Small but certainly nice: Liguria might only be the third-smallest Italian province in terms of total area, but its unique location and topography attracts guests from the entire country, even the entire world. Furthermore, the mighty Northern Italian coastal region is home to stunning places and sleeper hits. There are several spots in the Metropolitan City of Genoa and the Province of La Spezia that are part of the private association “I borghi più belli d’Italia” and most definitely deserve a visit.
Metropolitan City of Genoa
Genoa, both a cosmopolitan city and former naval power, gives this region its name. The former site of heavy trade activity is now home to fascinating churches, buildings and palaces, some of which were even declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the former Province of Genoa has even more hidden treasures to offer that most certainly are worth another look or two. The most beautiful places in the Metropolitan City of Genoa are true gems.
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Campo Ligure
Partially situated inside the Nature Park Beigua and bordering the Parco delle Capanne di Marcarolo, Campo Ligure (approx. 2,780 inhabitants) is a place of particular natural beauty. Originally called Campofreddo, it only received its current name in 1884. Gorgeous views and amazing hiking trials aside, you get to look forward to numerous architectural insider tips. The parish church, built in the mid-18th century, and the large oratories are full of frescoes and paintings. There are also some older buildings to discover, such as the imposing Castello di Campo Ligure or the Palazzo Spinola.
Moneglia
A bay between two partially built-up hills is the home of Moneglia (approx. 2,500 inhabitants), situated scenically at the sea. The village was awarded the Blue Flag for the good quality of its beaches, sea water and environment in general. If you prefer staying dry, there’s many a highlight waiting for you in the village. Two fortresses were built during the 12th century to protect Moneglia. Fortezza di Villafranca was heavily damaged during the Second World War and only secured recently. However, the grand Fortezza di Monleone surely is a sight to behold. Don’t miss out on the San Giorgio church, founded by Benedictine monks, with its Gothic polyptychs and the polychrome marble altar.
Province of La Spezia
Our trip now takes us to the Province of La Spezia in eastern Liguria. Several splendid cities aside, it is home to the nature park Cinque Terre, one of the most popular destinations in the entire country. However, we’re now checking out the most beautiful places in the Province of La Spezia, and there’s a whopping seven of them.
Brugnato
This place was founded by monks as an abbey during the 7th century. The Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro, Lorenzo e Colombano was built on the foundations of a basilica from this very early period of Brugnato (approx. 1,300 inhabitants). Hefty pillars and imposing frescoes, such as the particularly precious “Presentazione di Gesù al Tempio”, make the cathedral a must-visit destination. The diocesan museum in the adjacent former episcopal palace grants you further insights into the history and art of this place.
Deiva Marina
Being a popular swimming resort in the valley at the Riviera di Levante, Deiva Marina (approx. 1,300 inhabitants) is surrounded by a short and stunning beach as well as steep forested hills. Two towers were built during the mid-16th century to protect the place from pirates. Unfortunately, the one near the coast collapsed in 1852. Beyond the splendid baroque church Sant’Antonio Abate we heartly recommend visiting the fortress ruins.
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Framura
Less than 600 people live in Framura, a place amidst a jagged bay. Populated as early as the time of the Ligures, several masters left their mark on this charming municipality. Several watchtowers await you, partially of Carolingian and Genoese origin. Experience magnificent nature with numerous imposing deciduous trees in the Botanical Garden of the Monte Serro. In stark contrast, the parish church San Martino is actually based on Roman defensive structures and was likely converted into a charming basilica during the early 12th century.
Montemarcello
Montemarcello (just under 300 inhabitants) is part of the municipality Ameglia, yet was named one of the most beautiful places of Italy by itself. On the one hand, that’s due to its location inside the Nature Park Montemarcello-Magra, and, on the other hand, due to magnificently preserved structures from the 15th and 16th century. Enter the borgo through an old gate and walk on narrow roads. The parish church San Pietro exudes pure fascination due to several triptychs as well as the forecourt where you can fully immerse yourself in the characteristically Ligurian atmosphere.
Tellaro
Tellaro (approx. 1,200 inhabitants), too, is actually part of another municipality (Lerici), yet stands by itself in the private association “I borghi più belli d’Italia.” There used to be a major commercial harbour for Greek, Phoenician and Roman ships in this originally Etruscan populated region. Today, the small fishing village is probably best known for the annual boat race “Palio del Golfo” or its underwater Christmas. A walk through the village with the magnificent castle and the Palazzo Doria is certainly worth your while.
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Varese Ligure
The northernmost municipality of the Province of La Spezia directly borders the Province of Parma in the Emilia Romagna and the Metropolitan City of Genoa. Several medieval roads run through Varese Ligure (approx. 1,800 inhabitants) taking you past rivers, forests and hills to particularly magical spots. Countless churches and two fortresses lead the way through one of the most beautiful places in the Province of La Spezia. Stopping by the historic centre Borgo Rotondo with its decorated facades and former defensive structures is a must. We also recommend sneaking a peek inside the church San Giovanni Battista with a splendid alabaster sculpture of the Madonna with child, and the richly decorated Oratorio dei Santi Antonio e Rocco with its fascinating baroque architecture.
Vernazza
One of the five Cinque Terre villages caps things off. The former fishing village Vernazza (740 inhabitants) is suffering from a heavily shrinking population. More and more apartments are rented out to tourists. That shouldn’t come as a surprise due to the pleasant location on the Cinque Terre hiking trial and the unique view of the mountains and the sea. The panorama alone, however, isn’t the reason why Vernazza is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. There are many more fascinating spots inside this municipality waiting for you, such as the impressive Castello del Doria, built to provide protection against pirates, the scenic parish church Santa Margherita d’Antiochio, and the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Reggio (a steep hour-long hike from Vernazza).
Liguria has an abundance of beautiful spots with unique coastal charm that stand for gorgeous views, wonderful beaches, cool forests, and vast hiking trails. Equally inviting places whisk you away to days long gone. The medieval charm is always palpable in the Province of La Spezia and the Metropolitan City of Genoa, as are memories of the former naval power of this region. Don’t miss out on Liguria’s scenic diversity!