Liguria

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About Liguria

The Cote d'Azur gets all the hype, but just across the border in Italy is Liguria, a region with the same dramatic cascade of alps tumbling directly into a crenelated Mediterranean coastline. Amazingly, the region is well known for its locally farmed cuisine, despite the almost total lack of flat land, and it is the home of both focaccia and pesto. The capital, Genoa, is an historic Mediterranean maritime powerhouse, and Liguria’s best known town is probably glamorous Portofino, followed by the charming pedestrianised villages of the Cinque Terre. But these are just the names you’ll recognise quickly, Liguria has a string of unfamiliar place names along its gorgeous stretch of coastline, and these are the places our Gurus want to introduce you to, via their recommendations for the best places to stay in Liguria. This large region has plenty of choice when it comes to the type of accommodation available, but our favourites include converted palazzos and townhouses in Genoa and Sestri Levante, elegant grand hotels in Portofino, beach hotels in Rapallo and La Spezia.

The mountainous landscape of Liguria influences so many things about this region. Whether you’re walking the cliffs of the Cinque Terre, between its five villages, or exploring the tiny medieval fortified towns behind them, or even just being rained on in Genoa.

Spreading out from Genoa in both directions are dozens of sandy, and/or pebbly beaches, some of which have little resorts or fishing towns behind them. Driving between them is a great way to see more of the region than just the highlights. There are some wonderful traditional seaside family hotels on our Gurus’ list of the best places to say in Liguria, the sort of accommodation that really welcome kids, with easy to please menus, spacious family suites, and great facilities. And the fact these little ports and towns are less well known internationally means these are excellent value choices too.

Between Genoa and the French border is the Riviera di Ponente, which translates to 'of the setting sun'. Possibly an apt moniker, as this region feels like a charmingly fading seaside playground, perfect for a family holiday. Leave Genoa and head in the other direction and you’ll be along the Riviera de Levante: 'of the rising sun', and this is the more popular stretch now, where you'll find Portofino, Santa Margherita Liguria, and Camogli, and some of Liguria’s newest resorts.

Don't forget that this region is especially popular during the peak summer season. So if you want to guarantee your room in one of the best places to stay in Liguria during July or August, do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Liguria

For a Special Occasion

The Hotel Splendido is a large and luxurious hotel, prettily perched on a hillside overlooking Portofino Harbour. This is one of the most glamorous spots in the whole of the Mediterranean, and this iconic hotel is very much a part of that. It has something of the look of a grand villa about it, but on a huge scale, but we like it for its arched balconies and colonnades, lush grounds, and incredible sea views. We also appreciate the glamorous bar and choice of three sophisticated restaurants all serving Italian cuisine from different regions, and its impressive spa and health club.
Portofino’s Imperiale Palace Hotel is a large and luxurious pick, grand and opulent, overlooking its own palm trees and views of Santa Margherita Harbour. Its 89 rooms and suites offer the best of traditional Italian luxury: beautifully inlaid parquet flooring, frescoes on the ceiling, chandeliers, beautiful antiques and huge French doors to appreciate the incredible views. The Imperiale has the facilities of a five star hotel too, a gym, luxury spa and elegant restaurant, pool and sun terraces, and a glamorous bar. But it’s family friendly too.

For Spectacular Views

With bags of old fashioned charm, and a stunning location on the cliffs above Monterossa, the Hotel Porto Roca is a trick the Portofino set are clearly missing. The Mediterranean yachting views are stunning, and idyllic when appreciated from one of the hotel’s private balconies or from a sun lounger by the pool. The restaurant terrace offers that classic combination of white wrought-iron furnishings, bougainvillea, and sea views. The 40 rooms are dressed in traditional Italian style, more tiles and damask than Scandi minimalism, but perfect for the location.
With just 12 rooms, Le Ville Relais is a small hotel, light and airy and simple, and we love it for its spectacular views of La Spezia and the Gulf of the Poets. The view from the infinity pool and terrace is really something. Each of the rooms is individually decorated in a range of soft hues, furnished with antiques and comfortable details. The restaurant serves regional classics and has a well-stocked wine cellar, and there’s a terrace for enjoying sundowners with a view.

For a Beach Break

The Hotel del Lido is like a luxurious, white crab, its pincer arm a jetty of sun loungers reaching out along the sandy green shallows. There are so many waterfront spots in this 12 room hotel that it’s impossible to miss out, and plenty of sand for all too. The rooms are simply decorated, also featuring plenty of white, and the hotel also has a huge hot tub. There’s no restaurant, but there is a snack bar, which your kids will love, and you’re well positioned in Lerici, where the pretty streets have plenty in the way of places to eat and drink.
Our Gurus like that it’s small, stylish and contemporary, but they say the best thing about the Hotel Marina Piccola has to be the view: across to the marina at Manarola and the Cinque Terre. Though that’s saying quite a bit because the 13 modern rooms with their exposed original stonework, carefully chosen furniture and mod cons, are extremely comfortable, the seafood restaurant specialising in Ligurian cuisine is excellent, and the location is ideal for the beach and for the coastal path.
The Hotel Vis a Vis is a charming and spacious choice close to the beach. We like it for the views, the large pool, and terraces over the water. Its 46 rooms and suites are traditionally decorated, with neutral colours complementing wood panelling, and huge windows — most of the rooms and suites have a private balcony too. The restaurant specialises in simple, Italian cuisine, which will work for families. The hotel also has a spa. Perfect for a simple seaside break.

For Romantics

The Grand Hotel Portovenere is a monastery turned hotel, which sits right on the harbour wall at Portovenere. There’s very little of the monastic left in this grand building, except possibly the wonderfully vaulted ceilings in some of the public areas, and the clean lines of the decor in the 56 rooms and suites. It’s definitely not minimalist, though, more stylishly contemporary, with luxurious fabrics and finishes, and lots of light through huge windows of private balconies. The restaurant has a spectacular terrace overlooking the water, and serves innovative cuisine, and there’s a chic bar, and beautiful spa.
Rapallo’s Grand Hotel Bristol is large, elegant, and perfectly positioned overlooking the Portofino Promontory and the Ligurian Riviera. We rate it for its huge French windows and private sea-view balconies, and its terrace restaurant and chic bar. Its 83 rooms and suites are decorated with clean lines and a seaside colour palette, and the atmosphere is stylishly comfortable and welcoming. The impressive spa has an indoor pool, as well as a hammam, sauna, icefall, and hydromassage pool, and there’s an outdoor pool too.
The Hotel Piccolo, In Portofino, is a 22 room villa conversion, surrounded by lush greenery and views of the coastline. Some of the villa’s period features have been retained, but the rooms are very contemporary, with clean, straight lines, minimalist details and a monochrome colour palette. Breakfast is served on the terrace, and the restaurant is known for its seafood and traditional Ligurian cuisine. Romantic and serene.
Eight Hotel Paraggi is nestled into a private bay just along the picturesque coastline from Portofino. Converted from a charming Ligurian villa, the hotel has 13 rooms and suites, the best with near perfect sea views. The decor is stylishly simple and contemporary, making a feature of the views from balconies and huge windows, and some of the bathrooms feature whirlpool tubs. The restaurant and bar spill out onto the sand in front of the hotel, and there’s the opportunity to have private, candle lit suppers on the beach, of fabulous Italian cuisine.

For an Adventure

The Palazzo Vannoni is a beautifully restored historic villa in the elegant old heart of Levanto. There are just 11 rooms and suites, all of a good size, but the family suites are especially spacious, and they’ve all been modernised to a minimalist standard — except for the wonderful original frescoes on some of the walls and ceilings, which have been beautifully restored. Bathrooms are luxurious too. No restaurant but a daily buffet breakfast is offered.

For Families

With its rather grand, traditional, terracotta-coloured facade, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi in Sestri Levante, makes a great first impression, and going inside will only impress more. Expect marble statues, chandeliers, leather sofas, plenty of gilt and rooms on a grand scale. Some of the 105 guest rooms are huge, with impressive frescoes and murals, as well as antiques. Outside are flower gardens and a lovely pool, and the beach is just a short walk away. The Italian bars and restaurant are perfectly romantic too.
Genoa’s Hotel Le Nuvole has been caringy converted from a beautiful Renaissance style townhouse, and now offers 15 elegant rooms, in which the original murals, frescoes and ornate plasterwork have been retained, and stylish contemporary tiles and other details added. The suites and family-sized rooms have mezzanine levels. There’s no restaurant, but there is a charming breakfast room, and you’re close to numerous excellent places to eat and drink, as well as the beach.

For Rural Liguria

Looking more like a converted villa than a converted farmhouse, the Agriturismo Villanova is a rural B&B with nine guest rooms and self-catering apartments, and great family-friendly features. Plenty of farmhouse charm has been retained in the decor, and simple, classical furnishings added, making for a cosy, comfortable atmosphere. As well as the relaxed vibe and space, families may also appreciate the outdoor lagoon pool, lush gardens complete with a playground and tennis courts, and the hearty organic breakfasts. The location is back from the coast, just outside Levanto.

For Hiding Away

The Hotel Suisse Bellevue is idyllically positioned on a hill behind Monterossa, so benefits from views of both the pretty town, the picturesque bay, and the Cinque Terre region. There are just 30 rooms and suites, decorated in a simple manner, the best with private balconies. The hotel has a private beach, gardens and a wonderful sun terrace. There’s no restaurant but breakfast is included.

For Great Value

The Via Chiodo Luxury Rooms is a converted 19th century townhouse in the centre of La Spezia, divided into nine guest rooms and suites. Many of the building’s original features have been retained, and there are a few frescoes dotted amongst the new parquet and wood-panelled walls. Expect lots of white, and white marble too. There’s no restaurant, but there’s a bar on the ground floor, and you’re within a short stroll of a myriad of choices. Perfect for visitors who want to feel more like residents then tourists.
Genoa’s San Giorgio Rooms are a collection of six guest rooms, in a wonderfully historic townhouse. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, with numerous antiques, and plenty of Rococo flair. Expect gilt, original artwork, damask drapes, and black and white tiled floors. Breakfast is served in the ornate dining room, and while there’s no restaurant, guests are surrounded by excellent dining options. Great value, and memorable for all the right reasons.
The Ca' D'Andrean is a traditional hotel in Manarola, and one of our picks for great value accommodation within one of the Cinque Terre towns. Most of the hotel’s ten rooms overlook the Ligurian Sea, and all have pleasantly simple decor, with pale tiled floors and white walls, the best have private balconies too. Outside is a charming garden, with lemons trees and places to sit and enjoy them. There’s no restaurant, but they do serve breakfast.

Best B&Bs

Quarto Piano is a stylish, three room B&B in the heart of Genoa, elegantly decorated with Italian design pieces and a minimalist taste. Our Gurus like it because of the scale, location, welcoming communal spaces, and the roof terrace with a hot tub.

For a private apartment or villa

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

Liguria has plenty of entry points. Road and rail offer a myriad of choices, and by plane there’s Genoa Airport, within Liguria, or nearby you’ll find Pisa International Airport, Florence Airport, and Milan’s Malpensa Airport, Linate Airport and Bergamo Airport.
If you plan to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
Liguria is busiest in the summer. Many visitors, both Italian and international, visit Liguria for its breathtaking coastline, with plans to enjoy its beaches and summery atmosphere. However the region is sunny and pretty almost year round, so there’s plenty of reason to visit out of season if you’re not planning a beach break. November through March are the rainiest months, and places like Genoa and La Spezia get quite a lot of rain. Some businesses close up at different times of year, so it’s a good idea to be more specific about the ’where’ before you make final decisions about the ’when’.

Still not sure where to stay?

Head right for the best places to stay in Genoa, the regional capital
Or you could focus on Liguria’s coastline. Try our recommendations for the best places to stay in Portofino, Sestri Levante, the best places to stay in Rapallo, La Spezia or the other towns of the Cinque Terre region
Alternatively you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

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The best hotels in Liguria

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Via Chiodo Luxury Rooms

La Spezia

Elegant rooms situated in a 19th-century building in central La Spezia, walking distance from the port. The 9 rooms have frescoes and large bathrooms. Will suit those who want to feel like residents, rather than tourists. There is no restaurant but options in the area, including a ground-floor bar.

Local exploring - This will most appeal to those with a car looking to explore the area and return to a well-located and comfortable base
Value chic - Considering the central location and beautifully designed rooms, this is excellent value for money
Sights nearby - Technical Naval Museum, St George's Castle and Amedeo Lia Museum are all walking distance
Sailing

from AU$102 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Benso Rooms