Planning a Ligurian Coast Holiday Guide? This Ligurian Coast Holiday Guide brings together the best places to visit, beaches, food, scenic train journeys and practical travel ideas around Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets. Liguria — the crescent-shaped region that forms Italy's north-western coastline — offers a dramatic mix of clifftop villages, crystal-clear waters, world-class food and some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Europe.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, this guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect Ligurian coast holiday — from the best places to visit and what to eat, to how to get around and where to stay.

Ligurian Coast Holiday Guide: Why Visit Liguria?

This Ligurian Coast Holiday Guide explains why the region is unlike anywhere else in Italy. More Blue Flag beaches than any other Italian region, UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient coastal hiking trails, exceptional seafood and some of the world's most photographed villages — Liguria delivers a complete holiday experience for families, couples and groups alike.

The Ligurian coast divides into two distinct rivieras: the Riviera di Ponente to the west, known for its sandy beaches and elegant resort towns, and the Riviera di Levante to the east, home to Cinque Terre, Portofino and the Gulf of La Spezia — the most dramatic and sought-after stretch of the Italian coast.

Best Places to Visit on the Ligurian Coast

The Riviera di Levante — the eastern stretch of the Ligurian coast closest to Villa Amaranta in La Spezia — is home to the region's most iconic destinations. Here are the unmissable highlights:

Things to Do on the Ligurian Coast

Hike the Coastal Trails

Liguria is a walker's paradise. The famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects all five Cinque Terre villages along the cliffside — one of the most celebrated coastal walks in the world. From La Spezia, you can access the trail directly by train, dropping off at any village to begin your walk.

Explore by Boat

The best way to experience the Ligurian coast is from the sea. Regular ferries run from La Spezia to all five Cinque Terre villages and Portovenere throughout the day. Private boat tours are also available from La Spezia harbour — ideal for groups staying at Villa Amaranta who want to explore hidden coves and sea caves along the coast.

Visit the Markets

La Spezia's Mercato Centrale is one of the finest food markets in northern Italy — stalls piled with fresh Ligurian pesto, focaccia, anchovies, seafood and local produce. The market runs every morning and is just minutes from Villa Amaranta by car.

What to Eat on the Ligurian Coast

Ligurian food is some of the finest in Italy — and much of it was invented right here on this coast. No Ligurian holiday is complete without eating your way through these local specialities:

Pesto Genovese — the world-famous basil sauce was born in Liguria. Made with fresh Genovese basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, Pecorino and Ligurian olive oil, the real thing tastes nothing like anything sold in a jar. Order it on trofie pasta — the traditional Ligurian pairing.

Focaccia Ligure — lighter and oilier than any other Italian focaccia, Ligurian focaccia is eaten at breakfast, lunch and as a snack. The best in La Spezia comes from the old town bakeries, still warm from the oven.

Acciughe di Monterosso — the anchovies from Monterosso al Mare are considered the finest in Italy. Salted and preserved in local tradition, they are eaten on bread, in pasta and straight from the jar.

Farinata — a crispy chickpea flatbread baked in a wood-fired oven, sold by the slice from street stalls across La Spezia and the Cinque Terre villages.

Best Beaches on the Ligurian Coast

The Ligurian coast has more Blue Flag beaches than any other Italian region — from wide sandy bays to secluded rocky coves accessible only by boat or trail. Here are the best beaches near Villa Amaranta in La Spezia:

Monterosso al Mare — the only real sandy beach in Cinque Terre, Monterosso offers beach clubs, sun loungers and clear water. The best beach for families with young children.

Fiascherino and Tellaro — two small, charming beach villages south of La Spezia, beloved by locals and largely unknown to tourists. Clear water, traditional fishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants.

Palmaria Island — reachable by short ferry from Portovenere, Palmaria offers some of the most secluded swimming spots on the entire Ligurian coast.

Lerici — a beautiful bay town east of La Spezia with a medieval castle, sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere. One of the most family-friendly spots on the Ligurian coast.

Where to Stay on the Ligurian Coast

For families and groups, a private villa in Liguria offers by far the best base for a Ligurian coast holiday. Hotels in Cinque Terre are small, expensive and often difficult to access with luggage — and they offer none of the privacy, space or facilities of a dedicated villa rental.

Villa Amaranta in La Spezia is one of the finest villas to rent on the Ligurian coast — offering panoramic sea views, a private pool, six elegant bedrooms and space for up to 12 guests, all within minutes of Cinque Terre, Portovenere and the best of the Ligurian coast.

Getting to the Ligurian Coast

By air — Pisa International Airport is the closest (1 hour from La Spezia by car or train). Genoa Airport is 1.5 hours. Milan Malpensa is 2.5 hours and serves the most international routes.

By train — La Spezia Centrale is well connected to Florence (1.5 hrs), Milan (2.5 hrs), Rome (4 hrs) and the French Riviera. The Cinque Terre Express runs frequently from La Spezia to all five villages.

By car — The A15 motorway connects La Spezia directly to the A1 (Milan–Rome) and A12 (Genoa–Livorno). For full transport details see the What's Nearby page.

Best Time to Visit Liguria

May to September is the best time for a Ligurian coast holiday. The weather is reliably warm, sea temperatures are perfect for swimming and all ferry and boat services are running at full frequency.

June is particularly special — long days, warm but not oppressive heat, and significantly fewer tourists than July and August. The Ligurian landscape is at its most lush and the light in the evenings is exceptional.

September offers the best of both worlds — warm seas, quieter villages and lower prices. Many guests at Villa Amaranta tell us September is their favourite month on the Ligurian coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best base for a Ligurian coast holiday?

La Spezia is the best base — central, well connected and directly accessible to Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Lerici and all of the eastern Ligurian coast. Villa Amaranta is located in La Spezia for exactly this reason.

How do you get around the Ligurian coast?

The most enjoyable way is by ferry — boats run regularly between La Spezia, all five Cinque Terre villages and Portovenere. Trains are also excellent and very frequent. A car is useful for exploring further afield.

Is Liguria good for families?

Yes — Liguria is excellent for families. Cinque Terre, Lerici and the beaches around La Spezia are all family-friendly. A villa rental in Liguria gives families the space, pool and kitchen that make a family holiday truly relaxing.

What is the food like in Liguria?

Ligurian food is outstanding — birthplace of pesto, home of the finest focaccia in Italy and celebrated for its anchovies and fresh seafood. La Spezia has an excellent daily food market just minutes from Villa Amaranta.

Where is Villa Amaranta?

Villa Amaranta is located at Via Guglielmo Marconi 101, La Spezia — minutes from Cinque Terre by ferry and Portovenere by car. Check availability here.

Before travelling, check current regional information, ferry services, beaches and seasonal events through the official Liguria tourism website.