Liguria Travel Guide: Exploring the Italian Riviera in the Footsteps of Artists and Writers

Travel with us in the footsteps of artists, songwriters, and literary figures as we explore Liguria’s striking scenery. From the Gulf of La Spezia, deeply beloved by the Shelleys and Lord Byron, to the sun-drenched villages of Cinque Terre and the fairy-tale magic of Sestri Levante, over the years the dreamy Ligurian landscapes have kindled the imaginations of many celebrated artists and writers. But the region’s heart beats with music too; from Genoa’s rich musical heritage to the emblematic stage of Sanremo.

Lerici

The Jewish Ghetto, the Castle of San Giorgio and the Lungomare Vassallo promenade are some of the places not to be missed in the pearl of the Gulf of the Poets. From the promenade, you can stroll as far as the castle of San Terenzo, a hamlet of Lerici.

In San Terenzo is Villa Magni, famous for having been the home of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley, who spent part of their lives here, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the landscape.

Lerici, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Porto Venere

Dominated by the majestic Doria Castle, the village of Porto Venere enchants with its colorful tower-houses (known as case-torri), and the picturesque Church of St. Peter, perched on a cliff.

Another captivating sight is the Arpaia Cave, most commonly known as Byron’s Cave, after the famous poet who loved to spend time there.

In 1822, Lord Byron swam 7.5 km from Porto Venere to Lerici; this famous crossing is commemorated annually with the Coppa Byron swimming race.

Church of St. Peter, Porto Venere, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Cinque Terre

The five coastal villages of Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore and Vernazza, together with Porto Venere and the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

These charming locations on the Ligurian Riviera also inspired and served as the backdrop for the 2021 Disney-Pixar animated film Luca, set in the fictional town of Portorosso.

Manarola, Cinque Terre, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is connected to Manarola by a scenic path overlooking the sea, aptly named the Path of Love: Via dell’Amore. This walk is part of the Sentiero Azzurro and runs one-way from Riomaggiore to Monterosso.

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Vernazza

The Doria Castle, the tower-houses, and the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch are full of authentic charm. Therefore, it is not surprising that in 2013, the New York Times named Vernazza one of the 46 must-see places in the world.

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria. Photo: Getty Images

Sestri Levante

The city of two seas takes its name from its two enchanting bays: the larger is the Bay of Fables and the smaller is the Bay of Silence, a place of extreme beauty and tranquillity.

The famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen was inspired by these places after visiting them during his Grand Tour in 1833. In his honour, Sestri Levante annually hosts the Andersen Festival, dedicated to fairy tales and theatre.

Sestri Levante, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Portofino

The most exclusive and glamorous of Ligurian destinations is without doubt Portofino. Small yet extremely charming, this Ligurian jewel has long attracted world-famous artists and celebrities, such as Ernest Hemingway, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren. Today, its crystal clear waters are famously dotted with impressive yachts.

Portofino, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Genoa

With its narrow and atmospheric alleyways (known as carrugi) and its bustling old port — home to the Aquarium of Genoa, the Bigo and the Biosphere — the Ligurian capital enchants with its history and maritime charm. It is no wonder that Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city of Genoa has a strong musical heritage, particularly associated with a group of influential singer-songwriters known as the Genoese School. Artists like Fabrizio De André (often considered one of Italy’s greatest songwriters), Gino Paoli, and Luigi Tenco — all deeply connected to Genoa — created powerful and poetic songs that resonated throughout all of Italy. You can explore this legacy at the Viadelcampo29rosso museum in Genoa, which features Fabrizio De André’s own guitar, an Esteve ‘97.

Genova, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Sanremo

Sanremo, known throughout Italy as the City of Flowers and the City of the Festival, is home to the Sanremo Music Festival, a week-long song contest that draws thousands annually. The festival was the original inspiration for the Eurovision Song Contest, and its winner represents Italy in the European competition.

The city of Sanremo is renowned for its flowers; each night of the festival performers and guests receive floral compositions on stage, so being selected as the festival’s florist is highly prestigious!

The Sanremo Music Festival is one of the longest running national television music competitions in the world: the first festival was held in 1951 at the Municipal Casino; it moved to the Ariston Theatre in 1977, where it is still held today.

Sanremo, Liguria. Image: Getty Images

Liguria

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