌊 Coastal villages
Savona
A gateway between sea and mountains.
Known for:
🏖️ Beaches
🏘️ Historic towns
🚆 Coastal travel connections
Genoa
The capital city.
Known for:
🐟 Historic port
🏛️ UNESCO palaces
🐠 Aquarium
🍝 Incredible food culture
La Spezia
The gateway to Cinque Terre.
Known for:
🌈 Colorful villages
🥾 Hiking
⛵ Coastal adventures
The Iconic Cinque Terre
The five villages:
🏡 Monterosso al Mare
🏡 Vernazza
🏡 Corniglia
🏡 Manarola
🏡 Riomaggiore
are among Italy’s most photographed destinations.
And for good reason.
The colorful homes.
The dramatic cliffs.
The sparkling Mediterranean.
It’s unforgettable.
But here’s the truth:
Cinque Terre is not a hidden secret anymore.
During peak summer months, crowds can be intense.
My advice?
Visit early morning.
Stay overnight if possible.
Explore beyond the main viewpoints.
And remember that Liguria has so many beautiful places beyond these five villages.
➡️ Related Post:
🚶 Cinque Terre Hiking Guide
Sanremo: The Flower Riviera
Where Italian Elegance Meets the Sea
Sanremo holds a special place in my heart.
Located along the Riviera dei Fiori, this coastal city combines:
🌴 Palm-lined promenades
🎶 Italian music history
🌸 Flower markets
🍝 Amazing food
☕ Café culture
Sanremo is also home to the famous Festival di Sanremo, Italy’s annual music festival that has been celebrating Italian music and artists since 1951.
The festival is one of the biggest cultural events in Italy, attracting millions of viewers every year in February.
Sondra’s Sanremo Notes
If you visit Sanremo, do not leave without experiencing:
SanSci
One of my favorite local stops.
A simple Italian ritual:
✨ A €5 spritz
✨ A delicious tagliere (included with the spritz complementary!)
✨ A relaxed atmosphere
It’s the perfect example of why I love Italy.
The best memories aren’t always expensive experiences.
Sometimes they’re the little places you return to because they feel like home.
Genoa: Italy’s Historic Port City
Many travelers skip Genoa.
They shouldn’t.
This fascinating city combines centuries of maritime history with one of Italy’s strongest food traditions.
Don’t miss:
Genoa Aquarium
The Acquario di Genova is one of Europe’s largest aquariums and a wonderful stop for travelers of all ages.
It’s especially impressive because of Genoa’s connection to the sea and maritime history.
Historic Center
Wander:
✨ Caruggi (historic narrow alleyways)
✨ Piazza De Ferrari
✨ Via Garibaldi
✨ Palazzi dei Rolli
Genoa rewards curiosity.
Eat Pesto Where It Was Born
Liguria is the birthplace of pesto Genovese.
Look for:
🌿 Fresh basil
🧀 Parmigiano Reggiano
🧀 Pecorino
🥜 Pine nuts
🫒 Olive oil
➡️ Related Post:
🍝 A Food Lover’s Guide to Liguria
Santa Margherita Ligure
If Portofino feels glamorous, Santa Margherita Ligure feels effortlessly elegant.
This seaside town is perfect for:
☕ Morning coffee
🚶 Waterfront walks
🍦 Gelato stops
🚤 Boat trips
It’s also a wonderful base for exploring:
🌊 Portofino
🏝️ San Fruttuoso
🥾 Coastal trails
Worth the Detour
Camogli
Often overlooked by first-time visitors, Camogli offers everything travelers love about Liguria:
🎨 Colorful buildings
🐟 Fresh seafood
🌊 Beautiful waterfront
☕ Authentic cafés
It feels like a place where locals still outnumber tourists.
What to Eat in Liguria
Pesto Genovese
Liguria’s most famous contribution to Italian cuisine.
Focaccia Genovese
Pronunciation:
foh-KAHT-chah jeh-noh-VEH-zeh
Soft.
Salty.
Golden.
Often enjoyed for breakfast with cappuccino.
Yes—really.
Seafood
Try:
🐟 Anchovies
🐙 Octopus
🦐 Shrimp
🐟 Fresh fish
Farinata
A savory chickpea pancake cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Simple and delicious.
Sondra’s Table
First Thing I’d Do
Find a seaside café.
Order coffee.
Watch the boats.
Let Liguria introduce itself slowly.
Don’t Miss
A sunset aperitivo overlooking the Mediterranean. Highly recommend the rooftop bar at the Seven Rooftop Bar Lounge for stunnning views and a really special cocktail program (many thanks to my friend Andrea for introducing me to the place, and my friend Hannah for introducing me to Andrea)!
Slow Travel Moment
Take a train along the coastline with no destination planned.
Sometimes the best views happen between stops.
Did You Know?
Liguria’s steep landscape means many villages were historically built vertically.
The colorful homes climbing hillsides aren’t just beautiful – they were practical solutions to limited coastal space.
Sondra’s Packing Tip
Pack comfortable shoes.
Liguria is beautiful, but it involves:
🚶 Hills
🪜 Stairs
🪨 Cobblestones
Your feet will thank you.
Memory Lane
Some places become special because of what you see.
Others become special because of how they make you feel.
Liguria is one of those places.
The little cafés.
The coastal trains.
The familiar faces.
The moments when a simple spritz becomes a memory.
Those are the experiences that make Italy unforgettable.
Italian Phrase of the Week
“Che bella vista!”
Pronunciation:
keh BEHL-lah VEES-tah
Meaning:
“What a beautiful view!”
A phrase you’ll use often in Liguria.
Wine of the Week
Vermentino di Liguria DOC
Pronunciation:
vehr-men-TEE-noh dee lee-GOO-ree-ah
A crisp white wine that captures the feeling of the Mediterranean coast.
Taste Like a Sommelier
👀 Appearance: Pale straw with golden hints
👃 Aroma: Citrus, white flowers, herbs, and sea breeze minerality
👄 Palate: Fresh acidity with a slightly salty coastal finish
❤️ If You Enjoy…
Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or Pinot Grigio, you’ll likely enjoy Vermentino.
Pairs Perfectly With:
🐟 Seafood
🌿 Pesto pasta
🥗 Light appetizers
🫒 Focaccia
Order Like a Local
Try saying:
“Un aperitivo vista mare, per favore.”
Pronunciation:
oon ah-peh-ree-TEE-voh VEE-stah MAH-reh pehr fah-VOH-reh
Meaning:
“A sea view aperitivo, please.”
Continue Exploring Liguria
🚶 Cinque Terre Hiking Guide
🌺 Sanremo Travel Guide
⚓ Genoa Food & Culture Guide
Continue Exploring Italy
🌋 Ultimate Sicily Travel Guide
🌿 Ultimate Puglia Road Trip Guide
Coming Up Next
Cinque Terre Hiking Guide
We’ll explore:
🌈 The five villages
🥾 Best hiking routes
🚆 Train travel tips
📸 Best viewpoints
🍝 Where to eat
…and how to experience one of Italy’s most famous destinations without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
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