Liguria: 7-day Itinerary
Discover Liguria on a 7-day journey through colourful coastal villages, medieval lanes, beautiful beaches and the dramatic scenery of the Italian Riviera.
Day 1.
Genoa Airport → Genoa
Transfer: allow around 30–45 min to central Genoa
Begin your week in Liguria’s capital. Travel into the centre by airport bus or taxi and leave the car parked while you explore on foot.
Walk through the narrow caruggi around the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, continue to Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli, then finish at the Porto Antico. Make time for focaccia and a plate of trofie al pesto.
This route combines a short western-coast detour with eastern Liguria. Driving times are estimates excluding stops and traffic; allow extra time for parking and motorway works.
Stay: Genoa
Day 2.
Genoa → Noli → Finalborgo
Driving: approximately 1 hr 30–2 hr total
Head west towards Noli, where medieval towers and narrow lanes sit just behind the waterfront. Spend the morning exploring the old town before a relaxed lunch near the sea.
If you would like a swim, choose Noli’s town beach or continue towards Varigotti and the Baia dei Saraceni. Parking is limited in summer, so choose one beach rather than trying to visit several.
End the afternoon in Finalborgo, the walled historic quarter just inland from Finale Ligure. Wander through its squares and artisan shops, then have dinner in the old town.
Stay: Finale Ligure or Noli
Day 3.
Finale Ligure → Camogli
Driving: approximately 1 hr 30–2 hr to Camogli
Travel east past Genoa to Camogli and settle into your accommodation before exploring the colourful waterfront, fishing harbour and Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
In settled weather, take a boat to San Fruttuoso for its abbey and small pebble beach. There is no road access. Boats from Camogli run year-round, weather permitting; check the current timetable, sea conditions and last return sailing before leaving.
If boats are not running, spend the afternoon in Camogli or visit nearby Recco. A hike to San Fruttuoso requires suitable footwear, time and a check of current trail conditions; it is not a quick substitute for the boat.
Stay: Camogli
Day 4.
Camogli → Sestri Levante → Levanto
Driving: approximately 1 hr 30–2 hr total
Continue east to Sestri Levante. Explore the old centre between the Baia delle Favole and the Baia del Silenzio, then pause for lunch or a swim if conditions allow.
Carry on to Levanto, your base for the next two nights. Leave the car at your accommodation and enjoy the seafront, shops and relaxed evening atmosphere.
If you arrive early, walk or cycle part of the former railway route towards Bonassola. Keep the afternoon flexible rather than adding another long drive.
Stay: Levanto
Day 5.
Levanto → Cinque Terre → Levanto
Transport: regional trains; leave the car in Levanto
Take the train into Cinque Terre and choose two or three villages for an unhurried day. Combine Monterosso with Vernazza and either Manarola or Riomaggiore, allowing time to walk through the lanes and enjoy the views.
For a beach break, Fegina in Monterosso is the most practical stop on this route. The villages are popular, especially in summer, so start early and avoid trying to cover all five plus a long hike.
Compare individual tickets with the Cinque Terre Train Card for your date. Check the national park’s live trail status before any walk; path access, one-way rules and Via dell’Amore reservations can change.
Stay: Levanto
Day 6.
Levanto → Lerici → Tellaro
Driving: approximately 1 hr 15–1 hr 45 total
Travel towards the Gulf of Poets and park in a designated area outside Lerici’s restricted centre. Walk along the harbour and up towards the castle for views across the gulf.
Continue towards Tellaro, where narrow passages lead to the Church of San Giorgio beside the sea. Use local buses if parking is difficult and check the current ZTL rules before driving into either village.
For a swim, stop at the Fiascherino coves between Lerici and Tellaro. Access involves steps, and space is limited in high season. Finish with dinner in Lerici or Tellaro.
Stay: Lerici or nearby
Day 7.
Lerici → Genoa Airport
Driving: approximately 1 hr 45–2 hr 15 to Genoa Airport
Enjoy a final coffee or a short waterfront stroll before returning towards Genoa. Allow a generous margin for motorway traffic, rental-car return and airport check-in.
If your flight leaves early, move the final overnight stay to Genoa and shorten Day 6. Avoid adding a distant sightseeing stop on departure day.
Flying home from Pisa instead? It is a practical alternative for eastern Liguria, but check flight times, transfers and any one-way rental fee before booking.
PLAN YOUR LIGURIA TRIP
Want to explore beyond this itinerary? Discover Liguria’s coastal villages, inland towns and beautiful bays with our regional guide and beach guide.
Top 10 Beaches
Find your next swim, from sandy Laigueglia and colourful Sestri Levante to the coves of San Fruttuoso and Fiascherino.
LIGURIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Explore Liguria’s fishing villages, medieval hill towns, coastal scenery and local food, with practical tips for planning your trip.