10 Best Day Trips from Genoa (By Public Transport)

1. Portofino

You simply have to include Portofino in a Genoa-based itinerary. It’s small, but surprisingly full of things to see. A compact harbor, luxury boutiques, and some of the most recognizable views on the Ligurian coast.

In Portofino, the main highlight is the walk up towards Castello Brown and further to Faro di Portofino, where the views open up over the entire bay. For a full breakdown, check out my guide to the best things to do in Portofino in one day.

You will likely start in Santa Margherita Ligure, just along the coast and the main gateway to Portofino. While most people pass by, I recommend planning a few hours in Santa Margherita Ligure, usually on the way back after visiting Portofino.

From Santa Margherita Ligure, you can hop on a bus or ferry (depending on the season) to reach Portofino. Alternatively, you can walk and stop along the way at Baia di Paraggi, Baia Cannone, and Baia di Niasca.

Ideally, I recommend starting early, visiting Portofino in the morning, beach time after lunch, and an evening stroll & dinner in Santa Margherita Ligure before going back to Genoa. If that sounds too busy for you, just focus on Portofino instead.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct train from Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe to Santa Margherita Ligure–Portofino (around 30–45 minutes). From there, continue by bus, ferry, or on foot to Portofino.

In the warmer months (roughly April to October), there is also a seasonal ferry from Genoa Porto Antico to Portofino.

If you choose the ferry, I recommend skipping Santa Margherita Ligure as a stop and instead pairing it with Camogli on the same route, since the boat also stops there.

2. Camogli

Camogli is one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria. As soon as you arrive, everything around you feels like a scene from an old Italian film… warm pastel colors, a long seafront, and a small marina tucked around the corner.

Spend time walking the promenade, exploring the old town, and getting lost in the small, colorful streets. This is also the place to slow down and try local Ligurian food. Don’t miss Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta as well.

From Camogli, you can continue along the coast to San Fruttuoso, one of the most unique spots in the area. A small abbey sits inside a hidden bay, surrounded by steep hills and clear water. There is no road access, which is exactly what keeps it so special.

In summer, you can reach it by ferry from Camogli. Otherwise, it’s accessible via a hiking trail through Portofino Natural Park.

If that sounds like your kind of place, you’ll want to read my complete Camogli travel guide that covers the best things to do, restaurants, and viewpoints, together with some practical tips to plan your getaway to Camogli.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct train from Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe to Camogli–San Fruttuoso (around 25–35 minutes). From the station, it’s a short walk down to the seafront and village center.

The seasonal ferry from Genoa Porto Antico to Portofino also stops in Camogli, making it easy to combine the two destinations in one route.

3. Bogliasco

Bogliasco is one of the easiest escapes from Genoa, and still one of the most underrated. It’s small, quiet, and very local, more of a “real life” coastal town than a typical Riviera stop.

When we lived in Genoa, we would often go to Bogliasco for an evening stroll, an aperitivo by the sea, or pizza right by the beach as the sun goes down. 

Nervi is just next door and technically still part of Genoa, but can be easily paired with Bogliasco. The promenade, the parks, and the rocky coastline make it a perfect extension of the same day.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct train from Genova Brignole to Bogliasco (around 15–20 minutes). Nervi is just a few stops closer to the city and can be reached in under 15 minutes by train.

4. Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is one of the best beach day trips from Genoa, and a bit more spacious than many of the smaller Riviera villages. It works well if you want something that feels coastal and scenic, but still easy to navigate in a single day.

What makes it unique is the small peninsula that separates two very different bays: Baia del Silenzio and Baia delle Favole. The contrast between them is part of the charm.

Baia del Silenzio is small, sandy, and framed by pastel buildings. Baia delle Favole is much longer and more open, better if you want space to walk or swim without crowds right on top of you.

If you want the best view of the town, head slightly uphill through the historic center and follow Salita Mandrella. From there, you get a clear view of the peninsula and both bays at once.

The historic center itself is easy to explore without a plan. Small streets, local restaurants, and plenty of spots for aperitivo before heading back.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct regional train from Genova Brignole to Sestri Levante (around 45–60 minutes).

5. Arenzano

Arenzano is one of the closest beach towns to Genoa, making it a perfect option if you don’t want to spend much time traveling. It has a long promenade, a wide pebble beach, and a local & relaxed atmosphere.

Besides the beach, don’t miss Villa Negrotto Cambiaso and the surrounding Parco Comunale. The historic villa sits inside a beautiful park with palm trees, fountains, peacocks, and more. It’s certainly one of the highlights of Arenzano.

Most of the beaches in Arenzano are private beach clubs, which is pretty standard across Liguria. There is a small stretch of free beach, but personally, I don’t mind paying for a sunbed and umbrella here.

The town itself is small enough to explore in just a few hours. Walk through the historic center, spend some time in the park, stop for lunch by the seafront, and finish the day at the beach.

If you prefer something more active, Arenzano is also the gateway to Beigua Regional Park, where you’ll find hiking trails with panoramic views over the Ligurian coast.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct regional train from Genova Piazza Principe or Genova Brignole to Arenzano (around 25–35 minutes). The train station is just a short walk from the beach, Villa Negrotto Cambiaso, and the town center.

6. Rapallo

Rapallo is often overlooked in favor of Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure, but it’s well worth visiting in its own right. It has a lively waterfront, a beautiful historic center, and one of the best viewpoints near Genoa.

The main reason to visit is the cable car to Montallegro. In just a few minutes, you’ll go from sea level to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, where you’ll get sweeping views over Rapallo, the Ligurian coastline, and the surrounding hills. 

Back in town, spend some time wandering through the historic center, walking along the promenade, and stopping by Castello sul Mare, the small seaside castle that has become one of Rapallo’s landmarks.

I also love browsing the small boutiques around the town center. I almost always end up finding a cute dress, a pair of shoes, or a new bag to take home.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct regional train from Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe to Rapallo (around 30–40 minutes). The cable car station is about a 10-minute walk from the train station.

7. Finale Ligure & Noli

Finale Ligure and Noli make a great day trip from Genoa, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative to the eastern Ligurian coast. 

They’re just a short drive apart, so it’s easy to visit both in one day. If you’d rather slow down, though, simply pick one and spend the whole day there.

Finale Ligure is known for its long sandy beach, lively historic center, and relaxed atmosphere. Spend some time wandering through the old town, have lunch in one of the piazzas, and enjoy a few hours by the sea.

Noli feels smaller and quieter. Once an independent maritime republic, today it’s a charming medieval village with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and a beautiful stretch of beach right next to the historic center. 

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct regional train from Genova Piazza Principe to Finale Ligure Marina (around 1 hour). If you also want to visit Noli, you can continue by local bus or taxi in around 15–20 minutes.

8. Imperia

Imperia is one of the largest towns on the western Ligurian coast, yet it still feels surprisingly relaxed. It’s best known for its beautiful marina, palm-lined promenades, colorful waterfront, and olive oil tradition.

The town is divided into two historic districts, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, each with its own character. I recommend spending most of your time in Porto Maurizio. Afterwards, head down to the marina for lunch or an aperitivo by the sea.

If you’re interested in local food, Imperia is also one of the best places in Liguria to learn about olive oil. You can visit the Olive Museum or stop by one of the local shops to pick up high-quality Ligurian olive oil to take home.

Imperia is less touristy than many of Liguria’s famous seaside towns, which means it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a quieter day trip without missing out on beautiful coastal scenery.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct regional or Intercity train from Genova Piazza Principe to Imperia (around 1.5–2 hours). The train station is within walking distance of the town center, although you’ll do quite a bit of walking between Porto Maurizio and Oneglia if you want to explore both.

9. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of those places that doesn’t really need an introduction. Five colorful villages clinging to steep cliffs, connected by trails and train lines, and overlooking some of the most dramatic coastline in Italy.

Each village has its own character. Vernazza feels like a postcard, Manarola is all about the view, Monterosso is more of a beach stop, and the others sit somewhere in between. Visit them all and pick your own favorite!

A day trip from Genoa is possible if you’re short on time, especially if you start early and focus on fewer villages. But I always recommend an overnight stay, because Cinque Terre gets even better when the day-trippers leave.

If you’re planning your visit, I’ve put together a complete Cinque Terre travel guide, a detailed one-day Cinque Terre itinerary, and a guide to the best Cinque Terre photo spots to help you plan ahead.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a direct regional train from Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe to Monterosso al Mare (around 1.5–2 hours). From there, you can continue through the villages by train or ferry, depending on the season and sea conditions.

10. Lerici & Tellaro

Lerici and Tellaro are among the most beautiful coastal towns in Liguria, although they’re also some of the hardest to reach from Genoa. The journey is quite long by public transport, but if you don’t have a car, it’s still possible with a bit of planning.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Cinque Terre, these two towns are hard to beat. They have the same colorful houses and beautiful coastline, but without the crowds. Even though it’s a long day trip from Genoa, I actually find it easier than doing Cinque Terre in one day.

Lerici is the larger of the two, with a colorful waterfront, a lively harbor, and a hilltop castle overlooking the bay. Spend some time walking along the promenade, exploring the historic center, and enjoying the views from Castello di Lerici.

Just a few kilometers away, Tellaro offers a completely different atmosphere. It’s smaller, quieter, and often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. 

Wander through the narrow streets, admire the pastel houses perched above the sea, and don’t miss the iconic Church of San Giorgio sitting right on the rocky coastline.

The two towns are connected by a short bus ride, making it easy to combine them in one day. If you’re willing to spend a little longer getting there, I think they’re absolutely worth the effort.

🚆 How to get there from Genoa

Take a train from Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe to La Spezia Centrale (around 1.5–2 hours), then continue by local bus to Lerici (around 20–30 minutes). 

From Lerici, you can take another local bus to Tellaro in about 10–15 minutes. The journey is longer than most day trips from Genoa, but it’s completely doable without a car if you start early.

Extra travel tip: Don’t skip Genoa’s coastal neighborhoods

Before heading outside the city, remember that some of Genoa’s most beautiful spots are actually still within Genoa itself. They may take 20–40 minutes to reach by train or bus, but they’re absolutely worth the effort.

Boccadasse is the city’s postcard-perfect fishing village, perfect for an evening stroll. Nervi is known for its scenic promenade and parks, while Pegli hosts Villa Durazzo Pallavicini, one of Liguria’s most beautiful historic gardens.

If you have an extra day in Genoa, I highly recommend exploring at least one of them before venturing farther along the coast.