Genoa, an unexpected destination for a springtime between land and sea

At a time when discerning travelers are looking for authenticity and immersive experiences, Genoa is full of wonderful surprises. Far from the traditional itineraries, this port city, the beating heart of Liguria, reveals an unsuspected face. In spring, when the mild Mediterranean light bathes the cobbled streets in a soft glow, it’s the ideal time to explore the most secret corners of the “Superba”.

Genoa’s charm can’t be measured in kilometers, but in steps through the maze of alleyways, in breaths filled with sea spray or the scent of plants. At every turn, there’s a surprise: a piece of history revealed, a glimpse of a breathtaking panorama, a majestic façade or an intimate little square. In the spring of 2024, the city reveals its finest assets to those who know how to get away from the crowds to discover its treasures nestled between sea and mountains.

To follow in the footsteps of the Genoese builders is to follow a remarkable path through history. A network of 16 military forts dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, flanked by imposing walls, form a defensive belt around the old town center. The Trenino di Casella, with its 16 km of footpaths, takes hikers into the heart of this unusual park, between fragrant meadows, maritime pinewoods and flowering broom. From the town, take the Zecca-Righi funicular up to the fortifications of Castellaccio, Sperone and Begato, before reaching the majestic Forte Diamante, set at an altitude of 660 metres, with a sumptuous view over the “Superba”.

Diving into the 40 km long ancient aqueduct means reliving the epic story of water winding its way through Genoa. Fully accessible, this waterway offers a journey through chestnut forests, medieval villages and breathtaking panoramas such as the Rio Veilino bridge. A stop at the monumental Staglieno cemetery, a veritable open-air museum of funerary art, is a must.

Spring also invites you to savor the natural treasures along the coast. Boccadasse, a tiny cove with romantic alleyways, can be discovered from the Corso Italia coastal promenade, a Mecca for Genoese strolling. Further along, Vernazzola unveils a secret beach, ideal for the last rays of the setting sun. The Anita Garibaldi path skirts the patrician villas and their sumptuous botanical gardens, overlooking the sea at Nervi. In addition to this jewel, other historic residences such as Villa Durazzo Pallavicini[https://www.irolli.it/ville-e-giardini/la-villa-durazzo-pallavicini] open their doors onto inner Eden, including groves of camellias in bloom, lakes and waterfalls.

Genoa is also a land of challenges for downhill mountain bikers. Itineraries to the Gorzente lakes, Monte Moro or Forte Ratti alternate vertiginous sensations with breathtaking views between sea and mountain pastures. An ideal escape for city dwellers in search of “vertical” adventures.

Resolutely focused on a gentle, respectful approach, Genoa is reinventing urban tourism. In this propitious season, the city celebrates the beauty of its location between the Mediterranean and the Alpine foothills, inviting visitors to stroll through the incredible variety of its landscapes. A mosaic of a thousand treasures to be strolled through, away from the hustle and bustle, the better to savour every facet.

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