Population: 674,000
Size: 94 Square Miles
Distance: 21.0975 km
Preferred Transport: City Buses, Subway, Lifts, And Funiculars
Perched on the shores of the sparkling Ligurian Sea, the historic city of Genoa beckons with its captivating blend of maritime heritage and cosmopolitan allure. As the proud capital of the Genova provincia and the Liguria regioni, this stunning Mediterranean port city is the focal point of the Italian Riviera.
This should come as no surprise. However, Genoa’s primary industry and technical know-how have always been shipbuilding. Other sectors this beautiful city is renowned for include petroleum, textiles, iron and steel, locomotives, paper, sugar, cement, chemicals, fertilizers, and electrical, railway, and marine equipment.
Genoa is also a significant hub for finance and commerce. Its port surpasses all other Italian ports in terms of passenger and freight traffic, serving as the city’s primary income source. The harbor primarily handles coal, crude oil, grain imports, and exports of cotton and silk textiles, olive oil, and wine.
Genoa: A Historical Overview
Genoa is significant historically as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus in 1451. Embodying the city’s rich maritime heritage, it is also well-known for its diverse architectural styles, including medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic.
Some of its notable historical monuments include the Ducal Palace, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Church of San Matteo, and Palazzo San Giorgio.
The Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso house extensive art collections, while the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art and the Cathedral Treasury showcase medieval artifacts. The Strade Nuove (now Via Garibaldi) and the Palazzi dei Rolli, recognized as the first European example of a unified urban development project, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006.
The University of Genoa, established in 1471, is a prominent center of higher education in northern Italy. The city also boasts several commercial colleges and a school of navigation.
Genoa enjoys excellent transportation links with major cities in Italy, France, and Switzerland through railways and highways.
Its port is a vital outlet for agricultural and industrial products from northern Italy and central Europe. The Cristoforo Colombo International Airport, located 4 miles (6.5 km) west of the city, facilitates domestic and international flights.
2-DAY GENOA TRAVEL PLAN
Day One
Now, you are in the city of Genoa but unsure where to start.
Do not fret! I have something for you. I mean – what better place to start than Genoa’s historical center
Genoa’s Historical Center
Begin your morning by taking a stroll. Sunshine, gelato, and youthful energy – that’s the morning pick-me-up waiting for you on Via XX Settembre! This vibrant street is filled with clothing stores, gelaterias, and a lively atmosphere created by the presence of young people.
Even if you don’t intend to make any purchases, I highly recommend walking down this street to immerse yourself in the energetic ambiance and get a glimpse into the authentic Genovese lifestyle.
Walking along Via XX Settembre, you will reach Piazza de Ferrari, a spacious square with a magnificent fountain. This square is crucial to your visit, as it is the intersection of several important streets in the city.
Pass through the left side of Piazza de Ferrari, and you will come across Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea. Admission is free, so don’t miss the opportunity to enter this church. Afterward, go to the adjacent Palazzo Ducale, the Doge’s Palace.
While I personally only admired the palace from the outside, you can enter and explore any ongoing exhibitions. The regular entrance fee is €12, and you can also visit the exhibitions for just a few extra euros. Check the official website to see what exhibitions are available during your visit.
From the area surrounding the church and palace, head down Via di Porta Soprana. Eventually, you will arrive at Casa di Cristoforo Colombo. The spelling may differ slightly from the English version, but I’m sure you recognize the name.
Despite being commonly associated with Spain, Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa. I stumbled upon this attraction by chance, and as an American who learned about his supposed “discovery” of America in grade school (which, as you may already know, is not entirely accurate), it was fascinating to imagine the upbringing of such a renowned figure.
Next, pass through the grand Porta Soprana, a gate dating back to the 12th century located just a short distance from Casa di Cristoforo Colombo. Beyond this gate, you will discover a tranquil area of Genoa. Although Genoa as a whole is not overly touristy, this particular area is even less frequented by tourists.
Exit this area near Genoa Cathedral on Via San Lorenzo. Like the first church you encountered, the cathedral’s entrance is free. After exploring the cathedral, continue walking along the same street until you reach the Ligurian Sea.
Sunset with a View from Above
Return to the historic center and continue walking until you reach Via Garibaldi. While this stroll is not considered risky, keeping your belongings secured in a hotel between the harbor and Via Garibaldi is advisable.
Via Garibaldi, also known as “la Via Aurea” (Italian for “the Golden Street”), is lined with government buildings, banks, shops, and historic palaces that played a significant role in Genoa’s past as a major European power. One of the most renowned palaces on this street is Palazzo Rossi, which showcases numerous art pieces and charges an entrance fee of €9.
As the day draws to a close, head towards Spianata di Castelletto. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a breathtaking sunset over the water! If climbing stairs seems daunting, you can opt for the elevator for a stipend (priced at €2 each way, but please verify this information).
Alternatively, once you reach the top, you can save that money for a delicious gelato from Antica Gelateria Guarino or a refreshing Sicilian granita from Don Paolo. Grab your treat, locate an empty bench with a preferred view, and soak in the lively atmosphere with locals and tourists enjoying the scenery.
Day Two
Plan a Fantastic Brunch and Make new friends
Before embarking on the central part of your day trip, take a break and enjoy a delicious brunch in central Genoa. I suggest visiting Il Genovese, a restaurant conveniently located just a six-minute walk from the Genova Brignole train station. This restaurant was personally recommended to me, and I highly recommend it to you.
Il Genovese specializes in serving traditional Genovese cuisine and offers a delightful dining experience at reasonable prices. Make sure to visit between 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm to savor their delectable dishes.
Make Beach Plans
After enjoying a delightful lunch, make your way to Genova Brignole. Catch a regional train bound for Nervi or Sestri Levante, ensuring it stops at Nervi. The train ride will only take 15 minutes, so be attentive not to miss your stop. You will arrive at Nervi in the early afternoon, the perfect time for a refreshing swim!
From the train station in Nervi, stroll along the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi, a picturesque walkway offering stunning views. If you head in the opposite direction of the walkway, you will find a small downtown area in Nervi.
If you haven’t had lunch in Genoa and don’t have any packed food, I recommend finding a place to eat here. Once you leave this area, there aren’t many options for proper dining. (The only notable eatery is Osteria del Duca, located at the far end of the walkway, but please note that it opens for dinner at 7:30 pm, based on my experience.)
Continue your walk along the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi while looking for a spot where you would like to swim for a few hours. At the far end of the walkway, you will find a pebble beach called Spiaggia Capolungo.
However, I prefer and recommend choosing one of the flat sections of cliffs along the walk instead. You can alternate between swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying any snacks you brought until you start feeling hungry for something more substantial. That’s when you’ll know it’s time to head to Boccadasse for an aperitivo.
You can also explore: Karapan Sapi Madura!
Aperitivo
To explore Boccadasse, stroll along the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, but this time, continue past the train station until you reach the other end. This will lead you to a charming collection of vibrant buildings by the water.
Nearby, you’ll find the Via Somma Rampa bus stop on Via Guglielmo Oberdan Street. Catch the 15 bus and enjoy a scenic 20-minute ride along the coast. Disembark at Caprera/Orsini in Boccadasse; a short seven-minute walk will bring you to the beach area.
Boccadasse resembles a miniature version of the picturesque Cinque Terre village. If you cannot visit Cinque Terre, I highly recommend stopping here. While there is a beach where you can swim, I suggest swimming in Nervi instead.
In Boccadasse, indulge in an aperitivo while taking in the breathtaking view. The atmosphere here is vibrant in the evenings, attracting a youthful crowd. It truly sets the perfect ambiance.
Have Dinner with a View
Afterward, stroll along the Corso Italia towards central Genoa. This 2-mile (3 km) waterfront promenade offers a leisurely forty-minute walk that I suggest experiencing at sunset. Initially, I anticipated a simple sidewalk next to a busy road.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a spacious, brick-lined promenade designed for walking, jogging, and relaxing. As you near the end of your walk, consider visiting Ristorante Pizzeria Punta Vagno for reasonably-priced pizzas and more. This eatery boasts a charming view of the water, making it an ideal sunset spot!
When you reach the end of Corso Italia, you can catch a bus back to your lodging or continue on foot.
Also See: Five-Country Scandinavian Voyage
Cost of Travel in Genoa
Normally, the daily costs for an individual journey to Genoa range from $71 to $319. These price brackets are determined by the average daily expenditure of $162 (€150) derived from my city trip.
These figures encompass costs for meals, lodging, tourist activities, and transportation within the city.
Heading Out to the Next Destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia
As our time in Genoa ends, we say goodbye to the charming streets, historical sites, and friendly people. With the city’s art, architecture, and culinary delights still fresh, we eagerly turn our attention to our next destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Leaving behind the sunny shores of Genoa, we journeyed to the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Situated on the Mediterranean, you will be no short of attractions. Be prepared to be entertained, from fairy-tale castles and pristine lakes to delightful villages and snow-capped mountains.
Please share your favorite spots in Genoa, and I look forward to seeing your comments.
