Beyond Cinque Terre: The Most Beautiful Towns in Liguria
Liguria is well-known thanks to Cinque Terre, Pesto Genovese and Christopher Columbus who was born here, but I want to take you beyond that.
I want to discover the most beautiful towns in Liguria with you and hopefully help you plan your perfect Italian Riviera itinerary.
Liguria is tucked between the border of France and the magical Tuscany region. The capital of Liguria is Genoa and that’s exactly where I live. This makes me a local expert! I have seen it all, so I am here to share only the best places to visit in Liguria.
I can guarantee that after reading this article, you will be surprised to see how many beautiful towns there are in this underrated Italian region.
We will cover the best beaches, historical villages, luxurious getaways, and hidden gems that you didn’t know existed. Let’s discover the Italian Riviera and the most beautiful towns in Liguria!
The Most Beautiful Towns in Liguria
Apricale
Apricale is a medieval town on the top of the hills of Liguria. It is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards – a hint for local souvenirs. If you are coming from Ventimiglia or Sanremo, you will see a wonderful view on Apricale – make sure you find a stop and capture the beauty in front of you. Church of St. Anthony can be used for a viewpoint as well.
Once you arrive in Apricale, you will find stone labyrinths and steep tiny streets that take you to the main square. By the time you arrive, it feels like traveling back in time. In front of the main square, you will find Castello della Lucertola.
If you are looking for a simple local cuisine, I advise you to book Da baci’ restaurant.
Make sure you add Apricale to your itinerary because it is one of the most beautiful towns in Liguria.
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 Italian and 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 between the locals, but certainly between foreign travelers.
You can also explore the city by joining one of the tours:
—> Private full day walking in the romantic Camogli
—> Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Camogli
—> Camogli: Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park
Portofino
Portofino is a place that you simply must add to your Italian Riviera itinerary. It’s where elegance meets glamour with a pinch of Italian charm.
Here you will find fancy restaurants, high-designer shops, and luxury hotels. Considering how small is Portofino, it has a lot to offer. You certainly don’t need to stay here for a week, but you certainly can’t miss it either.
I suggest you start your visit with Chiesa del Divo Martino, see the main square, walk the marina bay, and indulge in the charm of Portofino. Later go up to Chiesa di San Giorgio for some postcard views. I highly suggest visiting Castello Brown and arriving at Faro di Portofino – the walk is easy and quick.
Once you are done, you can have lunch in I Gemelli (da I Gemelli) right in front of the marina and try Gnocchi Alla Portofino. Or just head for a swim in Baia Cannone. Or both!
There is a public boat from Santa Margherita Ligure that offers wonderful views of Portofino from the water once you arrive.
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
Portovenere
Portovenere is actually the sixth town of Cinque Terre. It is similar to the rest of Cinque Terre, but it doesn’t have train access. The best way to reach Portovenere is by boat, but it’s available from April until November. This is probably the main reason why Portovenere is not overcrowded and not so many people choose to visit it.
If you choose to come by boat, the views are absolutely breathtaking and that’s where you fall in love with Portovenere.
You should visit the Church of San Pietro and Doria Castle. Walk to the end of Via Capellini or down from San Pietro church. There’s a lookout in an ancient stone wall where you can survey the scene above the typical Ligurian bay. Portovenere offers many hiking trails – just like Cinque Terre.
Get your hiking tour in PortovenereWhat I’m trying to say is… If you love Cinque Terre, but don’t like big crowds, Portovenere is your must-visit! And it is one of the most beautiful towns in Liguria, so why not?
Rapallo
Rapallo is another town on the Italian Riviera coastline. So maybe you are thinking if Rapallo is worth visiting? The answer is yes and here is why.
First of all, it has a unique castle right on the promenade. You don’t even need to visit Rapallo Castle because the views from the coastline are unique and worth seeing.
Behind the promenade, you will find many locals shops. Small designers, souvenirs, some delicacies, and many gelaterias.
If you like the heights, there is a cable car that offers unforgettable views over Rapallo.
You don’t need to plan an entire day in Rapallo, but you certainly need to make a stop here to see the unique castle and more!
San Fruttuoso
San Fruttuoso might be tiny, but it has one of the best beaches in the entire Italian Riviera. On top of that, it’s accessible only by boat or long hike – cars can’t even get close.
The main attraction is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. This place, thanks to the difficulty of access, has maintained all its wild and enchanting charm over the centuries.
But most of the time, people visit San Fruttuoso for the beach and that crystal clear water.
Another gem of San Fruttuoso is II Cristo degli Abissi. It is a bronze statue placed at a depth of 15 meters on the bottom of the bay of San Fruttuoso. If you are familiar with diving, don’t miss this spot.
I highly advise you to combine San Fruttuoso with Camogli and take the boat from there. This would be a perfect itinerary for one day in the Italian Riviera.
Tellaro
Similar to Portovenere, Tellaro is the best-kept secret of Cinque Terre. Once again, it is very similar, but not many tourists know about it. If you read my blog long enough, you know that I have a thing for hidden gems, but the ones that still leave you breathless. Tellaro is one of these places.
In Tellaro you will find a typical maze of colorful streets, green Ligurian window shutters, and tiny boats of fishermen. Come here and get lost, enjoy the wandering around, that’s your only task of the day!
If you are looking for a remote beach in Liguria, visit Fiascherino Beach which is nearby Tellaro.
Lerici
Lerici is famous for its weekly market that happens every Wednesday. The local market brings many Ligurians here and makes it feel like a home away from you. You simply become part of the Italian Riviera and you almost can speak Italian already!
Lerici Castle and the walls offer spectacular views over Lerici, a tiny marina, and a beautiful coastline. But there is a catch! It takes 360 steps to get there! I’m sure that after eating all the pasta and drinking all the wine, you have some calories to burn off, so it won’t be a problem, right?
If you ask me, Lerici is one of the best places in Liguria and an amazing summer destination in Europe where you can find Italian charm and enjoy it the authentic way. Don’t miss out and discover one of the most beautiful towns in Liguria.
Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante is the heart of Liguria and it has one of the best beaches in Liguria. Also, Sestri Levante is quite big compared to the rest of the towns, so you can spend a couple of days here… you won’t get bored.
There is a peninsula surrounded by Silent Bay and the Bay of Fairy Tales that makes this place unique. And it gets particularly beautiful from the top. You can use Salita Mandrella as your final destination and follow the beauty.
Silent Bay is a cute tiny beach that is loved by locals. It is free, so it gets very crowded in summer. Bay of Fairy Tales on the other side is longer, but not as nice if you ask me.
Behind the beach, you will find a very lively old town. My advice for you? Go there to enjoy Italian aperitivo. A couple of hours before dinner time, restaurants offer drinks with cold snacks, so go to order a glass of Spritz and enjoy some local snacks.
Bussana Vecchia
Bussana Vecchia is hands down my favorite hill village and of the most beautiful towns in Liguria. If you are familiar with the South of France, it reminds me of Èze. Just less crowded, more peaceful… simple, but in a good way!
After a devastating earthquake, it became a ghost town. It was renovated by local artists so nowadays it attracts many visitors. It is not as popular as most of the towns on the Italian Riviera, but if you like remote villages, Bussana Vecchia will welcome you with open arms.
It’s basically an open-air museum, so wander around the tiny streets, appreciate the art, and discover the work of local artists – literally everywhere around you.
Imperia
Imperia is a lovely coastal city on the Liguria coast, so beautiful pastel houses are surrounded by electric blue water. More postcard views for you!
Imperia is well known for the cultivation of flowers and olives and is a popular summer destination for visitors. The local Piscina Felice Cascione indoor pool has hosted numerous national and international aquatics events.
Visit Duomo di Oneglia San Giovanni Battista, the gardens of Grock Villa, Olive Museum, and Piazza Dante, and spend some time on the beach!
Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is a place that connects Portofino with the rest of Liguria. In order to arrive in Portofino, you simply must go through Santa. However, most people just use it for transit and that’s a big mistake if you ask me.
This Italian town has a very active nightlife, many beaches, and local shops and I would say it’s a great base if you are planning to visit Liguria, but can’t afford to stay in places like Portofino or Cinque Terre.
This is where you experience il dolce far niente in the real Italian way – coffee for breakfast, some beach for lunch and wine with friends, or aperitivo for dinner.
It is certainly underrated and deserves to be on the list of the most beautiful towns in Liguria.
Sanremo
Sanremo is actually a famous Italian city, but I still decided to include it in this list. You might have heard about Sanremo Music Festival or Casinò di Sanremo. Similar to Cannes in France, Sanremo has been the playground of the rich for years. Curious to see why?
In Sanremo, you will find many impressive churches. Make sure you visit inside even if you are not religious – this actually applies to the rest of Liguria as well. Plan your time for Villa Nobel, Regina Elena Gardens, the famous casino, Passeggiata Imperatrice, the gardens of Villa Ormond, and La Pigna.
If you are visiting in March, don’t miss The Flower Parade (Corso Fiorito) of San Remo. Less famous than Music Festival, but very loved by locals.
Cervo
Cervo reminds me of candy town – especially if you look up from the tiny beach of the town. It’s a typical medieval village on the Italian Riviera. I challenge you to find the best view and take a cute photo for your memory book.
The streets of the town are steep and colorful. Climb all the way up to the church of San Giovanni Battista which stands above Cervo and has a facade that is a good example of the local baroque architecture.
Cervo Castle is the oldest building in the village, so it deserves to be seen at least from the outside.
Dolceacqua
Dolceacqua is a very different town compared to the rest of the list. In fact, I’m not sure you can find something similar in the rest of Italy.
The main attraction is a unique bridge that has been described as the ‘jewel of lightness’. It was built in the 15th century on the ruins of an earlier bridge: the only donkey-backed archway, 33 meters long, gives it elegance and vigor at the same time.
As soon as you cross it, you travel back to the 19th century – if not even earlier. The place was painted by Monet and it looks exactly the same as in his painting.
So visit Dolceacqua and become part of an old painting. Not only it is one of the most beautiful places in Liguria, but it is also a unique place that you won’t find anywhere else.
Further reading for the most beautiful places in Liguria
Or read about other popular regions of Italy
Dolomites | Liguria | Lombardy | Piedmont | Puglia | Sicily | Tuscany | Veneto
Other useful tips for visiting Italy
🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda
💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator have it all
🚗 Considering renting a car in Italy? Use Rentalcars
🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo
In conclusion…
After reading this article, you know the most beautiful towns in Liguria and I bet you are ready to hit the road. Don’t forget to add Genoa to your list as well as it is one of the best cities to visit in Liguria.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
Pin it for later and make sure you save the most beautiful towns in Liguria!
OMG there are so many gorgeous villages and little towns outside of the popular Cinque Terre, I wouldn’t know where to start exploring. Rapallo has a little touch of Sorrento with the colourful umbrellas don’t you think? I would love to see the more historical places such as Bussana and Apricale from your list. Portofino looks straight out of a travel catalogue. Love your collection, thanks for sharing!
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
This photography is incredible
I would love to visit this region. This is so beautiful.
I’ve been to the Cinque Terre but wouldn’t mind going back to Liguria to visit all these beautiful villages and towns! Thank you so much for writing such a helpful guide! 🙂
It’s my pleasure! And glad you are inspired to see more of Liguria 😍
What a wonderful guide, I loved it!
Thank you very much for this amazing list of places to visit, I will save this article for when I will finally visit the beautiful Liguria region.
And that picture with this delicious gnocchi and pasta with pesto..gnam!
Genoa and Liguria is waiting for you ❤️ And I’m sure you will love this region, especially if you love food like I do haha
Wow your photos are amazing! I wish when we traveled that we would have taken better photos but we were so caught up in the moments that we usually forgot or rushed =( at least ill have your photos to remember the experiences!
That’s why you need more than a day trip for Cinque Terre! But thank you so much, glad you liked it ❤️
It looks utterly beautiful and so quaint! Your photographs are stunning and this has now been added to our list so thank you for sharing!
It’s my pleasure to share! Thank you so much 😍
oh my gosh! I just love looking at your photos! absolutely stunning.
Thank you so much ❤️
Wow! I already wanted to visit this area, but now it’s top of my travel list!
Yay! So glad to read this 😍
Wow, had no idea that there are so many amazing towns in that region. I only knew Portofino. And had no idea that CC was born in CT. Hahah Awesome post!
Glad you found something new in this article! Thanks, Aga ❤️
There are so many beautiful towns in this region to choose from! I love the colours and the old world vibe from them. Can’t wait to plan a road trip here!
I’m sure you will love it ❤️
This is one part of Italy that we have not ventured out to. Liguria looks incredible… and quite photogenic! Would love to just wander the streets with a camera… and an appetite of course!
Haha you will need camera and appetite, that’s for sure! And I’m also sure that Liguria won’t let you down when it comes to photos and food❤️
Your photos are absolutely stunning! I love how colorful all the towns are, and that first pic of you in the red dress is 🔥🔥🔥 Great post!
Thank you so much, that’s so sweet of you! ❤️
I LOVE Portofino. It’s such a quiet relaxing place <3
Right?! Same here!
In conclusion… Italy is stunning, the towns of Liguria are gorgeous, and your photos are incredible. I had no idea I wanted to explore this region this much until now.
Haha I agree! And you know, it’s easy to take nice photos in a place like Italy 😍 Hopefully you can do that soon!
Stunning post as always! 😍 Portofino is one of my favourite places I’ve ever visited so I’ll definitely be adding the rest of these to my list, thank you! X
Yay, so happy to read that. I’m sure you will love it! And thank you, Leah ❤️
Love this. I have been planning a trip to cinque Terre for ages but put off by the thoughts of the crowds, now this has given me a whole load of ideas. Love the smaller towns – thank you for the inspiration, now to start planing.
Oh i love this comment! Thanks you! But Cinque Terre still deserves a stop – maybe fall or spring is better time to visit to avoid the crowds 😊
I love your choice of the beautiful towns in Luguria! My favorites are Camogli and Port Fino. All of them seem to have the old houses, stunning scenery, turquoise waters, narrow cobblestone streets and some history. Perfect scene! As usual, your photos have brought out the best of these cities. 🙂
Thank you so much, Jan! You are right, a lot of these places look similar, but I want readers to pick what they like most 😊
I have not visited this area of Italy and it is beautiful. The Mediterranean coast (and the Italian Riviera) has some of the most amazing scenery.
Right?! Italian Riviera is waiting for you haha!
Wow! These towns are all gorgeous and I would love to visit them all! Bussana Vechia looks incredibly lovely!
It’s certainly a different one! Glad you liked these places 😊
Liguria has some gorgeous small towns that I’d love to visit! I’m saving this for later!
Yay, so glad to hear that ❤️
So beautiful. Can’t wait to visit this region and sink into Italian life!
Italy is waiting for you ❤️
Cinque Terre was one of my favorite trips to Italy. You did an incredible job capturing the best of the area. All of your photos I want to pin too! Well done!
Thank you so much, Erin! I hope you can see more of the region one day 😊
Portofino and Tellaro are coming my name!
Yaay! You won’t be disappointed!
They all look spectacular! I love the architecture. I would love to visit Cervo as I also love the candy coloured buildings.
You would love Cervo in this case! Although, entire Ligurian coast is so colorful 😍
Wow, there’s so many beautiful towns to explore in Liguria! I agree with you – Bussana Vecchia might be my favorite 🙂
Sounds like a good start! I hope you can visit one day ❤️
This is such a great post! Cinque Terre gets so much attention (and rightfully so!) but there are so many other beautiful cities in the Liguria region of Italy. Personally, I’d love to visit Portofino – it looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing your lovely photos and these great travel ideas! 🙂
I agree! It certainly deserves a visit, but why not mix it up with something remote and tourist free? Sounds like a good choice, I hope you can visit soon. And thanks, Brittany ❤️
11 years ago I got to spend a couple days in Cinque Terre and had some of the best times! I also had some really interesting chance encounters. Ahhhh the wine was amazing too. Definitely hope I get to get back there someday!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! And seems like you really need to go back!
Stunning photos.. I don;’ know much about this part of Italy and your photos show a beautiful place.
Well, I hope you discovered something new and maybe I inspired you to explore more of Liguria 😊
What beautiful places to visit! How lucky are you to live in the area too. Your photos are extraordinary.
Thank you so much, Michele! I hope you can visit one day ❤️
These all sound so beautiful. I would love to head to Portofino and catch a boat to see Cinque Terre from the water!
Portofino is stunning from the water as well 😍 Sounds like a plan!
These are all gorgeous! I love finding places off the beaten path l like this. Don’t get me wrong, Cinque Terre is beautiful, but now it’s also crowded for people get beautiful pictures, not to embrace the Italian culture. Wonderful post.
I like to mix a bit of both! Cinque Terre certainly deserves a visit, but I would combine it with a small town for some detox afterwards haha! Glad you liked it!
Your photos are amazing, and so are the little towns and villages. I love how they all have something completely unique and different about them, it makes me want to pack and bag and head right to Italy
That’s the spirit, Emma! Italy is waiting for you 😍 And thank you so much for your kind feedback ❤️
Thanks for the insights into all these spectacular towns. The colorful fishing boats in the Camogli harbor are great, and I love the Moorish architecture in Sanremo!
It’s my pleasure to share! And I’m very glad to see that you liked this article. Thanks ❤️
I’m definitely ready to hit the road and start exploring. Everywhere looks so beautiful especially Portofino and Sanremo. I hope I can visit soon, I will save your guide for reference!
Yay! Thank you so much, Lenore! I’m so glad and I hope you can do that soonz
Wow! Your photos are gorgeous and you are exceptionally lucky to live in such a picturesque location. I was not familiar with most of these villages and several of them really intrigued me. I would LOVE to visit Tellaro, Portovenere, Apricale, and Bussana Vecchia.
I’m so glad to hear that you discovered something new! I hope you can visit at least some of these places on the list ❤️
All these places look so amazing! Your photography is beautiful and you have the best fashion sense! 🙂 LOVE YOUR OUTFIT!!!
Oh my, thank you so much, Melissa! ❤️ So kind of you!
Such a beautiful area of Italy! I fell in love with Cinque Terre when I visited, I’d love to visit some of these places you mentioned
I agree, Cinque Terre is certainly stunning and I guess that’s why these places are always left behind. Glad you like it!
I studied abroad in Italy in college and it’s so full of these tiny medieval towns like Camogli, and Apricale!!!! They’re SO gorgeous! my only regret is I’ll never be able to go to them all – your photography in this article is so inspiring, I want to go to Italy right now!
Wow, that sounds amazing! Hope you loved it, Katie! And I know what you mean, one life is simply not enough haha. Thank you so much!
Oh my word your photos are gorgeous! Of course now I want to explore every town in Liguria, especially Dolceacqua. Can’t wait to visit – thanks for your recommendations!
That’s a good start! And I believe you would enjoy other places as well. Thank you so much for your kind feedback!
Oh my goodness. I think my husband and I just need to retire to Italy so we can explore to our hearts’ content. These places are all so charming and inviting.
Haha would be perfect! One life is simply not enough to visit all the beautiful places around Italy 😍
I love your list! One more reason to go back to Liguria and see at least part of the towns from your list. Thanks for sharing and awesome ideas for my future trips!
My pleasure! And glad you discovered something new! 😊
Thank you for introducing me to all the beautiful small towns in Liguria beyond Cinque Terre. Stunning photos and would love to explore every one
Thank you so much! Glad you discovered something new ☺️
My Italian buckling is getting longer and longer i think I just need to move there now lol! Such a good post, these places look INCREDIBLE!
Thank you so much! And you are absolutely right, so many beautiful places in Italy, one life is not enough 😀
Oh wow. What stunning towns!
Right?! 😍
Your photography is beautiful! Every single one of these places has been added straight to my travel bucket list!
Yaay! Thank you so much, Malvika ❤️
Beeeeautiful photos! You can see straight away why this area is so popular with the incredible beaches, pretty houses and fabulous food. I love the look of Apricale on top of the hill, and San Fruttuoso (with no cars) sounds like heaven!!
Thank you so much! And great choice haha… hope you can visit one day soon ❤️
Such beautiful photos! I’ve only been to Florence and Rome. I hope to explore all of Italy, especially Portofino. Italy is one of my favorite countries. I love the art, the architecture the food…. <3
I can understand why, Italy is wonderful! Hope you can come back and explore more ❤️
WOW. Can’t decide which is more beautiful – Liguria or the outfit you’re wearing in the photos! This post is just stunningly gorgeous.
Aww thank you so much! But Liguria certainly wins haha ❤️
Those photographs take my breath away! Oh how I wish that I was able to be in Italy now. It’s simply gorgeous.
Thank you so much! Hopefully soon❤️
I have never heard about this specific town before, but I absolutely love the mix of architectural types. There is such a mix of old and new, and it has its own unique look as well. I would definitely love to visit a place like this after learning about it. Exceptional photography as well!
Glad to see you discovered something new! And liked it ❤️ Thank you so much!
Finalmente una bella guids sulla Liguria! Mi hai fattl venire voglia di riscoprirla in tutti i suoi tesori! Complimenti
Grazie mille, Rita! Sei gentilissima ❤️
Your photography is amazing! Such vivid and beautiful colors!
Thank you so much, Glenda!
So finally I see a beautiful and complete guide of Liguria! These are the most beautiful town s you can find in my lovely Liguria 🥰 still waiting for an article of Genova though 😌
It took me a while, I agree… but only because I wanted to make it very complete. Genoa coming soon!