Genoa is a very important historical port city in northern Italy, the capital of the Liguria region. This city can be best enjoyed with its hidden gems behind cozy alleyways, fresh seafood cuisines, the newly renovated marina, and artistic churches.
The Nordic wind seemed to tell us that summer would be gone soon in a couple of weeks in Denmark. By September, the good chance we still catch the summer breeze is when we go further south. A day after we tied the knot in Aeroskobing, we headed back to Copenhagen. Then, we took a flight back to Switzerland.
The next morning, we found ourselves heading towards the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Then it’s official – we’re definitely heading to Italy!
I’ve always liked Italy.
I visited Florence once and Rome twice. I couldn’t stop thinking about exploring this beautiful country more. We were already looking for our honeymoon destination. I promptly said, “I want to go (back) to Italy.”
I’ve been asked about our honeymoon escapade a few times, with questions like:
How did you get to Cinque Terre? Florence? Or in Venice? What are the best sightseeing (or even, less touristy) spots?
What are the best things to do in Italy? I want to do some wine tasting, which vineyards and wine villages can you recommend?
Which restaurants and accommodations have you been to? Which are these places where I can just relax or be away from it all?
I’ve already shared about the interesting things we did in our honeymoon in Italy. It lasted over two weeks, in a nutshell. This time around, I’ll dig more into details on that exact honeymoon journey.
I’m lucky to visit some of Italy’s most gorgeous towns. There are still a lot of interesting places in this country I haven’t explored yet. In every new town I visit someday, I will be mesmerized again. Italy’s charm never fails to captivate me.
For now, I can share with you our experiences in visiting these lovely Italian towns. We visited Genoa, Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Lucca. Our journey also took us to Tuscany, Florence, Siena, Verona, and Venice.
The Road Trip Starts Here
The deep blue skies were shining. Warm sun rays gave us a fresh start on our first official trip together as Mr & Mrs. The plan on our first day included a 5-hour long drive to reach Genoa. It take a few hours more, depending on how busy it would get at the Italian border.
“Summer ain’t really finished yet. It’s better we drive as early as possible,” hubby confirmed.
I couldn’t disagree more. I was really enjoying the greenery along the Rhone-Alpes. I loved the view of the mountain valleys in the Alps on a bright sunny day. As we were coming close to the highway tunnel though, we started to slow down. Many cars, buses, and trucks were lined up. They all wanted to make it through one of the busiest tunnels in Europe.
Mont Blanc Tunnel is one of the major trans-Alpine highway tunnels in Europe. It links the Swiss Romandy region via Haute-Savoie, France, with Aosta Valley in Italy. Completed in 1965, the tunnel is situated at the northeast of Mont Blanc’s summit with 15 kilometers in length. It then crosses exactly under the summit of the Aiguille du Midi at 2480m beneath the surface. Mont Blanc Tunnel is considered the world’s deepest operational tunnel. This status will change next year when Gotthard Base Tunnel, a railway tunnel through the Swiss Alps, becomes operational.
It took around 30 minutes waiting for our turn to get into the Mont Blanc tunnel. Actually, it would take even longer at times, most especially when the summer holiday begins or comes near to end.
It was worth the wait, anyway. For just 10 minutes driving into the tunnel, we made it quickly to northern Italy.
Then three hours more, we finally made it to Genoa.
Our First Bites of Italy
The famous novelist Paolo Coehlo once spoke in praise about Genoa:
Among the marvels of Italy, you will need to dig a little to find the beauties of Genoa. Nonetheless, it is worth visiting. I remember walking there with a friend, when she suddenly said: “Let’s stop. I can’t stand this orange color!”
We were about to explore the Italian Riviera and the world-famous Cinque Terre. Genoa can actually be a good starting point.
Obviously, this city’s busy port is filled to the brim with yachts, cruises, ferries and cargo ships. Not also far from its center is Boccadesse. It is a small yet picturesque fishing village. It provides a glimpse of these brightly colored terracotta-roofed houses that I likewise saw in Cinque Terre. They beautifully straddle along the Mediterranean coast.
Genoa is a very important historical port city in northern Italy, the capital of the Liguria region. Genoa is oftentimes overshadowed by Italian cities like Rome and Venice as a travel destination. But, it actually has a long history as a rich and powerful trade center. It is apparently also the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus.
Today, Genoa can be best enjoyed by discovering its hidden gems behind cozy alleyways. You can savor fresh seafood cuisines. The newly renovated marina and the artistic churches add to its charm.
The drive from Serravalle is incredibly twisty. The top view of the city from the motorway signaled that we’re finally arriving in the city proper of Genoa.
As soon as we got ourselves settled at the hotel, we decided to stroll around right away before nightfall came.
In Italy’s historic towns like Genoa, it’s typical to see apartments, shops, and restaurants. Churches are often found altogether, if not, some in these narrow streets. Get ready to be amazed in a maze like this!
A few turns in small alleys here and there, we finally ended up in Piazza De Ferrari.
Situated in the heart of Genoa, Piazza de Ferrari is the city’s main square. It is renowned for its fountain. The fountain was restored in recent years, along with a major restyling of the square. At the end of the 19th century, Genoa was the main financial center of Italy. Milan shared this status with Genoa. Many institutions were established in Piazza de Ferrari. These include the stock exchange and the Credito Italiano.
Yet next to the square are also historical palaces and buildings. Once the home of Genoan dukes, the Palace of the Doges is now a museum. It is also a center for cultural events and art exhibitions. The Teatro Carlo Felice is the principal opera house in Genoa. Here is where you can find the equestrian statue of Guiseppe Garibaldi. The headquarters of the Ligurian region is nearby. You will also find the palace of the Ligurian Academy of Fine Arts. The palace of the Duke of Galliera, Raffaele De Ferrari, is here too. He is the person to whom the square is dedicated.
A few streets away from the square, we found the Duomo di Genoa. In front of the cathedral are these cozy coffee shops. From there, we took our first sips of Italian coffee. The Cathedral of Genoa was probably founded in the 5th or 6th century. Later its construction began in the 12th century.
Today the cathedral is dedicated to Saint Lawrence and is the seat of the Archbishop of Genoa.
Genoa is definitely the most fitting city for us to start to enjoy Italy. Especially since we’re going to explore further the region of Liguria the next day.
Practical Info & FAQs
How to get there
YEAR TRAVELED: 2013
From Switzerland, we drove off to Genoa, taking the Mont Blanc tunnel and E612 expressway. Together with quick stopovers and waiting in the tunnel, it took us almost 5 hours to reach Genoa.
We came across this beautiful retro classic Fiat car, and I almost convinced my hubby to trade ours with it. Seriously, a quirky small car like this Fiat fits very well in driving around the narrow cobblestone streets in Italy. But we had come from a distant land. Driving hundreds of kilometers in expressways and mountain valleys with this cutie wouldn’t be a fun ride after all. So for now, ciao bella!
Where to stay & eat
The NH Collection Genova Marina hotel is located in Genoa’s Old Port area. This area was developed by the world-famous architect Renzo Piano. It sits on specially-designed ‘stilts’. It is steps from the impressive Aquarium and Sea Museum. It is only a 10-minute walk from the historic city center. Plus it’s ideally located for the Ponte dei Mille cruise terminal.
What I like about this hotel is its fantastic sea views with a short walking distance to the old town. I enjoyed having a sumptuous breakfast on their al fresco terrace. It had views of yachts and cruise boats from afar. This was my favorite part of our stay there.
We strolled in the old town of Genoa that afternoon. Just in time to take in more carbs, we looked around. We stumbled upon this quaint local restaurant called La Mama. We noticed lots of locals eating in this cozy family restaurant, so we dined in right away. My hubby and I ordered seafood dishes of course, and both were just really good. We’re happy to have our first true Italian dinner just right.
Travel Tips
Start your Genoa adventure by exploring the Old Town (“Centro Storico”), one of Europe’s largest medieval districts—wander its narrow caruggi (alleys) for hidden gems and vibrant street life.
Visit the grand Palazzi dei Rolli, UNESCO-listed Renaissance palaces, many of which are open to the public and showcase Genoa’s rich history.
Take a stroll along the Porto Antico (Old Harbor), where you’ll find the Aquarium of Genoa, waterfront cafés, and panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea.
Sample Genoese specialties such as pesto alla genovese, focaccia, and fresh seafood at local trattorias or bakeries.
Use public elevators and funiculars to easily reach Genoa’s higher neighborhoods for stunning views over the city and coastline.
Set aside time to visit the impressive Cathedral of San Lorenzo and its nearby museums to appreciate Genoa’s artistic and religious heritage.
Carry some cash for small purchases in markets or local shops, as not all places accept cards.
Check opening hours for museums and churches—many close for a midday break or on certain days.
Respect local etiquette by greeting shopkeepers with a “buongiorno” and dressing modestly when visiting religious sites.
Bring a reusable water bottle—public fountains (“fontanelle”) provide clean, drinkable water throughout the city.
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