Myrtle Claus
Of course, when you think of Liguria (Liguria), you immediately think of the Cinque Terre. But this northern region has a lot more to offer than just these 5 gems. Liguria is a region full of jagged coasts and bays with sandy beaches. With harbor towns and small fishing ports. And an area full of those typical, brightly colored houses along the coast and medieval mountain villages further inland. In short, time for an overview of the most beautiful places in Liguria.
Riviera di Ponente and Riviera di Levante
The most beautiful places in Liguria can be found from the French border along the Riviera di Ponentea of Riviera of Flowers with beautiful sandy beaches as far as Genoa. And then further along the Riviera of the Levant with the more jagged coastline to the northernmost tip of Tuscany.
A small but golden selection from the most beautiful places in Liguria:
1. Ventimiglia
Driving along the Côte d'Azur from France into Italy, Ventimiglia is the first town of the Ligurian Riviera you come across. It is famous for its beaches and crystal clear sea and it is one of the most beautiful places in Liguria.
A perfect base for trips to the beautiful places both countries have to offer along the coasts. Of course you can view the Romanesque cathedral in the center of the city.
But Ventimiglia is best known for the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, which sit on the Mortola promontory.
2. San Remo
Sanremo stands for the 'Italian song festival' and 'flowers'. But you will discover that it is more when you start with a walk in La Pigna. It is the medieval fishing quarter in the center of the city with long steep houses, narrow streets and small squares.
And how about a night out in the famous Art Nouveau Casino, which was built around 1900?
3. Apricale
Apricale is a medieval town in the interior of Ventimiglia. The houses of the town are built in stone and it is easy to get lost in the narrow, shady streets and alleys, the typical Ligurian alleys.
The Castello della Lucertola is located in La Torracca Square. It's one of the most beautiful squares in Italy with a beautiful view of the area. In the higher part of Apricale are the remains of the Castello Doria.
4. Empire
Imperia arose less than 100 years ago from the merging of the villages of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. You can still see that today: the city has 2 Palazzi Civici, 2 large churches and 2 harbours. And not so long ago it even had 2 stations!
Oneglia with its maze of alleys is the center of the current city. The Palazzo Comunale, Villa Glock and Piazza Dante are worth a look.
If you follow the promenade Spianata Borgo Peri, you will automatically arrive at Porto Maurizio with its colorful houses. Not tired of walking yet? Then continue on Passeggiata degli Innamorati to Borgo Foce for stunning views over the Ligurian Riviera.
5. Castelbianco
Castelbianco is a beautiful medieval village with a castle, surrounded by small stone houses, narrow streets and overlooking the valley. The inhabitants gradually moved away in the 19th century and a strong earthquake in 1887 turned it into a ghost town full of ruins.
Until the renovation started in the 80s and restored the village to its former glory. With the conveniences of modern technology to make the lives of the current residents even more pleasant.
6. Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
If you really want to discover the medieval charm of Liguria, you should not miss Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena. It is located at an altitude of about 1.100 m and you get there via a winding mountain road.
It's worth the trip: with the castle of Clavesana, the stone houses and the arches that connect them, the restored old washhouses and the Piazza della Torre with a fountain and seating areas carved in stone.
What not to miss? The small heart-shaped cemetery next to the Santuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie!
7. Final Borgo
The medieval city walls of Finalborgo (one of the most beautiful villages in Italy) are still in good condition and protect the old center with its narrow alleys and streets. You get there through the city gates as Porta Testa, Porta Romana or Porta Reale.
Besides the palaces you will find the Basilica of San Biagio, the Monastery of St. Catherine, Castel Gavone and the Forte San Giovanni. From the fortress you have a beautiful view over the sea of Finale Ligure.
8.Savona
Savona stands for walking through narrow alleys and streets past colorful buildings towards the sea. The Torre del Brandale is the icon of the city and tones when something special happens in Savona.
The Palazzo degli Anziani in the same square is also worth seeing as is the Fortezza di Priamar.
Next to the Cathedral of Maria Assunta you will find the Sistine Chapel, which, like the one in Rome, was commissioned by Sixtus VI.
Tired of watching? Then it's time for a swim from the city beach.
9. Pietra Ligure
The old center of Pietra Ligure with its typical narrow and colorful alleys is completely car-free. In the town square, close to the beach and the sea, is the Basilica of St. Nicholas.
The saint is not only our childhood friend, but also the one who is said to have liberated the city from the plague in 1500. And don't forget to visit the castle, Palazzo Golli and Palazzo Leale-Franchelli while you are there.
10. Genoa
Genoa is the capital of Liguria and a real port city with a lot to see and experience. Stroll through the Piazza de Ferrari with the Great Fountain and past the Palazzi dei Rolli, the palaces of the ancient Genoese nobility, in Via Garibaldi and Strade Nuove.
Explore the old town with the stairs, the dig that were once mule tracks and the typical narrow alleys.
Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. And of course you should check out the Oude Haven in a port city. You not only have a beautiful view of the 'Lanterna', the 76m high lighthouse and symbol of the city, but you will also find the famous Aquarium of Genoa.
11. Camogli
Camogli is the most beautiful village of the Golfo Paradiso with a small, but pleasant fishing port, surrounded by the colored Ligurian houses and the steep streets of the center.
Besides the Museo Marinaro, the Passeggiata Garibaldi, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Monastery of San Prospero, which you see if you look up, there is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. The abbey is close to the sea and can only be reached on foot or by ferry.
12. Portofino
Do you want to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of glamor and glitter, in the company of all kinds of big and less great celebrities? Then is Portofino the place to be.
The world famous coastal town is built around a bay, with tall, colorful houses surrounding the small harbor full of luxury yachts and the famous Piazzetta in front of it.
Tired of all the luxury around you? Then walk to Castello Brown and the lighthouse for a beautiful view over Paraggi Bay.
13. Rapallo
Rapallo is famous for its old Castello sul Mare in the harbor and its beautiful palm-lined promenade. At the end of the promenade you will find the former monastery of the Klariss.
With a funicular you can go to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, where you have a beautiful view over the Gulf of Tigullio. In the 17th century Villa Tigullio you will find the Lace Museum.
And are you a golf enthusiast? Then you absolutely must go to the 18-hole golf course that is located next to the ruins of an old Cistercian monastery.
14. Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante is the ideal destination if you like nature and water sports: perfect for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, but also for diving.
You will find two of the most famous bays in Italy: the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole. The first is a small cove that is perfect for enjoying beautiful sunsets. The second offers a large sandy beach.
You will also find in Sestri a beautiful 17th century monastery, the church of San Nicolò dell'Isola and the palaces of Portobello.
15. Bridgenato
Brugnato was once an episcopal citadel, so church lovers can indulge themselves there.
Next to the Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro, Lorenzo e Colombano is the Episcopal Palace and in the historic center you will find several churches such as the Oratory of San Bernardo, the Church of San Francesco and the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora dell'Ulivo.
On June 23 there is the Infiorata: a religious festival in which the streets are decorated with a carpet made of flowers.
And are you ready for some fun shopping? Then you will find a beautiful Outlet Village in Brugnato.
16. Cinque Terre: Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola
Of course, a visit to Liguria is not complete without a visit to the Cinque Terre: the 5 beautiful villages Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Corniglia and Manarola. Actually, these are 5 beautiful places in Liguria!
Each and every one of them is colourful, with a breathtaking panorama and surrounded by untouched nature. No wonder they are on the UNESCO World Heritage List! The best way to get there is by train or boat. If you only visit one, go to Vernazza. That is the most beautiful village.
17. Portovenere
South of the Cinque Terre is Portovenere. In the old center of this fishing village you will find the old church of San Lorenzo. La Palazzata del Mare, the long row of colored fishermen's houses at the harbor, is the symbol of the village.
On the rocky outcrop into the sea at the end of the harbor is the black and white striped St. Pieterskerk. From there you can walk to the higher Castello Doria for a spectacular view.
And if you feel like a boat trip with so much sea around, take a boat trip to see the caves and the 3 islands off the coast.
18. La Spezia
La Spezia It's situated around a cove on the southernmost part of the Ligurian coast. It's a true naval city and home to the Amerigo Vespucci, the showpiece of the Italian Navy. A visit to the harbor and the Naval Museum is therefore a must-see during a day trip to the city.
But of course La Spezia is more. Stately Liberty-style buildings are located on Corso Cavour and Via del Prione in the historic center. You will also find the Castello di San Giorgio and beautiful churches and cathedrals.
19. Tellaro
Tellaro is a fishing village perched high on the rocks, overlooking the bay of La Spezia. You have to do something to get there: walk on a winding road along the coast or downhill via trails from Lerici.
But once you're there, you'll understand why this is a favorite place for writers and artists: it's all peace and quiet. The Church of San Giorgio stands right on the sea, surrounded by the distinctive colored houses.
You can swim near the harbor, at the rocks of La Vittoria and Trigliano or at the long stretches of beaches Spiaggioni di Tellaro'.
20. Monte Marcello
Montemarcello is located 266 m above sea level in the Val di Magra. Named after the Roman consul Marcus Tullis Marcellus, it still retains its original Roman structure.
But there is also the 14th century city gate and the St. Peter's Church with references to the Templars in the statues armed with swords.
Nearby is the Monastero del Corvo, which houses the Holy Cross and was once the refuge of Dante Alighieri.
Under the village is Punta Corvo. It is a beautiful stretch of beach, which you can reach by boat. Of course you can also walk, but then you shouldn't mind walking down about 700 steps.
Would you like to discover the most beautiful places in Liguria yourself?
Those were 20 of the most beautiful places in Liguria waiting to be discovered by you!
Beautiful drone images of the best places in Liguria:
Do you already feel like exploring the coves, hiking trails, colorful houses and medieval villages of Liguria for yourself?
Tip: here you will find the best and cheapest accommodations in Liguria.
Do you have any additions to this list yourself? Do you think we are still missing beautiful places in Liguria? Let us know with a comment below this article!
Also watch: the most beautiful places in Italy.
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