What To See In Genoa Italy During Spring

What To See In Genoa Italy During Spring

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Here’s what To See In Genoa Italy During Spring. As spring blooms in Italy, Genoa emerges as more than just a transit hub for those heading to the Ligurian coast’s towns. For me, the city of Genoa was selected on a whim, driven solely by my desire to indulge in Italian cuisine for a few days in any city in Italy. We were close to booking Milan when we noticed direct flights to Genoa from Manchester. With a quick search I saw this was a coastal city that gave me beachy vibes and was close to Portofino. It was a no-brainer, so I booked my flight immediately after.

With the increasing popularity of Cinque Terre in the spring, there are more direct flights to Genoa from Europe starting in April which makes it an accessible gateway to Liguria’s coastal wonders. Most travelers see Genoa as a necessary pit stop where they’ll catch the daily ferries heading to Portofino and Cinque Terre but I would recommend adding a day (or two if you have the time) onto your trip.

What To See In Genoa Italy During Spring Table of Contents


How I Describe Genoa

Genoa, a city brimming with history and character, draws comparisons to Naples for its raw charm but with less of the crowds. It’s the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and the home of pesto. Despite its industrial appearance, Genoa harbors hidden beauty spots like the delightful Spiaggia di Boccadasse, the urban beach in the city. In spring, the city comes alive with more open businesses and fewer tourists than in summer, which is why spring is an ideal time for an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Plan Your Visit

What To See In Genoa Italy During Spring

Flight

Stay

Do

Drive
SkyscannerAgodaGetYourGuideRentalcars.com

Genoa Temperature In Spring

If you’re craving some sunshine after the winter months, Genoa is an ideal destination. However, I recommend bringing a spring jacket, as evening temperatures can still be quite cool.

March Weather59° / 47° Fahrenheit 15°/8° Celsius
April Weather63° / 52° Fahrenheit 17°/10° Celsius
May Weather70° / 59° Fahrenheit 21°/15° Celsius

Genoa & Cinque Terre 4-Day Itinerary

Day-1: Corniglia / Monterosso
Day-2: Monterosso / Vernazza
Day-3: Genoa
Day-4: Genoa

Short & Sweet Genoa Travel Tips

Tack on 1.5-2 days in Genoa before or after visiting Cinque Terre.
A lot of traditional eateries are closed on Sunday in Genoa so check my Genoa Tourist Google Map for updated opening times and if they take reservations.
You can catch daily ferries from Genoa to explore the nearby coastal gems like Portofino and Cinque Terre, staying in seaside towns like Monterosso and La Spezia for a few nights instead of making Genoa your base.

Check accommodation options below:
Portofino Resorts
Monterosso Stays
La Spezia Hotels
Travel to Genoa in spring for more direct Genoa flights from Europe and fewer crowds compared to summer. This makes it an ideal time to explore Cinque Terre as more businesses open for the spring summer season.
If you prefer less crowded destinations, choose Genoa over Naples, although Naples offers more hustle and bustle, catering to different preferences.

Compare Genoa tours & Naples activities to pick your favorite city.

Getting Around Genoa & Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre

To maximize our time on the Ligurian coast as we traveled through Cinque Terre we opted to rent a car using Getrentacar.com . We would recommend a smaller car given the winding roads but aside from that, driving was fairly easy especially when driving a manual car.
Genoa

Navigating Genoa’s public transportation proved to be a smart choice for us, given the complexities of parking regulations and our limited Italian. The narrow streets made finding parking challenging, favoring walking over driving. Unfortunately, our one night with a rental car resulted in a parking fine, reinforcing our decision to return it. We then enjoyed the city through eco-friendly options like trains, walking, and buses. For buses, you simply need to tap your card to pay, making the process convenient and efficient.

10 Genoa Must See In Spring

You just need 2 days to explore this city and these are the spots I recommend ticking off while here as these attractions will provide you with a good taste of the city, its culture. and historical ties which are still present today.

First on the list is the picturesque Boccadasse Beach, one of the few sandy stretches within the city limits. No visit is complete without strolling through Piazza de Ferrari, the iconic heart of the city. Discover the full list with my “Essential Genoa Attractions Quickly” article

Genoa Was Made For Eating

8 Foodie Hotspots In Genoa

Genoa’s food scene is a flavor-packed dream. The guide below spotlights 8 mouthwatering hotspots, from cozy pasta joints to innovative spins on local fare from our visit. Prepare to drool over legendary farinata, focaccia, and more authentic Genovese delights.

7 Genoese Food To Try

PestoBest served with trofie pasta or pasta Alla Genovese
FocacciaEnjoy fresh from a bakery or with a cappuccino for a local breakfast twist
FarinataTraditional savory pie made with water and chickpea flour
Fritto mistoMixed fried fish and squid available from street vendors
Salsa di nociCreamy walnut-based sauce served with pasta
Genovese raguTraditional Genovese-style ragu
Fagottini di stracchinoRecommended as a starter

Unique Genoa Food Experiences

What To See In Genoa Italy During Spring
Genoa Old Town Food Tour
For an unforgettable taste of Genoa’s historic old town, this food tour is a must. I spent most of my time in Genoa exploring and eating my way through the city, and this tour captures that experience perfectly. With a local guide, you’ll dive into the city’s rich culinary scene, enjoying famous focaccia, hidden eateries, and fresh pasta. Paired with local wine, savory farinata, and delicious desserts, this tour highlights the best of Genoa’s cuisine.

Don’t miss out – book your culinary Genoa adventure today!
What To See In Genoa Italy During Spring
Genoese & Italian Food Cooking Class
The highlight of our time in Genoa was undoubtedly Selly’s cooking class. Not only is she a culinary expert, but she’s also an exceptional teacher. Join this hands-on experience to craft three traditional dishes, enjoy unlimited Italian wine, and learn from a former Michelin-star cook. Spend quality time with locals, soak in the good company, and gain cooking skills that are easy to recreate at home, no matter your experience level.

Book this cooking class with a local Michelin-star chef!

Italian Google Map & Guide

Bella Italia: Female Traveler's Picks

Check out this convenient Italy Tourist Google map. It features a comprehensive list of restaurant locations, attractions, and more from my Italian adventures, including what’s featured in this “What To See In Genoa Italy During Spring” travel article.

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Dive deeper into Italy and my escapades as a Latina traveler absorbing the essence of “La Dolce Vita”. These additional articles will share even more secrets for your own trip.


Want to discover where else you can visit in Europe?

See my Travel Guide Section for tips and recommendations for other nearby countries like Switzerland and Spain. Learn how to get there, where to stay, eat and what to do!


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