Date of travel: August 04, 2025
Introduction:
The Italian Riviera is indeed a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its famous French counterpart. Yet, it boasts its own unique charm and beauty, with a plethora of stunning beaches, luxurious resort towns, and breath taking landscapes.
From the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre to the stylish town of Portofino and the elegant resort town of Rapallo, the Italian Riviera offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. The region’s varied panoramas, gentle lifestyle, and lovely climate make it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, culture, and natural beauty.
Liguria, the region synonymous with the Italian Riviera, is a treasure trove of scenic views, delicious seafood, and rich history. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, explore historic towns, or indulge in local cuisine, the Italian Riviera has something for everyone.
Brief Geographical characteristics:
The Italian Riviera, C-shaped strip of coastal land, stretches for 350 kilometers, from the French border near Ventimiglia to Capo Corvo near the Tuscany border. The division into two sections, Riviera di Ponente (Coast of the Setting Sun) and Riviera di Levante (Coast of the Rising Sun), with Genoa at its centre, highlights the region’s unique characteristics and attractions.
The Riviera di Ponente, with its stunning beaches and charming towns, is a perfect destination for relaxation and sun-seekers. Key destinations in this region are Sanremo, Savona and Imperia.
The Riviera di Levante, with its picturesque villages and breath taking hiking trails, offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Major tourist attraction spots in this region are Cinque Terre, Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure and Sestri Levante.
Genoa, the region’s capital, serves as a great base for exploring the Italian Riviera, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Our Journey:
Embarking on a scenic journey from the French Riviera, we set out to discover the charms of the Italian Riviera en route to Tuscany. After a picturesque drive from Nice, we crossed the border into Italy, passing through the coastal towns of Ventimiglia, Sanremo, Albenga, and Savona, before arriving in Genoa approximately three hours later. The stunning Mediterranean coastline and quaint towns we encountered along the way made for a memorable drive, setting the tone for our Italian adventure.
Genoa:
Genoa is indeed a beautiful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty! The city’s stunning harbour, with its picturesque waterfront and majestic architecture, is a must-see. And let’s not forget the delicious seafood – Ligurian cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood dishes, and Genoa is the perfect place to try them.
The Port of Genoa is an impressive feat, stretching over 22 kilometres along the coastline. As the busiest and largest seaport in Italy, it’s a hub of maritime activity, with a rich history and a vital role in the country’s economy.
Genoa’s historic centre is also worth exploring, with its narrow streets, charming piazzas, and stunning churches.
Porto Antico:
We began our exploration of Genoa at Porto Antico, the city’s historic old port, where we parked our car. This vibrant waterfront area, restored by renowned architect Renzo Piano, is a hub of activity, perfect for strolling, dining, and soaking up the atmosphere. The pedestrian-friendly environment makes it a great spot for families, with plenty of attractions to explore.
The place is home to the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe, Biosfera, a striking glass sphere full of tropical plants and animals, a children’s museum and a panoramic lift called Bigo.
We strolled along the waterfront, savouring local flavours with delicious focaccia bread and ice cream. We also boarded the galleon Neptune, a replica of a 17th-century pirate ship featured in Roman Polanski’s film ‘Pirates’ and took plenty of photos. The interior tour, which cost 6 euros per adult, was a great addition to our day.
Porto Antico seamlessly blends history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination in Genoa. Its unique blend of old and new, combined with its beautiful waterfront setting, makes it an unforgettable experience.
To see more of Genoa’s main attractions, we hopped on the Tourist Train, which offers a 45-minute ride covering key sights. Our 10-euro ticket per adult was a great value. Alternatively, the hop-on hop-off bus tour is another excellent option for exploring the city.
Historic City Centre of Genoa:
Our tour of Genoa’s historic old town was a highlight, with the trolley bus passing through some of the city’s most iconic attractions. We saw:
– Piazza De Ferrari: A vibrant square with stunning architecture and a beautiful fountain.
– Teatro Carlo Felice: A renowned classical theatre hosting opera, ballet, and symphonic concerts. It is located next to Piazza De Ferrari.
– Statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi: A majestic tribute to the Italian general and revolutionary, standing in front of the Classical Theatre.
– Arco Della Vittoria: A grand victory arch honouring war heroes from World War I.
– Genoa Cathedral: A breath taking example of Gothic architecture dedicated to Saint Lawrence.
– Basilica Della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato: A stunning Baroque-style Catholic cathedral.
– Porta Soprana: A historic gateway to the city, showcasing Genoa’s ancient walls.
– House of Christopher Columbus: The restored medieval house of the famous explorer, now open to tourists.
– Via Garibaldi: A picturesque street lined with ancient palaces and historic buildings, featuring the city’s famous narrow lanes, or ‘caruggi’.
– Palazzi dei Rolli: A collection of grand 16th-century palaces that host notable guests.
Genoa’s rich cultural heritage, art, music, and cuisine earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2004. The city’s unique blend of history, architecture, and culture makes it a fascinating destination to explore which cannot be done in 45 minutes though. However, we were awestruck by its sheer grandeur and enjoyed the tour very much.
Onward Trip to Tuscany via Riviera di Levante:
As we journeyed to Tuscany, we took a scenic detour along the Riviera di Levante, visiting charming coastal towns. Our first stop was Santa Margherita Ligure, a picturesque town that exceeded our expectations. Although we couldn’t find parking due to the crowds, we enjoyed a leisurely drive along its stunning harbour, admiring the luxury yachts and soaking up the elegant atmosphere.
We took in the town’s beautiful beaches, like the famous Paraggi beach, and noted the Villa Durazzo, a beautiful park with stunning gardens and a picturesque lake. Santa Margherita’s upscale vibes and stunning setting make it an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or luxurious vacation.
The town’s charm and beauty left a lasting impression, and we were sad to leave. We’ll always cherish the memories of our visit to this lovely town.
Rapallo:
Just 10 minutes from Santa Margherita, we arrived in Rapallo, a charming coastal town located at the mouth of Boate river,in the Gulf of Tigullio, Ligurian Sea. With a rich history dating back to the 8th century BCE, Rapallo boasts a beautiful climate that has made it a popular winter residence for affluent Italians.
We explored the town’s many attractions, including:
– Rapallo Castle, also known as “The Old Castle on the Sea”, a 16th-century fortress turned public museum, situated on the eastern side of the promenade.
– The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro, an iconic hilltop building offering breath taking views of Rapallo and its harbour.
– The Rapallo cable car, a historic ride built in 1934 that takes you 600 meters up to the sanctuary with stunning views of the Gulf of Genoa.
– The picturesque Promenade, Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, perfect for leisurely strolls and sunset views.
– Spiaggia Minaglia, one of the region’s most beautiful beaches, located just a few miles from Rapallo.
– Centro Storico, the historic city centre,where we relaxed, shopped, and soaked up the local atmosphere.
Although we didn’t visit Portofino by car, we noted that ferries are available from Rapallo harbour to Portofino daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, offering a scenic way to admire the rugged coastline.
Rapallo’s unique blend of relaxation, scenic views, and Italian charm made it an ideal stop before heading to Tuscany.
18 thoughts on “Escape to the Italian Riviera: A day at Genoa and Rapallo”
This blog provides a heartfelt account of a day spent in two beautiful locales .It serves as both an informative guide and an inspiring travel narrative with personal touch, descriptive imagery and practical insights. Enjoyed reading it👍
Thanks a lot partner. Loved the analysis. A great review indeed.
Just wow!! What an astounding narration of a place so captivating , so enchanting as if one is physically present in those beautiful locales , so a big thank you for this impeccable insights & keep it going👍!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful inspiring comments and lovely review.
Very insightful blog! Impressive writing & stunning photos. Enjoyed travelling with you all to these locations….
Thanks a lot for feedback. We really enjoy travelling together.
Very Beautiful pictures & description… I felt I am actually experiencing the nature right there when I was reading and seeing the pictures…..
Thanks Ashutosh for your lovely review and inspiring feedback.
Beautiful Italian Riviera with mesmerising coastline and scenic views. Italian wine with local cuisine and sun set views is really a dream destination. Enjoyed.
Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews.
Beautiful Italian Riviera with mesmerising coastline and scenic views. Italian wine with local cuisine and sun set views is really a dream destination. Enjoyed.
Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews.
Italian Riviera looks like a gem of a place. Stunning coastline with villages having medieval architecture. You have captured everything in your blog and photos. Enjoyed thoroughly.
Thanks a lot for your excellent feedback. Always inspiring.
Wow Bandoo your blogs are mesmerising and a complete encyclopaedia of the places you visit very informative and interesting it’s like travelling with u
Thanks Kamlesh for your lovely feedback.
beutiful description of luxurious exotic places
Thanks Ashok for your lovely feedback.