Five remote, Cliffside towns comprise Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Hikers love the ocean views from area’s awe-inspiring, 8-mile Sentiero Azzurro (or Blue Trail).
Genoa
Both Christopher Columbus and architect, Renzo Piano (who modernized the waterfront harbor), were born in this oft-overlooked seaport city, with its spaghetti of streets and alleyways and must-see architecture, museums and churches.
Portofino
This small, picturesque fishing village is lined with pricey boutiques and even pricier hotels. There’s not a whole lot to do, which is precisely the point of a visit. High-season brings hoards of tourists.
San Remo
Liguria’s largest resort town is brimming with stylish wine bars, posh hotels, lush gardens, and glitzy casinos. Once the go-to destination for European royalty, the area’s beaches now draw sun-seekers from northern Europe.
