Looking for some epic day trips from Genoa, Italy? I got you. I know, I know, you’re thinking why take a day trip when there’s so much to do in Genoa already? Well, it’s always fun to explore the surrounding areas and step outside of your comfort zone. And why wouldn’t you explore as much as you can in the Italian Riviera? Honestly, if I could stay here for months, I would. There’s literally so much to do and see that it boggles the mind. So, I’m going to help you out with a few suggestions that you can use for your next trip to Genoa.
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Day Trips From Genoa, Italy: Where to Go With One Free Day
If you only have one free day in Genoa, you want to make it count. These day trips from Genoa make it easy to swap city streets for Riviera beaches, colorful fishing towns, and bucket-list coastal views without changing hotels.
Private Tour to Portofino and Santa Margherita from Genoa
If you want to be efficient AF and hit as many towns as you can in one day, then you absolutely need to book this private tour to Portofino and Santa Margherita. This is one of the most ideal day trips from Genoa that you could take.
You’ll be able to experience three picture-perfect Italian villages on the Ligurian Riviera, a less-crowded alternative to Cinque Terre, in just eight hours.
You’ll begin the day at the Genoa cruise port or have the option to get picked up from your hotel. First stop is Portofino, one of the most famous resort towns in Northern Italy. You’ll learn about its history while you tour the main sights. Then, you’ll explore the colorful, classic towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo.
You’ll get to spend two hours in each town so there’s plenty of time for shopping, dining, and photo ops. This day trip will definitely have you saying, “Oh mio Dio”!
PHOTO CREDIT: jannerboy62, Unsplash
Portofino and Santa Margherita Itinerary From Genoa
Portofino (2 Hours)
During this part of the tour, you’ll visit one of the most beautiful towns in the Italian Riviera with your private tour guide.
Santa Margherita Ligure (2 Hours)
Known as “The Pearl of the Tigullio,” Santa Margherita is another incredible town on the Italian Riviera that you’ll get to explore for a couple of hours.
Rapallo (2 Hours)
Arrive in Rapallo and take a walking tour of this lovely town accentuated by colorful houses on the hillside.
Genoa (2 Hours)
The rest of the time, you’ll be traveling back to Genoa. There will also be some time for lunch.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GENOA SOON?
Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!
Popular Tours & Activities in Genoa:
- Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef
- Taste Genoa: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour
- 2-Hour Private Historical Tour in Genoa
Top Places to Stay in Genoa:
You Might Also Like These Global Debauchery Posts:
- One Day in Genoa: Cool and Quirky Things To Do
- The Most Eye-Popping Beaches in Genoa Italy
- The Best Place To Stay in Genoa Italy To Live La Dolce Vita (coming soon!)
Andrea Boat Charter Portofino
Explore Italy by water! Spend a day on a classic boat while you soak up the Italian sun and make stops at Santa Margherita, Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, Camogli, and Rapallo. This is one of the best day trips from Genoa, Italy if you want to squeeze in as much as possible during your stay.
Swim and snorkel, try homemade focaccia, and explore the quintessential Italian sights. You can also select a half-day tour but honestly, the full-day boat charter tour is what you want to get the best experience. Drinks are included as well as snorkeling equipment, WiFi, and water.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Italian Riviera Boat Day Trip Route From Genoa
Portofino (1 Hour)
Dock in the port and take a break for a walking tour of the most famous Italian village in the world. See where many celebrities spent their holidays or snap a selfie in the “piazzetta”.
Camogli (1 Hour)
Dock in the port and explore the fishermen village between the colors of Liguria. Also, you’ll get to try the fresh focaccia… it’s the real deal!
Abbazia di San Fruttuoso (1 Hour)
This is the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. Discover the under water statue of Jesus and have lunch (not included in the rate).
Santa Margherita Ligure (30 Minutes)
Dock and take a walking tour of the relaxing village of Santa Margherita. See the colored houses, decorated churches, trendy clubs, and delicious restaurants.
Rapallo (30 Minutes)
Dock in the port and take a pleasant walking tour of the village of Rapallo. Experience the classic churches, colorful hillside homes, and much more.
Ligurian Sea Day Sailing Trip by Set Sail Tours
If you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants, this is one of the better day trips from Genoa that you can take. This tour is a more intimate experience as you’ll set sail on a private boat for a tour that’s tailored to you.
On this day trip, YOU choose where you want to go and what you want to see. Cool, right? Or, you can leave the itinerary in the hands of the skipper who will show you around the coastline.
Learn about Tigullio Bay and the Ligurian coast, and watch for for dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales! Lunch and stops to swim are also included but you will need to bring your own towel.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Private Sailing Day Trip on the Ligurian Coast
Abbazia di San Fruttuoso (Pass By)
You won’t stop here unless prior arrangements are made before booking. However, you’ll enter the harbor and have the chance to take photos.
Punta Pedale Beach (2 Hours)
This is one of the anchorage locations during the tour where you’ll have lunch, swim, or snorkel. You must bring your own gear if you want to snorkel!
Portofino (Pass By)
You won’t stop here unless prior arrangements are made before booking. However, you’ll enter the harbor and have the chance to take photos.
Moneglia (2 Hours)
This is another location during the tour where you’ll be able to eat, swim, or snorkel.
Cinque Terre Private Day Trip from Genoa, Italy
This is the pinnacle of day trips from Genoa, Italy. Begin your day trip in literal luxury when you meet your driver at your hotel in Genoa or Porto Crociere, and slide into a high-end Mercedes headed to Cinque Terre.
The driver will take you to Monterosso where you will meet your official guide. You’ll visit the hidden places of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore three of the five villages by train.
There will be time to dine and even enjoy a ferry ride. After the day is done, you’ll be brought back to your hotel or the Genoa cruise port. This private luxury day trip is DEFINITELY worth the money.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Cinque Terre Day Trip From Genoa Itinerary and Stops
Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore (1 Hour)
Riomaggiore is the first village of the Cinque Terre and is the Headquarters of the National Park of Cinque Terre. It’s known for its historic character and vineyards. Riomaggiore is actually a farmer’s village with typical cuisine of savory rice cakes and ravioli.
Borgo Storico di Manarola (Pass By)
Manarola is the oldest village here. It’s known for the bright-colored houses on the hillside. Village fairs are important here, especially the Saint Lawrence celebration in August, where you can admire thegalaxy of stars over the sea.
Vernazza (Pass By)
Vernazza is unique because it has no traffic and has remained at its original state. It’s a true fishing village on the Italian Riviera. This is where you’ll enjoy lunch during this tour.
Footpath Monterosso – Vernazza (Pass By)
Monterosso is the largest village and is divided into two distinct parts: the old town and new town. It’s located in the middle of a gulf, where the Aurora tower sits surrounded by medieval ruins.
Genoa Food, Wine Tasting & History Walking Tour
Okay, so this isn’t technically a day trip AWAY from Genoa but it’s definitely an entire day of experiencing the best food and shops the city has to offer. Also, did you know that pesto was created in Genoa?
This guided food walk is an easy way to eat your way through Genoa without falling into tourist traps. You will roam the historic center with a local guide, stopping for classic Ligurian bites like focaccia, farinata, pesto, and fried street food, all paired with local wine.
The tour is small, relaxed, and opinionated in the best way, with stories about Genoaโs port-city past mixed in between tastings. Vegetarian and vegan options are fully baked in, so no one gets stuck watching other people eat.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Genoa Food and Walking Tour Highlights
This walking tour threads through Genoaโs most important historic landmarks, with stops along the way to sample local food and sip Ligurian wine as you explore the cityโs layered past.
La Casa di Colombo (Pass By)
The tour kicks off near the modest birthplace of Christopher Columbus, a reminder that Genoaโs global influence started long before tourism and cruise ships. It is a grounding start that places you right in the cityโs origin story.
Palazzo Ducale (Pass By)
Once the political heart of the Republic of Genoa, Palazzo Ducale represents centuries of power, wealth, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. You will admire it from the outside while hearing how governance and commerce shaped the city.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Pass By)
Genoaโs main cathedral stands out with its striped faรงade and layered history. Passing by gives context to the cityโs religious influence and its role alongside trade and politics.
Palazzo di San Giorgio (Pass By)
This palace once housed one of the worldโs earliest banks, which explains a lot about Genoaโs long financial reach. Its frescoed exterior hints at just how much money flowed through this port city.
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi (Pass By)
A walk along Via Garibaldi is a crash course in Genoese excess, lined with grand palaces built to impress Europeโs elite. It is one of the clearest visual reminders of how rich Genoa once wasโand how proudly it showed it off.
Day Trips From Genoa, Italy: Recap and Next Steps
Genoa is the kind of base that makes you feel like you are cheating at travel: you can sail to Portofino, hop over to Camogli and San Fruttuoso, chase those Cinque Terre views, or stay put and eat your way through the old town on a walking tour.
If you only have limited time, start with my one day in Genoa guide, then use these day trips to stack your itinerary without changing hotels (and if you are still deciding where to sleep, check out the best place to stay in Genoa).
If you are planning to explore beyond Liguria, keep an eye on my tips for driving in Italy and Italy road trip guides, plus my picks for the most beautiful cities in Italy when you are ready to go bigger than a day trip.
