As one of the most beautiful areas in Italy, Liguria has plenty to see. Here are my top locations, from the best sites (in my opinion), to the less exciting
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1️⃣ Colourful costal towns
2️⃣ Medieval villages
3️⃣ Nature
4️⃣ Beaches
"San Fruttuoso is an absolute hidden paradise. It's located in a corner of the Portofino Regional Park, with crystal clear blue waters and a stunning 13th-century Abbey, only accessible by boat from Camogli or Portofino or by hiking. If you visit, make sure you don't miss the Christ of the Abyss!"
"Hanbury Botanical Gardens are located in a Hanbury villa, and its diverse gardens are operated by the University of Genoa. It offers both great views to the coast and plenty of flora for those who love nature"
"Zuccarello it's interesting to roam around and it will certainly take you back in time with it's ancient bridge, castle ruins and medieval narrow streets. As in many other medieval villages, you should park outside them, as you might get stuck in the narrow streets otherwise."
"Triora is a medieval village known for its connection with witches. The story tells that in 1588 there was a big famine in the region and the Inquisition condemned many women in the village as witches, tortured many and burnt some at stake. Nowadays you can visit a museum at the village about this "
"Medieval village, popular for it's round layout and of course, bright coloured houses. It's castle can only be admired from the outside as it is not opened to visitors, but you will be able to enter the churches. This village is also popular for it's organic farming so make sure you have lunch here!"
"Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena it's an enchanting village surrounded by stunning green hills and a prominent medieval castle. As in many other medieval villages, you should park outside them, as you might get stuck in the narrow streets otherwise."
"A stunning medieval village that remained a ghost village for most of the 20th century after the tragedy in 1887 that killed 2000 people during a strong earthquake. The village was rebuilt closer to the coast, and it's remains are now called the Old Bussana, and ite is now gaining life with artists"
"Small but pretty country side village not far from Genova (about 45min drive), with colourful houses, a local church and a castle. Even though Campo Ligure is fairly small, if you like to explore every single place, this village won't disappoint you because of it's picturesque views across the bridg"
"Apricale is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Liguria, located in the mountains and with plenty to see: the village's square and it's centre, two churches and a castle. Even though Apricale is just a small village, here you can find places to sleep, eat and shop, and some art galleries"
"Famous for its olive oil production and as a holiday resort, Dolcedo is a colourful medieval town, very lively specially in Summer, when concerts happens here. If you visit on the 2nd Sunday of the months you will be able to see their flea mark full of antiques"
"Finale Ligure is not a colourful coastal town like many that you will see in Liguria, but it is one of the most popular beach resorts in the area, with a long sand beach overlooking the town and the cliffs at the end (again, mostly paid), as well as a nice palm tree promenade. "
"The busy harbour next to the palm tree promenade, the long beach with crystal clear blue waters and the lively colourful streets in the old centre full of coffee shops, all give this town a great Italian Summer vibe, not to talk about how scenic it is thanks to the beautiful hills in the background "
"Rapallo is not as beautiful as many other colourful towns mentioned on this list, but is a great option for accommodation. The boat and train services from here to other Ligurian destinations are really good, and accomodation is cheap. Just bear in mind that parking is quite limited here"
"About 1h walk or 30min cycle from Finale Ligure, you will reach Varigotti, a small town that was once a fishing village, with colourful houses and blue waters, a long pebble beach and stunning views to the hills around the Italian Riviera."
"Pretty coastal town with a beautiful harbour and a nice old town created in 1924 by grouping few small towns and villages in the area, naming it after the river Imperia that runs between two of the old towns: Porto Maurizio and Oneglio. When in Imperia, make sure you visit the Villa Grock"
"My least favourite of all Ligurian destinations, Genova is mostly known for being the biggest centre in Liguria, with the largest Aquarium in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, full of museums and historical buildings. Boccadesse is the prettiest destrict. Sadly, it is a very dirty city"
"Another town with colourful houses by the coast, with a nice beach and of course, a colourful church. It isn't as pretty as other locations like Camogli, but if you're into exploring the whole area of Liguria, you might want to check Sori as well, specially to see the "miraculous statue of Madonna"
