If you are about to embark on a course of Italian for foreign students at our Genoa school, we have created this guide to show you what you could visit in Liguria during your stay.
This region, an enchanting strip of land, where sea and mountains embrace in a range of pastel shades, with a great deal to offer, especially when it comes to unique experiences in the breathtaking natural landscapes and the enchanting villages waiting to be discovered.
Setting out from the city of Genoa, one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean and one of the largest historic cities in Europe, which, with its charming beauty, will make you fall in love as well as making your study period an unforgettable one.
You can “lose yourself” among the characteristic "caruggi", narrow streets flanked by brightly-coloured houses. In the Renaissance palazzos you will find extraordinary works of art, while the enchanting perfumes from the traditional shops will offer you unique sensory experiences.
You can also start your days with focaccia straight from the oven and a delicious cappuccino, the perfect fuel to get your Italian lessons off to a great start. And why not enjoy the famous "trofie al pesto" in a traditional tavern? You can also make new friends while you sip an aperitif along the sea front.
Do you want to find out more?
Keep reading to find out more about everything you can visit in Liguria while you follow one of our Italian courses in Genoa.
1. Genoa: an ancient city with a modern atmosphere
When you come to our school, you will find yourself in the heart of the city, inside an historic noble palazzo.
It is almost impossible to tell you about everything there is to visit in Genoa, because the city has so much to offer.
The Old Town of Genoa is among the best preserved in the whole of Liguria.
Things not to be missed in the centre include the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Ducal Palace and the Palazzi dei Rolli, magnificent buildings that, between the 16th and 17th centuries, were the residences of Genoa’s nobility.
The Porto Antico is one of the most popular areas of the city, for Genoese and visitors alike.
Inside the port area, as well as enjoying a long walk, you can visit the Aquarium of Genoa, Galata sea museum and the Biosphere, a marvellous steel and glass bubble that contains a whole tropical environment with birds and butterflies.
2. The Cinque Terre: UNESCO World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, the Cinque Terre are an enchanting section of coastline that is famous the world over.
Monterosso, the most popular tourist destination, also has a lovely wide beach. Vernazza is a lovely little town with lots of routes for walking. Riomaggiore and Manarola will charm you with their colourful little houses, set among the mountains. Corniglia, which can be reached along a charming flight of some four hundred steps, offers you breathtaking views.
3. La Riviera dei Fiori: stunning panoramic views, sea, and nature
Explore the wonderful Riviera dei Fiori, a section of the Ligurian coast that you will fall in love with, thanks to its mild climate and breathtaking landscapes.
The natural park extends from Capo Mimosa to Ventimiglia, with wide, sandy beaches and rocky areas, surrounded by the hills inland.
Cervo welcomes you with a little village, nestling on the coastline, and some irresistible beaches.
Bordighera, which has gone from fishing village to sophisticated tourist destination, and Imperia, home to the fair for new Olive Oil in November, as well as a regatta for period sailing ships and yachts in September.
And not forgetting the famous "Battaglia dei Fiori" or flower battle, in Ventimiglia in June.
A pearl of the Riviera dei Fiori is Sanremo with its glorious mix of historic and modern.
Explore La Pigna, where the picturesque town centre and narrow streets and steps leading up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa, which offers unique panoramic views over the whole Riviera di Ponente.
The heart of the modern town, Via Matteotti offers high-end fashion boutiques and jewellery shops, making it a genuine attraction for shopping lovers. At the end of this street, the famous Casino and the Russian Church, show off the elegance of the early 20th century.
Immerse yourself in the 19th-century atmosphere of Sanremo, with a visit to Villa Nobel, home to the Swedish scientist, Alfred Nobel, and the magnificent botanical gardens of Villa Ormond.
4. Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure: beauty and culture
The prestigious destination for international tourism, Portofino, will surprise you. Not just for its sunset aperitifs, natural beauty spots and the glamorous shops, but also for its culture.
You can admire the Church of San Martino and the Church of San Giorgio. You can also discover such historical treasures as the 13th-century Hermitage of Sant'Antonio di Niasca, the 16th-century Castello Brown and the Punta Chiappa Battery.
Nature lovers with enjoy Portofino National Park and the paradise of its protected marine reserve.
Not far away is Santa Margherita Ligure, surrounded by green hills and gardens overlooking the Costa dei Delfini. Explore the gardens along the shore, and the ancient "creuse" leading up to the Capuchin convent and charming Church of San Giacomo di Corte. Don't forget to visit Villa Durazzo, one of the symbols of the city.
5. Grotte di Toirano: the heart of nature and history
Known for their beauty and archaeological value, the Grotte di Toirano are a karstic complex with spectacular cavities, including - open to the public - Grotta della Bàsura and the Grotta di Santa Lucia Inferiore.
In the first, remains of cave bears and prehistoric man have been found.
A tourist route of 1,300 metres allows you to admire the splendid stalactites and stalagmites.
A thrilling experience in the heart of nature and history.
6. Camogli, Abbey of San Fruttuoso and Christ of the Abyss: culture dating back a thousand years
Camogli is a stunning coastal village, famed for its mild climate, which makes it pleasant to visit all year round.
The centre and ancient castle overlooking the city give the town a beautiful romantic atmosphere, steeped in thousand-year-old culture.
San Fruttuoso, on the other hand, can only be reached via sea, which makes it even more special.
The Abbey of the same name is a monastery that has experienced different events from history, from the period of the pirates to that of fishermen, representing the perfect combination of human intervention and nature.
A unique experience is a visit to Christ of the Abyss, located at a depth of 17 metres in the sea, a sculpture placed here to protect the bay and offer unprecedented emotions.
Liguria: one region, endless experiences
The things we have shown you are just some of the locations you can visit in Liguria.
Showing you our area, its traditions and its culture is a priority aim for us at Centro Studi Italiani.
Our mission is not just to offer our students the best language courses for foreigners, but also to bring them experiences.
Only when you experience Italy, breathe in its culture and savour its authentic flavours can you truly learn our language.
That is why we will get you involved in lots of out of school activities and excursions and we will help you to discover our area according to your time and your preferences.
