{"id":49518,"date":"2025-08-11T12:33:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T10:33:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.winalist.fr\/blog?p=49518"},"modified":"2026-04-20T11:41:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T09:41:06","slug":"best-towns-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/italy-wine-region\/liguria\/best-towns-to-visit","title":{"rendered":"Best Towns to Visit in Liguria: The Ultimate Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for the best town to visit in Liguria? This slice of Italy\u2019s Riviera, wedged between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, is all about charm, color, and flavor. From pastel-hued fishing harbors to olive-covered hills and sandy coves, Liguria packs in more beauty per mile than most regions can dream of. You could be sipping crisp Vermentino during Liguria wine tours<\/a>, wandering through the grand palaces of Genoa, or lazing on a beach in a sleepy seaside village. This guide isn\u2019t just about famous names like Cinque Terre and Portofino, it\u2019s your passport to hidden bays, hilltop hamlets, and local trattorias where the pesto tastes like it\u2019s been perfected for centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best towns to visit in Liguria: 16 Top Picks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1- Wander the colorful lanes of Vernazza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pastel-colored houses tumbling down the cliffs, a tiny harbor bobbing with fishing boats, and the sparkling Ligurian Sea at your feet, Vernazza<\/strong> is the kind of place that makes you pinch yourself. As one of the jewels of Cinque Terre, it\u2019s a dream for photographers, seafood lovers, and hopeless romantics alike. Grab a table by the waterfront for a plate of fresh anchovies, or make the climb up to Castello Doria<\/strong> for views that could double as a desktop background. The narrow, winding streets are made for aimless wandering, and every turn feels like a postcard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to uncover the best? Dive into our ultimate guide on things to do in Vernazza<\/a> and get the tips for soaking up every view, bite, and hidden corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2- Explore the elegance of Portofino<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tucked into a perfect crescent on the Ligurian coast, Portofino<\/strong> is where fishing village charm meets full-on Riviera glamour. Its harbor is a swirl of bobbing yachts, candy-colored facades, and high-end boutiques calling your name. Wander the chic piazzetta, then follow the coastal trail up to the lighthouse for a sunset that feels like it\u2019s been staged just for you, ideally with a chilled glass of Ligurian white in hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want the insider scoop? Our visit Portofino Italy<\/a> guide has the best routes, bites, and photo spots to make your trip sparkle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3- Visit the classic Ligurian vibes of Camogli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Camogli<\/strong> is a more intimate, less crowded alternative near Portofino, with a charming old town, a pebble beach, and fishing boats bobbing in the port. It\u2019s a coastal town full of Italian character, where a seafood dinner on the waterfront followed by a sunset stroll is all you need for a perfect evening. If you want to plan your visit right, our things to do in Camogli Italy<\/a> guide will show you the best spots to eat, walk, and soak in the view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4- Unwind in Sestri Levante\u2019s Bay of Silence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sestri Levante<\/strong> is a coastal treasure with not one but two scenic bays: Baia delle Favole and the magical Bay of Silence. Golden sands meet pastel fa\u00e7ades, fishing boats rock gently in the water, and the pace slows to pure Riviera bliss. Spend your days swimming, sipping aperitivi on the promenade, or wandering through its historic streets lined with trattorias and artisan shops. Thanks to its prime location, Sestri Levante is also the perfect launchpad for exploring Cinque Terre, Portofino, and the hidden gems of the eastern Ligurian Riviera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From secret sunset spots to the best gelato by the bay, here\u2019s your ultimate guide to visit Sestri Levante Italy<\/a>.
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5- Discover Genoa's Grand Palaces and charm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Genoa <\/strong>(Genova) blends raw maritime character with grand baroque elegance. Once one of the most powerful maritime republics in the Mediterranean, the city\u2019s UNESCO-listed \u201cLe Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli\u201d showcase opulent palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries. Stroll along Via Garibaldi to step back into aristocratic Liguria, then dive into the city\u2019s buzzing food scene, from fragrant focaccia to just-caught seafood in the old port. Between bustling markets, historic churches, and panoramic waterfront walks, Genoa is a perfect mix of history, culture, and culinary discovery. Don't forget to discover a Genoa winery<\/a> during your trip!
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Sail through centuries of history and flavour with our insider\u2019s guide to things to do in Genoa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6- Experience maritime magic in Santa Margherita Ligure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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This palm-lined gem near Portofino is one of Liguria\u2019s top picks for travelers seeking a relaxed yet refined seaside vibe. Spend your days savoring fresh seafood, browsing chic boutiques, and taking boat trips around the glittering Tigullio Gulf. With its elegant waterfront, historic villas, and a fraction of the crowds found in other Riviera hotspots, Santa Margherita Ligure<\/strong> is an excellent base for soaking up Mediterranean charm at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7- Relax in the art deco glamour of Sanremo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Famous for its casino, palm-lined boulevards, and flower-filled promenades, Sanremo Italy<\/a> mixes Italian Riviera glamour with a rich past. Close to the French border, it\u2019s a great base for exploring nearby Ventimiglia or even hopping over to Nice for the day. Between shopping and seaside walks, make time to wander La Pigna, the old town, where winding medieval alleys lead to sweeping views over the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8- Step into a fairytale in Dolceacqua<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Dolceacqua <\/strong>is a storybook medieval village crowned by castle ruins and linked by a graceful arched stone bridge that\u2019s inspired artists for generations. Known for its Rossese wine, this quiet gem also serves up delicious local dishes drizzled with golden Ligurian olive oil. With its cobbled lanes, intimate trattorias, and laid-back atmosphere, Dolceacqua is the perfect escape from the busy coast, especially if you\u2019re here for good wine and even better views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9- Soak in the sea at Monterosso\u2019s sandy beaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The largest of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso al Mare <\/strong>stands out for its wide sandy beaches and classic Ligurian beach clubs, perfect for a lazy afternoon by the sea. Wander through its charming old town, climb up to hillside viewpoints, and then settle in at a seaside trattoria. Pair a glass of crisp local wine with a plate of fresh pesto pasta, and you\u2019ve got the ultimate Monterosso moment with the Ligurian Sea right at your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10- Delight in authentic tastings <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cantina Capellini<\/strong> will give you one of the most memorable wine experiences in the Cinque Terre. Set high on terraced cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, this family-run estate welcomes you to wander through steep, sun-soaked vineyards while learning the secrets of traditional hillside winemaking. The visit wraps up with a relaxed tasting of their award-winning Sciacchetr\u00e0, paired with fresh regional bites. It\u2019s a must for anyone combining a love of wine with the breathtaking scenery of Liguria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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