It would be rude not to plan day trips to Corsica, Cinque Terre and Portofino while in Genoa.
There is a lot to do in Genoa. Marvel at the beautiful Cathedral of Genoalooking up at the frescoes in the art museum Palazzo Rosso and visiting Palazzi dei Rolli palace are just a few things to see and do in Genoa.
But Genoa also makes a great base for discovering other small parts of Italy.
The moment I saw photos of Cinque Terra and Portofino I immediately added them to my (mental) travel bucket list. Look at those pastel colored houses!
What to see and do in Portofino
Portofino is the most expensive village on the Italian Riviera, but it looks like a million bucks! I went to Monaco for my 24th birthday so I expect it to be very similar. Super yachts line the docks. Super classy. Super clean. Monaco was unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.
But Portofino offers more than something Instagrammable and pleasing to the eye.
Stroll around stunning and pristine marina (restaurant prices here can make you faint). If you have a bite to eat or drink here, make sure it is Portofino lighthouse which offers wonderful views. From here, you can visit the a lampwhich offers even greater views, and, if you’re feeling good, make the steep climb to Castle Brown. You will be rewarded with panoramic views and the best views of Portofino in the whole village.
For Instagrammable places that don’t require lying down, the pretty and petite Church of St. George it is a very nice shade of yellow. For something a little different, try snorkelling or kayaking with Outside Portofinofun way to watch Paraggi Beach.
What to see and do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages, Varnish being the village of the printed postcard. You will also find the best food, cafes, bars and restaurants in Vernazza. So come hungry and thirsty!
Walk out of the food coma by climbing the steep stairs to the church of San Francesco, the largest of three churches, where you will definitely need your camera. And the cemetery next to the church makes an interesting step too.
But Cinque Terre is not just about relaxing on the beaches. It may surprise you to find Cinque Terre is great walking destination. You can even hike from village to village. There are a ton of trails and paths to choose from. Warning, this is not for the faint of heart and definitely not a stroll!
What to see and do in Corsica
For some of the best Italian beaches, you’d be hard pressed to find better than the inland ones Corsica. Offering around 200 beaches spread over 1000km, Corsica is far from the other popular and crowded beaches in Italy. Did I mention the delicious food? wild boar!
It is super easy to get a ship to Corsica from Genova too.
And when in Genoa, the Italian Riviera it’s just a short train or boat ride away.
