Liguria stretches long and thin between mountains and hills on one side and the sea on the other. Its almost crescent-shaped land contains varied wildlife and fascinating historic and artistic heritage spots.

From the Fortezza di Priamar (Priamar Fortress), where history resurfaces, to the beautiful seabed of Baia di Paraggi (Paraggi Bay), this region of focaccia al formaggio (cheese focaccia), farinata (flat bread) and pesto has extraordinary experiences in store for wanderers. Here are 10 must-try activities for a holiday in Liguria you'll never forget.

  • 1

    Stroll along Genoa's Historical Aqueduct

    The water route in Val Bisagno

    Stroll along Genoa's Historical Aqueduct
    • Ekonomik
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Tarih
    • Fotoğraf

    Val Bisagno starts near Genoa in Bargagli and covers 28 km of the Acquedotto Storico (Historical Aqueduct), which supplied the city and its port until the 19th century. The structure's sober and majestic lines are surrounded by Mediterranean wildlife, home to broom trees and holm oaks and great for spotting pheasants and herons.

    The route's slightly downhill and isn’t suitable for children under ten, as some parts are unenclosed. Admire the combination of art and technical skill in the slender and grandiose arches of the magnificent Ponte Canale bridge on Rio Torbido. There's an area with picnic tables and benches nearby.

    Konum: Via Giovanni Aicardi, 16165 Genova GE

    Harita
  • 2

    A boat tour of the three gulfs

    Journey through the gulfs of wonders

    A boat tour of the three gulfs
    • Macera
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Yemek
    • Fotoğraf

    Riviera di Levante (Levante Riviera) is one of the best places to sail. Nothing compares to visiting towns and villages by sea. Climb aboard in Porto Antico (Old Port) in Golfo di Genova (Gulf of Genoa), and sail towards the incredible Golfo Paradiso and Golfo del Tigullio (Tigullio Gulf). Having left the moorings, you’ll reach Recco, where bakers make focaccia col formaggio (cheese focaccia).

    You're then greeted by Camogli's red, yellow and pink houses clustered around the seashore, whose marina glimmers with countless little white gozzi (traditional wooden boats). After San Fruttuoso (home to the divers' treasure Cristo degli Abissi, or Christ of the Abyss) is Portofino, a historic fishing village now known for boutiques, restaurants and luxury hotels.

    Konum: 16100 Genoa, Italy

    Harita
  • 3

    Fried food at the Camogli Fish Festival

    Breathe in the scent of the sea in the marina

    Fried food at the Camogli Fish Festival
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Yemek

    Camogli is home to fun and flavoursome festivals. If you're staying in Liguria, don't miss the Sagra del Pesce di Camogli (Camogli Fish Festival). It takes place every year on the second Sunday in May. The scent of fish cooking in hot oil fills Piazza Colombo, where an enormous pan measuring almost five metres in diameter is used to fry fish for hundreds of hungry and curious visitors.

    The food is distributed late morning and afternoon, while the stalls serve traditional delicacies and homemade produce. If you're not lucky enough to be in Camogli at this time, there are several great restaurants where you can try the local specialities as you admire the sea view.

    Konum: 16032 Camogli, Italy

    Harita
  • 4

    Wheat and chickpea flour flatbreads in Genoa and Savona

    Taste tour at the foot of the Lanterna and beyond

    Wheat and chickpea flour flatbreads in Genoa and Savona
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Yemek

    Genoa and Savona are the places to go for foodie delights. This stretch of coast is known for its local homemade specialities. Farinata, a Mediterranean-style flatbread recreated with chickpea flour, is one of Liguria's most popular delicacies. But it's not the only crowd pleaser. While the classic chickpea version is a fixture in the narrow alleyways of Genoa, in Savona the thinner, crunchier farinata bianca con farina di grano (wheat-flour version) takes centre stage.

    Farinata is cooked in the copper pans of sciamadde, rustic fried-food shops dotted along the streets. These shops commonly feature a marble counters packed with appetisers and a wood oven emitting hot, fragrant treats.

    Konum: 17100 Savona, Italy

    Harita
  • 5

    History of the Priamar Fortress in Savona

    Discover the beauty of military architecture

    History of the Priamar Fortress in Savona
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Fotoğraf

    The Fortezza del Priamar (Priamar Fortress), built behind the port of Savona in the 16th century, on the hill that gives it its name, has a foreboding air. This imposing stone building, with its massive fortified towers, rises from the remains of what was once a moat intended to stop enemies. From here you could spot invaders, while today you can admire the enchanting cityscape and sea view.

    Distinguished by classic military architectural features, the building's home to Civico Museo Archeologico e della Città (Civic Archaeological and City Museum), with finds arranged by date. It also displays open excavations. To learn about every detail of the stronghold and its history, take advantage of the guided tours and activities for schools.

    Konum: Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, 17100 Savona, Italy

    Telefon: +39 338 495 1405

    Harita
  • 6

    An afternoon of kayaking and SUPing in Paraggi

    The perfect sport for the azure waters of Golfo del Tigullio

    An afternoon of kayaking and SUPing in Paraggi
    • Macera
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Fotoğraf

    Paraggi offers a great opportunity for sports, especially for adventurers! In the Baia di Paraggi (Paraggi Bay), a gem of the Riviera di Levante (Levante Riviera), tourists are gently rocked in their kayaks by the Mediterranean waves, armed with a double-blade paddle and suitable clothing (swimming costume in summer and neoprene wetsuit when it's chilly). Sporty types can also try out SUP (stand up paddleboarding).

    Not content staying on the surface? The bay's seabed contains the Grotta del Presepe (Nativity Grotto). 18 metres deep, it’s near the Spiaggetta dei Ciottoli ('small pebble beach') under Castello Bonomi (Bonomi Castle).

    Konum: 16038 Paraggi, Italy

    Harita
  • 7

    Visit the Toirano Caves

    <em>Walk in the footsteps of prehistoric Homo sapiens in Liguria's backcountry</em>

    Visit the Toirano Caves
    • Macera
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Fotoğraf

    The Grotte di Toirano (Toirano Caves) are popular with lovers of natural beauty and archaeology enthusiasts. They're located in the Riviera di Ponente (Ponente Riviera), behind Borghetto Santo Spirito. The most famous and striking is the Grotta di Basura (Basura Cave). This vast, evocative space is rich in distinctive mineral surfaces, with rounded reliefs, and has a fantastical feel.

    There's evidence of human and animal activity dating back to the mists of time. There are signs of bear hibernation as well as hand and footprints from prehistoric Homo sapiens.

    Konum: Piazzale Dario, Via P. G. Maineri, 17055 Toirano, Italy

    Telefon: +39 0182 98062

    Harita

    fotoğraf: Twice25 (CC BY-SA 3.0) değiştirildi

  • 8

    Whale watching off the coast of Imperia

    On the lookout for the whales of the 'Santuario'

    Whale watching off the coast of Imperia
    • Macera
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Fotoğraf

    The Ligurian coast is a great place to start exploring the Santuario dei Cetacei (Cetacean Sanctuary), a Biosphere Reserve established to protect marine mammals in the northern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea. From Porto Maurizio to Imperia, at Calata Anselmi, motorboats carrying whale watchers and marine biologists set off to show tourists fin whales, dolphins, sperm whales, beaked whales and other wonderful animals.

    The excursion takes over four hours. You can take photos and learn about the mysterious world of seabeds and caverns, home to algae, fish and molluscs. A great excuse to dust off those old binoculars!

    Konum: Whale watching Imperia Calata Anselmi, 18100 Imperia, Italy

    Telefon: +39 392 137 6120

    Harita
  • 9

    Discover Taggiasca olives in ancient oil mills

    The history and flavour of Taggiasco oil

    Discover Taggiasca olives in ancient oil mills
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Yemek

    The Via dell'Olio (Olive Oil Route) is in Liguria, running along the coast of Ponente from Savona to Imperia. Here you'll discover the queen of olive oils, which takes its name from the medieval village of Taggia: Taggiasca. The olive tree is a typical Mediterranean plant, and processing its fruit for oil is an ancient tradition.

    Visiting olive oil mills is a profound and enjoyable experience where you can learn about their rich history. Admire the ancient millstones and encounter flavours in organised tasting sessions. Towards the end of autumn, you can watch the millstones in action as they cold-press the delicious Taggiasca olives.

    Konum: 18018 Taggia, Italy

    Harita
  • 10

    The Witchcraft Museum in Triora

    Unearth the history of black magic in Valle Argentina

    The Witchcraft Museum in Triora
    • Çiftler
    • Aileler
    • Yemek

    The Museo Etnografico e della Stregoneria (Museum of Ethnography And Witchcraft) in Trioria is located in Liguria's mountainous backcountry, in Valle Argentina and within the Parco Regionale delle Alpi Liguri (Alpi Liguri Regional Park). Six rooms feature testimonies to a bygone country life, while the basement is home to an exhibition on witchcraft.

    This area tells the tale of a dark period in local history: the trials and tortures inflicted on women of the town accused of practising black magic between 1587 and 1589. After you've visited the historic prisons, stop by one of the restaurants and taste the pane di Triora (Triora bread), and bruss, a strong-flavoured creamy cheese.

    Konum: Via Roma, 18010 Triora, Italy

    Telefon: +39 0184 94477

    Harita