Liguria Holidays

The region of Liguria has almost endless possibilities for any type of visit, whether you prefer to keep active on holiday with sports and adrenaline-pumping activities, laze around at the beach or take in the culture of Italy. The charming city of La Spezia blends in to the backdrop of mountains meeting the sea, offering a tantalising blend of culture and the traditional beachside setting. Lovers of history will enjoy a visit to the western coastal towns of Imperia and San Remo, where they can explore museums and churches. To experience the ultimate Italian holiday, head to Cinque Terre, a group of small fishing villages that are nestled in the rugged hills and mountains by the coast. Italy is of course known for its romance, so where better to take in the works of famous writers, artists and poets than the enchanting Gulf of the Poets.

Despite its location in northern Italy, Liguria has a mild Mediterranean climate which explains its southern Italian style cuisine. The recipes from this region focus on simplicity and the use of herbs to add taste and interest to even the most basic of dishes. Traditional dishes in the area include pesto, a herb-based dished made with basil, garlic, pine nuts and grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese ground together in olive oil. You’ll find pesto on most pasta dishes around here, such as the flat trenette noodles or small potato-flour shapes called trofie. As with many other Italian regions, fish is an important feature of the cuisine in Liguria. As more than two thirds of the population live on the coast, essential dishes include anchovies and seafood antipasto, mussels, octopus and clams. The wine here is famously delicious, with many restaurants offering crisp white wines from Pigato and Imperia and the renowned Rossese di Dolceacqua, which is hailed as Liguria’s best red wine.

There are several Blue Flag accredited beaches in Liguria such as Finale Ligure, which, with fine sands and calm warm waters, is ideal for days out with children of all ages. Families who prefer to relax will enjoy sunbathing, paddling and playing games on the beach in the mild breeze. With over 4km of soft sand, with free entry areas and beachside snack and ice cream stands, this beach offers rest and relaxation for the whole family. If your family are more sporty, you can enjoy more energetic activities like beach volleyball, running on the beach and water sports such as diving and paragliding. The year-round warm and pleasant climate means that there are always events planned, including theatre, music and community festivals to join in with as a family.

The area’s beautiful and well-kept beaches, many of which are Blue Flag listed, make the ideal setting for holidays to Liguria. At Baia dei Saraceni, the crescent-shaped beach and calm pleasant waters make it simple to enjoy snorkelling, diving and swimming, as well as many other water sports such as paragliding. The coastal settlements at Cinque Terre are accessible only on foot, by rail or sea, and this is one of the less-visited parts of Liguria. Tour operators offer one or two-day trips here along the coast of the UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre, by the five main settlements in the area. You’ll have the opportunity to walk from one piazza to the next, via steep footpaths lined with olive trees and beautiful vineyards with terraces.

With its incredible natural beauty, Liguria has some of the best beaches in the Northern Italy region. One of the best is Finale Ligure, one of the many Blue Flag beaches to be found along this coast. The beach has a long, well-maintained stretch of sand, beautiful blue waters and rows of umbrellas and deck chairs to provide comfortable seating as you sunbathe. Between sunbathing sessions, head to one of the many gelaterie (ice cream shops) and pizzerie (pizza shops) to top up your stomach as well as your tan. There’s a lovely palm-lined promenade just behind the beach, ideal for taking a stroll without getting your feet sandy and you can take in the breath-taking seaside views. Another must-visit beach is the Baia dei Saraceni, a crescent-shaped beach with warm and shallow turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

As part of the Italian Riviera, Liguria’s nightlife really comes to life in the summer months with tourists and locals alike enjoying outdoor meals in the evening breeze. The most bustling nightlife destinations are Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, both places have central squares and streets lined with restaurants and bars, ideal for enjoying a sophisticated evening meal. At the end of the Gulf of Tigullio is the Sestri Levante, home to the famous club La Piscina dei Castelli. Other popular nightlife spots are Covo di Nord-Est and Carillon, situated in Santa Margherita Ligure. If clubs aren’t your scene, Liguria has plenty of lovely bars and restaurants where you can spend the evening sipping a glass of wine and chatting the evening away.

Liguria has a long list of places where couples can enjoy peace and quiet, energetic outdoor activities, or taking in the natural beauty of the area. At Portovenere, in the Gulf of Poets, there is the ideal spot for a romantic stroll along the scenic bay of this traditional village. The colourful houses, blue Mediterranean waters and swaying trees make this village feel like you’re walking through a postcard. The small fishing village of Camogli is romantic at all times of year, with a picturesque harbour and brightly coloured houses. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, people in Camogli celebrate a feast called ‘Lovers in Camolgi’, with a range of events including poetry and art competitions, and a Valentine’s market where you’re sure to find something to make your loved one smile.

To discover Liguria through its art, visit Genoa, which is not just the capital of the area, but the main centre of art in the Liguria region. Another cultural high point of the region is Imperia, known as the artist’s village, which showcases fine hand-painted works in doorways and on gates. As several internationally famous people hail from Liguria, including Christopher Columbus and Alfred Nobel, you can learn more about their places of birth and see their works of art or items related to their life in museums throughout Liguria. Liguria is famous for its olives, olive trees remaining one of the main sources of income for Ligurians. The region is also famous for its traditional festivals, or sagre, which takes place each year between May and October. Villagers prepare traditional dishes and dance the night away to live music, giving you a real taste of the Italian way of life and culture.