Cinque Terre Italy

Genoa is the most important city on the Italian riviera and the best starting point to explore the region. It’s just an hour away by train from famous destinations like Cinque Terre and Portofino.

Genoa, De Ferrari square

How to reach Genoa

By train: Genoa can be easily reached by train. The two main stations are Genova Piazza Pricipe and Genova Brignole.

By car: You can reach Genoa by car from different parts of Italy via highway A12 with the Nervi and Genova Est exit, A26 Voltri, A10 from Ventimiglia and A7 Serravalle from Milan.

By plane: The international airport of Christopher Columbus in Genoa is connected to various destinations in Italy and Europe with flights from the UK, France, Germany and many other countries. The Genoa Airport is located in Genoa Ponente, a few kilometers from the city center and its served by various public services, taxis and trains.

Where to stay in Genoa

We higly recommend you to search for a hotel in the historic center of Genoa, near the old harbour Porto Antico, the old town and many other tourist sites. Click here: The 10 Best Hotels in Genoa.

What to see in Genoa

  • The Old Port - Porto Antico is home to a number of fascinating monuments, from the harbour itself to the huge lighthouse which dominates the seafront. One of the city's most interesting modern landmarks, Il Bigo, lifts visitors high into the air to get a better view of both the city and the sea.

  • The Aquarium in the old Port is an absolute must see. This is the biggest aquarium in Italy, the second of Europe and will keep you interested for hours. It even provides a hands-on experience with tactile pools where you can reach out and pet rays as they swim by or simply bask in the shallows. Look out for the sharks, giant turtles and luminous showers of floating jellyfish.

  • The Old Town - Centro Storico, which is the biggest of its kind in Europe. Here you will find decorated buildings from the Middle Ages which were built by the wealthy trader families of the city. The atmospheric streets of the medieval Old Town of Genoa are listed as UNESCO world Heritage Site, and the city also has several beautiful historical palaces and cathedrals.

  • Duke's Palace - Palazzo Ducale is probably the most wellknown building of Genoa, because the international G8 meeting took place in the building in 2001. It is situated near the main square Piazza de Ferrari, and consists of two palaces, merged in the 14th century.

  • San Lorenzo Cathedral in Piazza San Lorenzo was built about 1098 then widened. The San Lorenzo cathedral is dedicated to San Giovanni Battista, city patron and hosts two beautiful Museums: Museo del Tesoro and Museo Diocesano.

  • From Genoa you can make day trips to many famous destinations along the Riviera such as Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Marherita and Cinque Terre.

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