This Mediterranean Corner of Italy Looks Like Amalfi Before the Crowds

1. Cinque Terre

No list of the most beautiful towns in Liguria would be complete without Cinque Terre. These five colorful villages perched on dramatic cliffs have become one of Italy’s most iconic destinations, and for good reason.

Whether you choose to wander through the streets of Vernazza, admire the views from Manarola, or hike between the villages, Cinque Terre offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the Italian Riviera. Despite its popularity, it is still one of those places that manages to exceed expectations.

My advice? Stay for a few days if you can and take your time exploring each village. The real magic of Cinque Terre is experiencing the towns in the quiet hours before the day-trippers arrive and enjoying the atmosphere once the crowds have gone home.

Planning your trip? Check out my complete Cinque Terre travel guide, a detailed one-day in Cinque Terre itinerary, and a guide to the best Cinque Terre photo spots before you go.

2. Portovenere

Portovenere is often referred to as the sixth village of Cinque Terre. It shares the same colorful charm and dramatic coastal scenery, but unlike the five villages, it doesn’t have train access.

The best way to reach Portovenere is by boat, although services typically run from April to November. This is probably one of the main reasons why Portovenere feels less crowded than Cinque Terre.

If you arrive by boat, the views are absolutely breathtaking. I am sure you will fall in love with Portovenere before you even step off the boat.

Make sure to visit the Church of San Pietro and Doria Castle. You can also walk to the end of Via Capellini or head down from the church to find a lookout point built into the ancient stone walls overlooking the bay.

If you enjoy hiking, you will be happy to know that Portovenere offers plenty of scenic trails, just like Cinque Terre.

Portovenere is not exactly a hidden gem and still attracts plenty of visitors, but the crowds are nothing compared to Cinque Terre. For even more ideas, check out my guide to the best Cinque Terre alternatives in Liguria.

3. Portofino

Portofino is a place that you simply must add to your Italian Riviera itinerary. It is where elegance meets glamour with a pinch of Italian charm.

Here you will find fancy restaurants, designer boutiques, and luxury hotels. Considering how small Portofino is, it has a lot to offer. You certainly don’t need to stay here for a week, but you can’t miss it either.

Start your visit at Chiesa del Divo Martino, explore the famous piazza, and stroll along the marina. Later, head up to Chiesa di San Giorgio for postcard-worthy views of the harbor.

I also highly recommend visiting Castello Brown and continuing to Faro di Portofino. The walk is easy, scenic, and well worth the effort.

Once you are done sightseeing, have lunch at I Gemelli right by the marina and try the Gnocchi alla Portofino. Or head to Baia Cannone for a swim. Or both!

If you are staying in Santa Margherita Ligure, you can take the public boat to Portofino. It offers wonderful views of Portofino from the water once you arrive.

For a complete itinerary, check out my guide to spending one day in Portofino, including the best things to do, where to eat, and the most beautiful viewpoints.

Best tours in Portofino

—> Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch
—> Portofino Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
—> Exclusive Private Day Trip: Portofino & Santa Margherita

4. Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure is often seen as the gateway to Portofino. Most visitors simply pass through on their way to the famous harbor town, but if you ask me, that is a big mistake.

With its elegant waterfront, lively atmosphere, beaches, and local shops, Santa Margherita Ligure has plenty to offer in its own right. It is also one of the best places to stay on the Italian Riviera if you want to explore Liguria without paying Portofino prices.

This is where you can truly experience il dolce far niente. Start your day with a coffee by the sea, spend a few hours at the beach, and finish with an aperitivo as the sun begins to set.

Santa Margherita Ligure may not get as much attention as Portofino or Cinque Terre, but that is exactly part of its charm. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Liguria and deserves a spot on your itinerary.

5. Apricale

Apricale is a medieval town perched on a hilltop in western Liguria. It is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, a hint at the local souvenirs you can bring home.

If you are coming from Ventimiglia or Sanremo, you will be treated to a wonderful view of Apricale. Make sure to stop and capture the beauty in front of you. The Church of St. Anthony also offers a beautiful viewpoint.

Once you arrive in Apricale, you will find stone labyrinths and steep, narrow streets leading to the main square. By the time you get there, it feels like you have traveled back in time.

Apricale is often considered one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria thanks to its stone houses, flower-filled corners, and authentic atmosphere. Overlooking the main square, you will find Castello della Lucertola.

If you are looking for simple local cuisine, I recommend booking a table at Da Baci. I had an amazing lunch there, so I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

6. Camogli

Camogli is one of the top picturesque villages in Liguria. In fact, as soon as you arrive, everything around you looks like a beautiful painting from an old Italian movie. Just with warm pastel colors!

It has a beautiful seafront, beach, old town, tiny colorful streets, and a little marina around the corner. Camogli is not as glamorous as the rest of the Italian Riviera, but that’s exactly why you should visit it. It doesn’t get more authentic than this.

Use this opportunity to try local Ligurian cuisine and visit Ostaia da ö Sigù – highly recommended by locals. And don’t miss Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta and Camogli’s Marine Museum. 

I would even say that Camogli is a hidden gem of Liguria, not among the locals, but certainly among foreign travelers. Check out my complete guide to the best things to do in Camogli, along with useful travel tips.

You can also explore the town by joining this private market tour together with a cooking class & lunch.

7. San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso might be tiny, but it is home to one of the best beaches on the Italian Riviera. Better yet, it can only be reached by boat or on foot, which makes it feel even more special.

The main attraction is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Thanks to its remote location, this place has preserved its wild and enchanting charm for centuries.

That said, many people come here simply to relax on the beach and swim in the crystal-clear water. Once you arrive, you will quickly understand why.

Another gem of San Fruttuoso is the Cristo degli Abissi, a bronze statue resting 15 meters below the surface of the bay. If you enjoy diving, this is a spot you won’t want to miss.

I highly recommend combining San Fruttuoso with Camogli and taking the boat between the two. Together, they make a perfect one-day itinerary on the Italian Riviera.

8. Tellaro

Tellaro feels like a hidden gem that many travelers overlook. It has the same colorful charm as Cinque Terre, but without the crowds. Despite being named one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, it still feels surprisingly peaceful.

In Tellaro, you will find a maze of colorful streets, green Ligurian shutters, and tiny fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. Come here, get lost, and enjoy wandering around. That’s really your only task for the day.

In a world of busy itineraries and endless sightseeing checklists, Tellaro is the perfect place to slow down, embrace the local atmosphere, and simply enjoy the moment.

If you are looking for a quieter beach in Liguria, head to nearby Fiascherino Beach. It is the perfect place to relax after exploring Tellaro.

9. Rapallo

Rapallo is another beautiful town on the Italian Riviera coastline. If you are wondering whether Rapallo is worth visiting, my answer is yes.

One of the town’s most popular landmarks is Rapallo Castle, which sits right on the waterfront. Even if you don’t go inside, it is worth stopping by to admire this unusual castle rising directly from the sea.

Behind the promenade, you will find lively shopping streets filled with local boutiques, souvenir shops, delicatessens, and plenty of gelato spots. It is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and some shopping.

If you enjoy panoramic views, take the cable car up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro. The views over Rapallo and the Ligurian coastline are unforgettable.

You don’t need to dedicate an entire day to Rapallo, but it makes a wonderful stop on any Italian Riviera itinerary. Between the seaside promenade, unique castle, and beautiful viewpoints, there is plenty to enjoy.

10. Lerici

Lerici is a charming seaside town on the eastern side of the Italian Riviera. With its colorful waterfront, small marina, and historic castle overlooking the bay, it is easy to see why it is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Liguria.

Lerici Castle offers spectacular views over the town, the marina, and the surrounding coastline. There is just one catch: it takes 360 steps to reach the top. After all the pasta, focaccia, and gelato, I am sure you won’t mind the workout.

Every Saturday morning, the streets of Lerici fill with market stalls and locals doing their weekly shopping. It is a great opportunity to experience everyday life in Liguria beyond the tourist attractions.

If you ask me, Lerici is one of the best places to visit in Liguria. It has everything that makes the Italian Riviera special: beautiful views, seaside charm, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.

11. Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is one of the best beach destinations in Liguria. It is also larger than many of the other towns on this list, making it a great place to spend a few days on the Italian Riviera.

What makes Sestri Levante unique is the peninsula that separates the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales. The views are beautiful from sea level, but they get even better from above. Follow Salita Mandrella for one of the best viewpoints in town.

The Bay of Silence is a small sandy beach loved by both locals and visitors. It is free to access, which means it gets very busy during the summer months. The Bay of Fairy Tales on the other side is much longer, although I personally prefer the Bay of Silence.

Behind the beaches, you will find a lively historic center filled with restaurants, cafés, and colorful streets. My advice? Come here for aperitivo. Order a glass of Spritz, enjoy a few local snacks, and soak up the atmosphere before dinner.

12. Bussana Vecchia

Bussana Vecchia is hands down my favorite hilltop village and one of the most beautiful towns in Liguria. If you are familiar with the South of France, it reminds me of Èze in France. Just less crowded, more peaceful, and simpler in the best possible way.

After a devastating earthquake in the 19th century, Bussana Vecchia was abandoned and became a ghost town. Decades later, artists began moving in and breathing new life into its empty stone buildings.

Today, Bussana Vecchia attracts visitors looking for something a little different from the Italian Riviera’s famous coastal towns. If you love hidden gems and quiet villages, I have a feeling you will love it here.

The entire village feels like an open-air museum. Wander through the narrow streets, step into artists’ studios, and admire the creativity that seems to be around every corner.

13. Imperia

Imperia is a charming coastal city on the Ligurian coast, where pastel-colored buildings meet the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. If you love postcard-worthy views, you will feel right at home here.

Imperia is known for its olive-growing tradition and flower cultivation, both of which have shaped the local culture for generations. Despite being a city, it feels relaxed and authentic compared to some of the more famous destinations on the Italian Riviera.

While you are here, visit the Duomo di Oneglia San Giovanni Battista, explore the gardens of Villa Grock, and learn more about the region’s olive oil heritage at the Olive Museum. Don’t forget to spend some time by the sea and enjoy one of Imperia’s beautiful beaches.

14. Dolceacqua

Dolceacqua is unlike any other town on this list. In fact, I am not sure you will find many places like it anywhere else in Italy.

The town’s most famous landmark is its beautiful stone bridge, often described as the “jewel of lightness.” Built in the 15th century on the ruins of an earlier bridge, its elegant arch has become the symbol of Dolceacqua.

Cross the bridge, and it feels as though you have stepped back in time. The medieval streets, stone houses, and castle overlooking the town create a scene that has barely changed for centuries.

It is easy to see why Claude Monet was inspired to paint Dolceacqua. As you wander through the village, you might feel as though you have stepped into one of his paintings.

15. Cervo

Cervo reminds me of a candy-colored town, especially when you look up at it from the beach below. With its pastel houses stacked on the hillside, it feels almost too pretty to be real. I challenge you to find your favorite viewpoint and snap a photo for your memory book.

The streets of Cervo are steep, colorful, and full of character. Make your way up to the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which towers above the village and is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture on the Ligurian coast.

Another landmark worth seeing is Cervo Castle, the oldest building in the village. Even if you only admire it from the outside, it is an important piece of Cervo’s history.