About
Liguria is a region in northwestern Italy, running along the Mediterranean coast from the French border to the edge of Tuscany. It is best known for its dramatic shoreline, where steep hills drop straight into the sea and small towns sit tucked into the folds of the land. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which shapes both the landscape and the way visitors spend their days.
What the coast offers
The coastline is the main reason most people come. It is a place for walking along cliff paths, swimming from rocky coves and stopping for lunch in harbour towns. The Cinque Terre, a group of five villages on the coast, is among the best-known parts of the region, and it draws visitors who want to explore on foot between the villages.
Genoa and the wider region
- Genoa is the region's major port city. Its working harbour gives it a different character from the coastal villages, with a large historic centre to explore.
- The villages and smaller towns along the coast offer a slower pace, with the sea, the hills and the local food as the main attractions.
- The Mediterranean climate means mild conditions for much of the year, which suits a visit built around outdoor walks and time by the water.
Liguria suits visitors who enjoy the sea and the outdoors and who are happy to combine a city stay with coastal villages. Plan your travel around the region's transport links and your own pace, since the coastline is long and some places are more easily reached than others.
