Holidays in Liguria

Liguria has one of Italy's most picture-perfect coastlines with a mix of sleepy hamlets and chic seaside towns

Liguria has one of the most incredible coasts in Italy, just up the way from the famous Cote D'Azur, this long stretch of coastline spans all the way from the Portofino area to the Cinque Terre area. If you want those Caribbean-clear waters without travelling far, Liguria's home to the most Blue-Flag beaches in Italy and the ideal choice for a bit of seaside exploring.

Discover Liguria

Ligurian towns have a lazily sophisticated vibe; think piazza's, cobbled streets lined with café's and sea views wherever you look. There are also loads of fantastic spots for an aperitivo by the harbour! We love watching the yachts bobbing up and down on the water and walking along the sea-side promenades.

Walking holidays in Liguria

Head to our Cinque Terre resorts for a real walking challenge. There's nothing better than taking a moment on a mountain trail to take in the vast glistening sea-scape. Strolling through the Portofino Natural Park is the perfect way to experience the other side of Liguria, with rustic farmhouses dotted about and farmers going about their everyday work. 

Things to do in Liguria

Genoa's the capital of Liguria and Italy’s largest sea port. It's well worth a visit to the historic old town if you have a day to spare. Home to one of the largest and oldest universities in Italy, you'll love exploring its intricate network of alleyways and boutique shops. A fun fact about Genoa is they share the St George's cross flag with England - you'll see it flying all over the city. From the Portofino area you could also head to San Remo for the day - it has a really lively reputation and one of the oldest casinos in Italy. They also host the yearly San Remo music festival, which is a must see!

Activities in Liguria

From diving down 17 metres under the Mediterranean Sea in search of the statue of Christ of the Abyss, to less risky past times such as paddle boarding or taking a boat ride in the sea, Liguria is a fantastic destination for water lovers. Walking along the Cinque Terre's famous Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane) is one of the best ways to glimpse those iconic Cinque Terre views from above and as its' name would suggest, a popular path for young couples.

If history is more your speed, there's no end to the churches, art, historic buildings and cobbled side streets in Liguria. In the old towns you can more or less find something of historical interest around every turn. Why not head out and see what you can find; gelato in hand.

Food & drink in Liguria

From focaccia e formaggio to creamy gelato, Liguria has fantastic street food around every corner. The Cinque Terre area is full of vineyards trailing up the mountains. See if you can spot a trenino, a little train that farmers use to travel through the vines during harvest. 

  • from£810pp
Portofino Harbour

The Portofino area's the perfect combination of glamour, wealth and rustic charm; with fantastic walking trails in the Portofino Natural Park. In the summer, the towns around Portofino have an inviting atmosphere. The coastal bars and restaurants are buzzing in the summer and there are always people milling about the harbours.

Best for: all walking abilities; nature; sightseeing; activities; food & drink

  • from£843pp
View of Manarola by the Coast

Clusters of brightly coloured mountain-side buildings characterise the incredible Cinque Terre area. Just minutes from the sea and surrounded by challenging walking trails, you'll be spoilt for choice with activities to enjoy on your summer holiday.

Best for: challenging walks, nature, sightseeing, activities, food & drink

Book your excursions in resort with our local agent

Experience the Cinque Terre

A full day walking tour through the Cinque Terre Villages with spectacular coastal views. You'll start the day by heading into the town of Riomaggiore on the train and from there spend the day exploring villages perched above the sea and the hidden alleyways in each Cinque Terre town. Generally you'll get the chance to see three out of the five villages. You'll return to at the end of the day by train.

Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo in the Portofino area.

Best of Portofino: boat and walking tour, pesto cooking and light lunch

Experience the best of Portofino on this three hour long tour which combines boat, walking and foodie experiences: learn the ancient art of Pesto making, enjoy a ferry boat cruise along the Italian Riviera, stroll around Portofino with a professional tour leader, and enjoy a light lunch of trofie al pesto by the sea. The tour ends in Portofino where you'll get a ferry back to Rapallo or Santa Margherita.

Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo in the Portofino area. Return ferry tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo are included in the excursion price.

Gourmet cooking class in Rapallo

Learn to make classic Italian dishes such as Lasagna, pesto and stuffed vegetables and finish off with a delicious lunch (included). This is a great way to meet like-minded people and chat about Liguria's wonderful foodie heritage.

Available from Rapallo in the Portofino area.

Pesto class & wine tasting in Santa Margherita

Learn to make Pesto the old fashioned way, on this pesto making class. We have no electric blenders here, all the pesto is made by hand in a pestle and mortar, or a 'Mortaio Genovese', with only the freshest ingredients from Liguria. This excursion also includes a local wine tasting, during which you can choose the best wine to pair with your pesto!

Available from Santa Margherita in the Portofino area.

Wine tasting and tour in Sestri Levante

You'll love this private Vineyard & cellar tour at Cantina degli Abissi winery. Stroll around the vineyard on a hot summer's day, smelling the perfumes of warm sun-kissed grapes and end with a delicious local wine tasting and a typical Ligurian lunch.

Available from Sestri Levante in the Portofino area.

Basic Pesto experience in Sestri Levante

In a restaurant in central Sestri Levante, learn about the history of Liguria's national food, Pesto Genovese, and the traditional way in which it's made. You'll have the chance to try making pesto in a typical 'Mortaio Genovese' (pestle and mortar) as well as taste a glass of local red or white wine from Sestri Levante. Come away with your very own 'Pesto Chef Diploma' complete with recipe and trade secrets for making the perfect 'Trofie al Pesto' (Trofie- typical Ligurian pasta). To finish off the day, you'll have the chance to wander around the Piccola Bottega Ligure, a little shop selling local beer, wine and typical Ligurian products- it's a great opportunity to get some souvenirs to take home with you.

Available from Sestri Levante in the Portofino area.

Day trip to Santa Margherita

Spend the day in the beautiful town of Santa Margherita, walk along the promenade admiring the yachts in the harbour and grab lunch in one of the town's down to earth cafés. Excursion by public boat departing from different locations. You'll head into Santa Margherita and return at the end of the day by public boat.

Available from Rapallo in the Portofino area.

Day trip to Portofino

Explore Portofino for a day, walk up to the Church of San Giorgio, have a lunchtime aperitivo by the harbour or explore the rustic streets, dipping in and out of art galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens. You'll head into Portofino and return at the end of the day by public boat.

Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo in the Portofino area.

Day trip to San Fruttuoso Abbey

Enjoy a day trip to the famous San Fruttuoso Abbey. Head over to San Fruttuoso by public boat and spend the day walking around the ancient cloisters and lounging on the beach in the sunshine. At the end of the day you'll also return by public boat.

Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo in the Portofino area.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Good to know

When to go: Summer holidays to Liguria are available from 03 May-25 October 2025

Fly into: Pisa (approx. 2 hours)

Fly from: Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Manchester

Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 30 mins by private transfer

On holiday support and tailored advice over the phone from our Destination Experts based in Italy

Inghams Digital Resort Guide included with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday

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