Between glamorous cities and lonely cliff villages

The diversity of Liguria can be found in the many small villages and large cities. The capital Genoa, "la superba" - the proud one, as it is called by its residents, is definitely worth a visit. Here you will experience the big city flair with all sorts of cafes, restaurants and shopping opportunities coupled with old culture in the old town, in which the beautiful San Lorenzo Cathedral is located. The largely preserved city wall in the medieval city center is a World Heritage Site - the birthplace of Christopher Columbus can also be found here and can be visited. The port of Genoa with the largest aquarium in Europe offers a unique experience in itself.

A small Ligurian paradise appears south of Genoa, which transports you to another world. Cinque Terre combines the five beautiful cliff villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore via hiking trails. Each place has a unique character with its narrow streets, steep stairs, picturesque houses with impressive views of the cliffs and beaches in Liguria, olive trees and grapevines.

If you want to indulge in a little luxury, head to Portofino. Designer boutiques and exquisite fish restaurants line the square in front of the harbor, where impressive luxury yachts from all over the world dock.

Culinary delights everywhere

Let yourself be pampered by the Ligurian cuisine, which knows how to conjure up real delicacies from simple ingredients. Homemade pasta, Genovese pesto, freshly caught fish, wild herbs, wild boar salami, locally pressed olive oil and a bottle of Cinque Terre white wine. Not to forget the many delicious, freshly made ice cream flavors in the numerous “Gelaterias”. Visit a trattoria and enjoy the simple but delicious, seasonally prepared course menus. You can get to know the specialties on a Sagra in an even more traditional way. Sagras, popular village festivals, take place on weekends throughout Liguria. Music, dance, delicious wine, good food and the view of the beaches of Liguria from the hinterland - that's what sweet life sounds like.

Train ride between cliffs and sea

One of the most beautiful railway lines in Europe stretches across Liguria. The well-developed route network connects the most important cities, all of which are on the Ligurian coastline. Genoa is a central place here, which can be reached from anywhere by plane, ship or train. From here the railway network meanders through dreamy bays, pulsating tourist towns and lonely beaches in Liguria. Smaller towns are only approached by train if they are on the way to a larger town. Otherwise these can be reached by bus from a neighboring town. If you want to rent a car, don't miss out on exploring the smallest, hidden beaches. Enjoy the small lonely bays or let yourself go, discover the picturesque streets of the villages, the richly decorated basilicas and feel the Ligurian life with all your senses.

Why not just stay

Anyone who has been to Liguria will come back. The beauty of the region, the interaction between the cliffs and the azure sea leaves no one indifferent. It would be a dream to own a house here that you can retreat to at any time! Be kissed awake in the morning by the sun, spend the day on one of the beautiful beaches in Liguria, end the evening with a Sagra - and then return to your own home. That's what sweet life sounds like, that's “la dolce vita”.