Why Liguria?
Liguria is the narrow coastal strip in northwest Italy, squeezed between the Alps and the Mediterranean. The region is only 30 to 40 kilometers wide but about 350 kilometers long. The result is a dramatic landscape: mountains dropping almost straight into the sea, terrace gardens, olive groves and colorful villages perched on cliffs. The climate is the mildest in Northern Italy. Even in winter temperatures rarely fall below 10°C, and the season for hikes and coastal days already starts in March.
The coast east of Genoa is the Riviera di Levante, the sunrise coast. This is where Liguria’s most famous places lie: Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo and the Cinque Terre. But the in‑between towns are often the better holiday choice: fewer crowds, lower prices and more authenticity.
Zoagli is central, calm and well connected by train—ideal to explore without stress.
The places of the Riviera di Levante
Sea‑view apartments in Liguria
Liguria’s topography is a plus for holiday apartments: because the slopes are steep, you get an open view of the sea just a few hundred meters above the coast. Many of the best apartments are not on the beach, but in hillside neighborhoods. There you have more space, more peace, often gardens and terraces, and the sea views are more spectacular than right on the shoreline.
Prices vary widely by town and season. In high season (July and August) a solid sea‑view apartment costs about 120 to 250 euros per night. In shoulder season (April to June, September to October) prices are lower while the weather is often just as good. Spring is especially beautiful when the hills are in full bloom.
The most common complaint in Ligurian apartment reviews is parking. Many places have no private spot, and public parking costs 2 to 4 euros per hour in summer. If you arrive by car, ask explicitly about private parking when booking. It makes the trip far more relaxed.
Best time to visit Liguria
The classic beach season runs from June to September, with water temperatures between 22 and 26°C. July and August are very busy and expensive. The best time for a relaxed holiday is spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to mid‑October). Temperatures are a pleasant 18 to 25°C, towns are less crowded and accommodation prices are significantly lower.
For hiking, spring is ideal: trails are still green, the air is clear and wildflowers bloom in the hills. Autumn brings the olive harvest and many local sagre, traditional village festivals with regional specialties.
Getting here from Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Liguria is easy to reach from the German‑speaking region. By car it takes around 7 to 8 hours from Munich, about 5 to 6 hours from Zurich and roughly 13 hours from Hamburg. The nearest airport is Genoa (GOA); Milan Malpensa (MXP) offers more flights. Regional trains run along the coast, so you can skip the car if you stay close to a station.
Take the A96 to Lindau, the toll‑free A14 through Vorarlberg and the Swiss Rhine valley to Chur, then over the San Bernardino pass into Italy. This avoids the Swiss vignette and Austrian tolls. More on getting here
FAQ: Liguria holidays on the Riviera di Levante
Rapallo, Zoagli, Camogli, Sestri Levante and the Cinque Terre are top choices. Zoagli is a quiet base with fast access.
For beach holidays, June to September works best. For mild weather and fewer crowds, April to June and September to October are ideal.
Not necessarily. Many towns are well connected by train, while a car helps for hill villages and flexible inland trips.
Often in hillside areas above the coast, such as Zoagli Sant'Ambrogio, with more peace and wide sea views.