It would be rude not to make day trip plans to Corsica, Cinque Terre and Portofino while you’re in Genoa.
There’s lots to do in Genoa. Marvel at the beautiful Genoa Cathedral, gaze upwards at the frescos 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 to discover other little parts of Italy.
The moment I saw photos of Cinque Terra and Portofino I instantly added them to my (mental) travel bucket list. Look at those pastel coloured houses!
What to see and do in Portofino
Portofino is the most expensive village in the Italian Riviera, but it does look 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 to.
But Portofino offers more than something Instagrammable and pleasing on the eye.
Stroll around the stunning and pristine marina (the restaurant prices here might make you faint). If you do have a bite to eat or a drink here, make sure it’s Faro di Portofino which offers gorgeous views. From here, you can visit the lighthouse, which offers even greater views, and, if you’re feeling fit, make the steep climb to Castel Brown. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and the best views of Portofino in the whole village.
For for Instagrammable locations which don’t require a lie down afterwards, the beautiful and petite Church of San Giorgio is a gorgeous bright shade of yellow. For something a little different, try snorkelling or kayaking with Outdoor Portofino, a fun way to see Paraggi Beach.
What to see and do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up from five little villages, Vernazza being the picture postcard village. You’ll also find the best food, cafes, bars and restaurants in Vernazza. So come hungry and thirsty!
Walk off the food coma by climbing the steep steps to the church of San Francesco, the largest of three churches, where you’ll definitely need your camera. And the cemetery beside the church makes for an interesting stroll too.
But Cinque Terre is not just about relaxing on beaches. It might come as a surprise to you to find Cinque Terre is a great hiking destination. You could even hike from village to village. There are a ton of trails and footpaths to choose from. Warning, this is not for the faint-hearted and definitely not a stroll!
What to see and do in Corsica
For some of the best Italian beaches, you’ll be hard pressed to find better than those in Corsica. Offering around 200 beaches stretched over 1000km, Corsica is a far cry away from the popular and crowded beaches elsewhere in Italy. Did I mention the delicious food? Wild boar!
It’s super easy to get a ferry to Corsica from Genoa too.
And when in Genoa, the Italian Riviera is just a short train or boat ride away.
