Travel to Genoa

Travel to Genoa

With a fascinating history as a maritime and trading centre, Genoa is home to a delightful blend of world cultures. The port city attracts visitors with its fine architecture and museums, as well as its gorgeous countryside.

Transportation to Genoa

Aeroporto Internazionale di Genova Cristoforo Colombo is six kilometres west of the city centre, near the town of Sestri Ponente. Shuttles into the city are convenient. By car, the autostrada A12 southeast from Genoa links up with the autostrada network for all northern and southern destinations. Rome is a six-hour drive; from Milan, the drive is two hours. From Nice, take the A10.

Genoa has good rail connections to the rest of Italy and is only 1 hour 30 minutes from Milan or three hours from Florence. The overnight ferry from Barcelona takes 18 hours, while the ferry from Palermo in Sicily takes 20 hours.

What to see

The port area is home to an intriguing tangle of medieval alleyways where you can find the glorious 12th century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. The Renaissance chapel of St John the Baptist is inside this.Home to some fascinating relics of Christian antiquity, the Museo del Tesoro is an exciting place to visit. Here, you can see a lock of hair from the Virgin Mary, a glass vessel from the Last Supper, and a piece of Jesus's cross.

Also of interest, is the twin-towered Gothic stone gate of the 12th century Porta Soprana, located north of Piazza Sarzano. By the harbour, the Ponte dei Mille and the restored 16th century Lanterna lighthouse are worth seeing.

Day trips

Outside of Genoa, a visit to the hinterland offers some stunning scenery and sights, including the medieval hill-fortresses and villages of Casella, Torriglia, Montebruno, Fontanigorda, Rezzoglio, Madonna della Guardia, Ronco Scrivia, and Castello della Pietra. Alternatively, for those who enjoy hiking, there are plenty of trails into the mountains of the Parco Naturale dellAntola.

To the northwest of Genoa is one of Italys most opulent cities, Turin. Most famous for the Shroud of Turin, housed in the Duomo, this city is also known as the home of Fiat. Museo Egizio, contains an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts; while the Galleria Sabauda is a spectacular art museum. La Spezia, 100kms from Genoa, features a great natural harbour and is encased by hills with ancient Genoese castles.

Activities and leisure

Graced with a plethora of lovely accommodation, Genoa also has fine restaurants and charming cafs. The nightlife here is varied and exciting, offering something for everyone. Nervi and Pegli have lush parks and peaceful promenades, offering blissful escapes from the bustle of the city.

Safety issues

When travelling to an unfamiliar city, be alert for potential hazards and pickpockets. Holidaymakers are more susceptible to theft or loss of personal effects. Language barriers and strange routines can also result in problems with travel arrangements. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you or your family while visiting Genoa.