12 Fabulous One day trips from Genoa Italy

Although the City of Genoa is one of the hidden gems for a relaxed day trip it is not often on a tourist agenda but it is a great place to take day trips from. The centre of Genoa is a UNESCO World Heritage site – Le Strade Nuove consists of the Via Garibaldi, Via Balbi and Via Cairoli. They are known for their aristocratic houses and the Palazzi dei Rolli. The palaces were built between the 16th and 18th centuries by local noble families.  

Genoa is the administrative center of the Liguria region, and located on the Northern Italian Riviera, the town offers plenty of options for spending time and taking day trips from.  Genoa is a large port city, and a tourist and cultural center with a great variety of attractions. Genoa has a long history and can boast a number of architectural monuments including cathedrals, palazzos, galleries, etc. In addition, Genoa is a “gateway” for travelling along the entire Ligurian shore – north to the border with France and south to the border with the Tuscan Riviera. Genoa is also an excellent starting point for trips to Milan, Turin and the lakes. 

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Genoa makes a great base for day trips for many reasons:

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Strategic Location

Genoa is centrally located along the Ligurian coast, which makes it an ideal starting point for exploring both the Italian Riviera and inland destinations. The city’s proximity to renowned attractions like the Cinque Terre, Portofino, and other Riviera towns means that these destinations are easily reachable within a short drive or train ride.

Excellent Transportation Links

Genoa is well-connected by rail, road, and sea, providing easy access to many key locations in Liguria and beyond. The city’s main train stations, Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole, offer frequent inter city train services to nearby coastal towns, cities like Milan and Turin, and the Cinque Terre villages. Additionally, the regional and local bus networks, as well as ferry services, enhance accessibility to various destinations.

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Variety of Destinations

The diversity of nearby destinations makes Genoa an attractive base. From the picturesque coastal villages of the Cinque Terre and Portofino to the rolling hills and vineyards of the Piedmont region, and the cultural and shopping opportunities in Milan, there is a wide range of experiences within easy reach. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, food, or shopping, there’s something for everyone.

Rich Cultural and Historical Attractions

While serving as a base for day trips, Genoa itself offers a wealth of attractions, ensuring that there’s plenty to explore on days when you stay in the city. The historic Old Town, numerous museums, palaces, and the vibrant waterfront mean that you can enjoy your time even when not venturing far.

Accommodations and Amenities

As a major city, Genoa offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. The city’s restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities provide all the amenities travelers might need, making it comfortable and convenient for longer stays.

Less Crowded and More Affordable

Compared to other popular tourist hubs like Florence or Rome, Genoa tends to be less crowded and more affordable, offering a more relaxed base with better value for accommodations and dining. This allows travelers to enjoy the nearby attractions without the stress of staying in overly touristy areas.

Authentic Italian Experience

Genoa provides a more authentic Italian experience compared to more tourist-centric locations. The city’s vibrant markets, local cuisine, and everyday life offer a genuine feel of Italian culture, which complements the more tourist-oriented day trips.

Genoa’s strategic location, excellent transport links, rich cultural offerings, and variety of nearby destinations make it an ideal base for exploring both Liguria and beyond while enjoying the comforts and amenities of a major city.

History of Genoa

Genoa, known as “La Superba” (The Proud), has a rich history that reflects its strategic location and maritime history. On the Ligurian coast of northwestern Italy, Genoa has been an important hub of trade and culture for over 2000 years.

The city’s origins trace back to ancient times, with evidence of a settlement dating as far back as the 5th century BCE. Initially inhabited by the Ligures, Genoa later became a Roman town. However, it was during the Middle Ages that Genoa began to rise in prominence. By the 10th century, the city had established itself as an independent commune, taking advantage of its coastal position to become a key player in Mediterranean trade. Genoa’s merchants traded extensively with the Byzantine Empire and the Levant, importing goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals.

The 12th and 13th centuries marked the height of Genoa’s power. The city became a leading maritime republic, alongside Venice, Pisa, and Amalfi. Genoa’s naval fleet was instrumental in the Crusades, and the city gained numerous colonies and trading posts throughout the Mediterranean, including in Corsica, Sardinia, and even as far as the Black Sea.  

However, the 14th and 15th centuries brought challenges. Genoa found itself in frequent conflict with Venice, its chief rival, in a struggle for dominance over Mediterranean trade. Despite these conflicts, the city managed to retain its wealth and influence, in part by becoming a major financial center in Europe. The Banco di San Giorgio, established in 1407, is one of the world’s earliest examples of a public bank and played a crucial role in managing the city’s finances.

Genoa’s golden age continued into the 16th century, when it became a hub for Renaissance art and culture. 

The city’s ruling families, such as the Doria and Grimaldi, were influential patrons of the arts, commissioning works from artists like Rubens and Caravaggio. and also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, the famed explorer who opened the way for European exploration of the Americas, was born in Genoa around 1451, and buried in a grand tomb in Seville.

However, Genoa’s fortunes declined in the 17th century due to shifting trade routes and the rise of new powers. The city became increasingly dependent on foreign powers, and by 1797, it was absorbed into Napoleon’s French Empire. After the fall of Napoleon, Genoa was annexed by the Kingdom of Sardinia, and later became part of a unified Italy in 1861. Today, while no longer a major political power, Genoa remains an important cultural and economic center, with its historic port and rich architectural heritage attracting visitors from around the world.

Genoa Tours

Many tourists visit Genoa via a cruise and the Genoa Cruise Port is about a 30-minute walk from Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa’s main square; however, it’s often easiest (and safest) to grab a taxi or shuttle bus from the dock.

When cruise ships dock in Genoa, a variety of tours are typically available to passengers, offering a chance to explore both the city itself and nearby attractions. Here are some popular options:

Genoa City Walking Tour

A guided tour of Genoa is a common offering, giving passengers a chance to explore the city’s rich history and architecture.

Highlights: Piazza De Ferrari, the medieval Old Town (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.

Duration: Usually around 3 to 4 hours.

Portofino and the Italian Riviera

This tour typically involves a scenic drive along the Ligurian coast, visiting the glamorous town of Portofino, known for its picturesque harbor and luxury boutiques.

Highlights: Exploring the small, charming streets of Portofino, enjoying the coastal views, and possibly visiting other nearby towns like Santa Margherita Ligure.

Duration: Usually 6 to 8 hours.

Cinque Terre Excursion

For those interested in visiting the Cinque Terre, some tours will take you by coach or train from Genoa to explore these famous seaside villages.

Highlights: Visiting one or more of the five villages, taking in the stunning coastal scenery, and enjoying local food and wine.

Duration: Typically a full-day tour, around 8 to 10 hours.

Wine and Culinary Tours

Liguria is known for its unique cuisine, and some tours focus on local food and wine. These tours might include visits to vineyards, olive groves, or cooking demonstrations.

Highlights: Tasting local specialties like pesto, focaccia, and Ligurian wines, and learning about the region’s culinary traditions.

Duration: Varies, but usually 4 to 6 hours.

Aquarium and Maritime Museum

Ideal for families, this tour focuses on Genoa’s renowned aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, and the nearby Galata Maritime Museum.

Highlights: Exploring marine life exhibits, interactive displays, and learning about Genoa’s maritime history.

Duration: Typically 3 to 4 hours.

Walking Tour of Genoa’s Palazzi dei Rolli

This tour focuses on Genoa’s UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli, a series of grand palaces that once hosted visiting dignitaries.

Highlights: Visiting several of these historic palaces, admiring their architecture, and learning about their role in Genoa’s history.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

These tours can be arranged by the cruise line, but independent local tour operators also offer similar excursions that can be customized. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular destinations like the Cinque Terre or Portofino.

​Public Transportation for your Day trips from Genoa

The main train station in Genoa, Genova Piazza Principe, is conveniently located close to the city center or Old Town. The distance from the station to the heart of Genoa, such as the area around Piazza De Ferrari (considered the central square of the city), is approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers (about 1 to 1.2 miles).

This distance can be covered by walking in about 20 to 25 minutes. Alternatively, public transportation, like buses or the metro, can take you to the city center in around 5 to 10 minutes. The area around the station itself is also quite central, with several historical sites and important landmarks nearby.

Intercity trains in Italy are a great way, very convenient and relatively inexpensive way to travel between different areas. The only decent option for transportation, besides trains, is traveling by rented car in Italy. There is a network of highways, connecting different parts of the country, and car rental in Genoa is relatively cheap.

Genoa is located in Liguria and in its surroundings there are a lot of tiny towns and fishing villages where you can go for half a day, for example, these could be Camogli (25 km), Sestri Levante (50 km), Santa Margherita Ligure (45 km), or Portofino (40 km). There are also more remote cities and towns, which may take a whole day to travel to. Next, we will look at available options for where to go from Genoa for one-day trips. 

Portofino

Distance – 40 km (25 miles)

Portofino is a tiny village on the Ligurian shore with very picturesque views. Imagine colorful houses, a cozy Gulf with fishing boats and white-snow yachts, hills with unexpected natural observation decks, southern trees and plants, olive groves and vineyards, plus the splendid hotels, magnificent gastronomy and gentle weather – it is how Portofino looks like.

It is not surprising that the place is so popular among travellers, especially during the summer time. Undoubtedly, it is a good idea to visit the town for a one-day trip from Genoa. The distance is pretty short and it does not take much time to get there, but the views are definitely worth it. Please note that there are no decent beaches in Portofino as the Ligurian shore is quite hilly. But what is definitely worth observing is the iconic Piazzetta, epic castle Brown and the Regional Natural Park of Portofino, which stretches from Portofino to the other Ligurian villages. 

There is no direct train connection between Genoa and Portofino as Portofino has no train station at all. You can get by train to the closest town called Santa Margherita Ligure and then take a bus directly to Portofino. You can check the train schedule. Another romantic way to reach your travel destination is to take a boat trip from Genoa. Boat trips usually take about 2 hours one-way. If you travel by car, then follow the road # A12/E80. 

Sanremo

Distance – 145 km (90 miles)

The resort of Sanremo is known primarily for the annual song festival held here, but the town became a popular holiday destination back in the 19th century. Since then, the resort has developed its tourist infrastructure a lot and now anyone can visit the famous Sanremo Casino or Ariston Theater for excursion purposes.

It is also noteworthy to visit the historical district of La Pigna, the Rambaldi Gallery, numerous villas and gardens open to visitors, as well as local beaches. The beaches are precisely the main reason why you should stay in Sanremo for a day or two, since on the Ligurian Riviera, rocky and steep, you can rarely find extensive sandy beach areas, which are well-groomed and have a gentle entrance to the sea. In Sanremo the beaches are just like that.

Trains from Genoa to Sanremo run throughout the day, once an hour. The travel time ranges from 1 hour 50 minutes (high-speed trains) to 3 hours (regional trains). You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online. Genoa and Sanremo are also connected by highway #A10/E80.

Cinque Terre

Distance – 90-120 km (56-74.5 miles)

The Cinque Terre National Park is one of the most outstanding attractions of the Liguria region. Cinque Terre means “5 villages” or “5 lands” and actually consists of five villages called Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corniglia. These are are situated within a stretch of about 15 kilometers (9 miles) along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera in the region of Liguria.

The area between Riomaggiore and Manarola is connected by the so-called “Path of Love”, a narrow and picturesque pedestrian road from where you can admire the raging Ligurian Sea and see how waves crash against the cliffs.

The villages of Cinque Terre are tiny and pretty much colorful. You can enjoy the inspiring views having climbed up the rocky terraces, where the magnificent vineyards are located. The combination of colorful houses, rocky cliffs and sky-blue waves makes the place surprisingly picturesque.

You can get to any of the five villages from Genoa by trains, which depart from the Genoa Brignole Railway Station throughout the day. The travel time varies from 1.5 to 2 hours. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online. One more option during the summer time can be boat excursions. By boat trips, you can see the Cinque Terre from the sea which is also of great interest. Excursion boats depart from the port of Genoa and the travel time is from 2 to 2.5 hours one-way. 

The distance from Genoa to the Cinque Terre depends on the specific village you are heading to, but generally, it is about 70 to 100 kilometers (43 to 62 miles). By train, which is the most popular and convenient way to reach the Cinque Terre from Genoa, the journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the specific village and the train service.

Milan

Distance – 150 km (93 miles)

Milan is not only a major city in its region, but also one of the largest cities in all of Italy. Milan attracts different people for different reasons. Some people come here for the legendary shopping, some to see the famous La Scala Theater and the Duomo Cathedral, others to travel around Northern Italy, for instance, to Venice, Verona, the lakes or Liguria.

Be that as it may, you should definitely stay in Milan for a couple of days and here’s why. Milan is not only about the Duomo, La Scala Theater and numerous shopping centers. This is also the amazing Leonardo Da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, the beautiful Brera Gallery and Gardens, the medieval Sforza Castle, and many other architectural sites, including cathedrals, churches, palazzos, gates, etc. Everything in Milan is grandiose, even the main train station of Milan is considered to be an object of art, which is definitely worth seeing.

Numerous high-speed trains run from Genoa to Milan throughout the day. The journey usually takes only 1.5-2 hours. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online. You can also get from one city to another along the A7 highway.

Turin

Distance – 170 km (106 miles)

Turin is a medieval city with a great number of historical attractions. A day may not be enough to see them all, so it is recommended to spend at least a few days in Turin. Quickly listing the sights of the city, it is difficult not to mention the numerous monuments of the Savoy dynasty, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Antonelliana Tower, the Palatine Gate, the Royal Palace, the Turin Cathedral, the Basilica of Superga, the Madama and Valentino palaces and much more – all of these sites can be found in Turin. Turin is also notable for its glorious sports history, because several years ago the largest event in sports was held here – the Winter Olympics.

You can get from Genoa to Turin directly by train; the journey time is only 1 hour 50 minutes. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online. By car, you should focus on highways #E25 and #E70, which also lead directly from Genoa to Turin.

Lake Maggiore

Distance – 200 km (124 miles)

Lake Maggiore is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Northern Italy. Surrounded by mountains, it is naturally sheltered from the winds and thanks to this it maintains an amazing microclimate. On the lake, you should definitely visit the town of Stresa. Stresa can surprise you with a wide variety of entertainment.

In the summer, the town invites tourists to go on a water walk along the Borromean Islands with a visit to each of them and exploring the local gardens, villas and greenhouses or take a funicular to Mount Mottarone for visiting the local alpine botanical garden and natural observation decks. Mottarone offers stunning views of the surrounding area. They say that in good weather you can even see neighbouring Switzerland. By the way, Maggiore is located on the territory of two states – Italy and Switzerland, so if you have time, you can take a circular trip around Maggiore and see its Swiss side.

You can get from Genoa to Stresa with a change in Milan; by train the travel time is about 3 hours, including the time of a change. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online . You can get there by car directly along highways #E25 and #A26.

Pisa and Lucca

Distance – 160-170 km (99-106 miles)

It is quite convenient to get to the Tuscan towns of Pisa, Lucca and others from Genoa. It is worth visiting Pisa and Lucca, first of all, because of the historical heritage preserved there. It is not only about the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. In Pisa, for example, it is also worth visiting the square of Miracles, the square of the Knights, the old bridge over the Arno River, numerous palaces, cathedrals and churches.

In Lucca, you will be impressed by the Fortress Walls, St. Martin’s Cathedral with a labyrinth, the Guinigi Tower, the ancient Amphitheater, Villa Guinigi, Palazzo Pretorio, Palazzo Bernardini, etc. Undoubtedly, it is a great idea to observe the cultural heritage of neighbouring Tuscany in case you have an additional day or two. 

Pisa and Lucca are connected to Genoa by highways #A12/E80 and #A11. From Genoa the distance is about 160 km along highway #A12/E80. By train you can get to Pisa and Lucca from Genoa in 2 hours with a short change in Viareggio town. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online.

Tuscan Riviera

Distance – 140 km (87 miles)

Another interesting and unusual travel destination from Liguria is a visit to the Tuscan Riviera, which includes the colorful resort towns of Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi and others. It is quite convenient to travel to the Tuscan Riviera from Genoa, and such a trip will let you enjoy extensive sandy beaches which you won`t see in Liguria because of the steep landscapes.

First of all, the sea resorts of Tuscany are famous for their sandy beaches, which Liguria cannot boast of, so visiting the resorts of Tuscany also means relaxing on magnificent beaches by the sea. In fact, both Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi can offer an excellent beach holiday for a day or two. In particular, there are many promenades, shopping streets, cafes, bars, restaurants, discos and luxury hotels. Viareggio also hosts an annual carnival, which is considered to be the second important after the Venetian Carnival. 

You can get to the resorts of Tuscan Riviera by train and by car. The distance between Genoa and Viareggio is 142 km along highway # A12/E80. By train you can get to Forte dei Marmi or Viareggio in 2 hours from Genoa. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online

Florence 

Distance – 240 km (149 miles)

It is quite possible to even visit Florence from Genoa as the distance is not so long and you can overcome it in 3 hours. Surely, Florence deserves more time than just a one-day trip, but if you have only one day for visiting it from Genoa, why not try it? Florence is famous for its historical attractions such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the Vecchio and Pitti palaces, the Uffizi Gallery and much more.

The old Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Boboli Gardens are also worth visiting. We would recommend departing from Genoa in the early morning in order to arrive before midday. It will let you observe most of the attractions outside. The facades of the sights are a true treasury. 

Travelling by train, you need to make a change in La Spezia or Pisa to reach Florence from Genoa. The travel time is slightly more than 3 hours one-way. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online. If you travel by car, then follow the routes # A12/E80 и A11/E76. The travel time by car is 3 hours. 

One more bonus destination – France and Monaco

Distance – 180 km (112 miles)

Ligurian towns situated north of Genoa are located quite close to the French border. For instance, the distance to Menton, the nearest French border town, from Sanremo is 34 km, from Bordighera is 24 km, from Ventimiglia is just 11 km! If you wish, you can definitely visit any of the towns of the French Riviera from Genoa for a one-day trip. Cannes and Nice are famous for their promenades, Saint-Tropez and Antibes are for their beaches, Monte Carlo is for its casinos and the Gulf views. Among the less pretentious resorts of the Cote d’Azur, it is also recommended visiting the cozy southern towns of Menton, Fréjus, Villefranche or Cassis.

Along highway # A10/E80 you can get by car to any town on the shore. By train you can get to any French resort with a small change in Ventimiglia town. From Ventimiglia to Nice the travel time is just 55 minutes, to Cannes is 1.5 hours, to Monte Carlo is 30 minutes, to Antibes is 1 hour 20 minutes, to Menton is 15 minutes, to Cassis is about 3 hours.

Here are some of the best foods to try in Genoa and the Ligurian regions

Pesto Genovese

Genoa is the birthplace of pesto, a fragrant sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s typically served with pasta.Try it with trofie or trenette pasta, which are traditional Ligurian pasta shapes.

Farinata

A thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It’s baked in a wood-fired oven until crispy on the edges but soft inside. Often eaten as a street food, farinata is best enjoyed hot, sometimes with a sprinkle of black pepper.

Focaccia

A staple in Genoa, focaccia here is soft, airy, and typically topped with olive oil and sea salt. Variations include focaccia al formaggio (with cheese) and focaccia alle cipolle (with onions).Try focaccia for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside a meal. Focaccia di Recco, filled with cheese, is a must-try variation.

Acciughe Ripiene (Stuffed Anchovies)

Fresh anchovies are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and sometimes pine nuts, then baked or fried.These are often served as an appetizer or part of an antipasto platter.

Panissa

Similar to farinata, panissa is made from chickpea flour but is prepared differently. The mixture is cooked and then cut into strips or cubes and fried. Often served as a snack or an accompaniment to aperitivo.

Cima alla Genovese

A traditional dish consisting of veal breast stuffed with a mixture of vegetables, herbs, eggs, and sometimes meat or cheese, then slow-cooked.

Pansoti with Walnut Sauce

Pansoti are ravioli-like pasta stuffed with a mixture of wild herbs and ricotta. They are often served with a creamy walnut sauce (salsa di noci).

Cappon Magro

A traditional Ligurian salad made with layers of seafood, vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs, all dressed with a green sauce similar to pesto. It’s a labor-intensive dish often reserved for special occasions.

Stoccafisso alla Genovese (Genoese-Style Salted Cod)

Salted cod is slow-cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, pine nuts, and sometimes olives and capers, creating a rich and hearty dish.

Genoa’s cuisine is rich in flavors, with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients, often from the sea or the Ligurian hills. Enjoy your culinary journey through this historic port city!

As you see, there are a lot of variants on how to spend your time when travelling around Genoa and Liguria. You can visit the cute Ligurian towns and villages with their colorful architecture and a lot of natural attractions. You can choose some big cities for travelling, be it Milan or Turin. Another fantastic idea is to visit the Maggiore Lake to change your focus from the sea views to the lake ones. Towns and sea resorts of Tuscany are also of great interest. Do not forget that you may even travel to the French Riviera to enjoy the local views, beaches and gastronomy.