Liguria, the Italian Riviera, is a sun-soaked coastline where cobalt sea meets terraced olive groves and citrus-scented breezes drift through seaside towns. If you crave vacation rentals that let you wake to the sound of waves, holiday rentals that place you steps from the ferry, or a farm stay where you can roll up your sleeves and share a kitchen with your hosts, Liguria delivers. From the dramatic cliffs of the Cinque Terre to the elegant harbor towns of Portofino and Santa Margherita, this corner of Italy blends glamour with warm hospitality and a communicative, inclusive spirit. Whether you arrive for a long weekend or a slow, week-long escape, Liguria rewards curious travelers with memorable experiences, delicious pesto-fueled meals, and a pace that invites you to linger rather than rush.
Where to stay in Liguria: vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and farm stays
Liguria offers a rich tapestry of accommodation options designed to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. If you’re envisioning sea views and easy access to the coastline, consider vacation rentals Liguria offers along the Riviera di Levante (the eastern coast) and Riviera di Ponente (the western coast). Seaside apartments with private balconies, terraced houses perched above the water, and stylish villas provide flexible stay lengths for families, couples, or groups seeking a social, experience-focused holiday rental experience. For those who want to slow down, farm stay accommodations in Liguria—agrinaturismo or agriturismo experiences—combine rustic charm with farm-fresh meals, olive-oil tastings, and hands-on cooking classes. These farm stay options are perfect for travelers who love an authentic taste of regional life while enjoying modern comforts.
When you search for accommodations in Liguria, look for features that matter most to you: proximity to hiking trails, easy access to ferries for coastal hopping, or a quiet hillside setting with a pool after a day of exploration. Ligurian farm stays often include fresh produce from the garden, welcome aperitifs with locals, and opportunities to learn about traditional Ligurian crafts, such as olive oil production and pesto preparation. The region’s diverse landscape—crystal-clear seas, olive groves, and vineyards on rolling hills—makes it possible to pair beach days with farm-to-table dinners, all within a short drive or a scenic train ride.
- Seafront flats and villas in coastal towns like Lerici, Rapallo, and Sestri Levante—ideal for water activities and sunset strolls.
- Agriturismi tucked away in the inland hills around La Spezia and Chiavari—great for nature walks and farm experiences.
- Historic apartments in Genoa’s UNESCO-listed old town—perfect for culture lovers who also want a comfortable base for day trips.
- Family-friendly farm stays near Portovenere with access to lemon groves and herb gardens.
Destinations to consider for your Liguria trip
Liguria is not a single hideaway but a mosaic of towns and landscapes, each with its own rhythm. Start with the famed Cinque Terre, where five villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—unfold along a rugged coastline. The Sentiero Azzurro hike connects these villages, offering breathtaking viewpoints and postcard-perfect moments. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can base yourself in a nearby town with a day-trip train pass, returning to a cozy vacation rental or a charming agriturismo for a restful evening.
The Ligurian coast also shines in places like Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, where luxury and hospitality blend with fishermen’s traditions. Portofino’s harbor sparkles with yachts, while its surrounding trails reveal hillside villas, hidden coves, and lush nature. For a more intimate coastal experience, consider the towns of Rapallo, Chiavari, and Sestri Levante, each offering a unique flavor—delightful markets, gelato stands, and easy access to boat trips toward nearby islands and coves.
La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets are gateways to the Cinque Terre and the nearby Lerici and San Terenzo, where a salty breeze and a slower tempo invite long lunches on waterfront terraces. Inland, Sarzana, Arcola, and the hills around La Spezia give you a different Liguria: olive groves, vineyards, and stone farmhouses with agriturismo experiences. If you’re drawn to the classic Riviera di Ponente, the long coast from Savona to Sanremo offers sun-drenched beaches, citrus blossoms, and a coastal culture that’s both laid-back and lively, with seasonal markets and outdoor concerts that feel like a spontaneous festival of life.
- Cinque Terre National Park and its five villages, connected by ferry and train for easy day trips.
- Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure for upscale ambiance and scenic hiking trails.
- Rapallo, Chiavari, and Sestri Levante for authentic waterfront towns with markets and beaches.
- La Spezia as a base for exploring the Gulf of Poets and nearby islands and coves.
- Porto Venere, Palmaria Island, and San Fruttuoso for dramatic coastline and hidden beaches.
- Sanremo and the western Ligurian coast for citrus groves, flower markets, and music festivals.
Agriturismo and farm stay experiences in Liguria
For travelers who want to immerse themselves in local life, Liguria’s agriturismo (farm stays) offer a warm welcome and hands-on opportunities. Expect rooms in rustic stone houses, terraces planted with olive trees, and meals featuring products grown or produced on-site. Farm stays in Liguria often pair comfortable accommodations with authentic cooking demonstrations—think fresh basil, pine nut pesto, and handmade pasta—with the chance to chat with hosts about Ligurian traditions and family histories.
Many farm stays are located in the inland hills or along cliff paths where olive groves and vineyards unfold into panoramic sea views. Here, mornings may begin with a view of mist over terraced orchards, followed by a breakfast of locally baked bread, olive oil, and fruit from the garden. In the afternoon, guests can join olive-picking sessions in season, learn to press olives, or participate in a pesto-making workshop that culminates in a shared lunch or dinner—where the conversation is as rich as the flavors on the plate.
Tip for farm stay travelers: choose a destination that offers both a comfortable room and a kitchen to experiment with Ligurian recipes. Look for hosts who highlight sustainable practices, regional wines (like Vermentino or Sciacchetrà at the edges of the region), and a chance to purchase olive oil or honey directly from the source. Whether you’re staying near La Spezia, around Genoa’s hinterlands, or in the vineyards near Chiavari, the farm stay experience in Liguria provides a slower pace, a deeper sense of place, and plenty of opportunities to meet neighbors and fellow travelers.
- Agriturismi with olive groves and herb gardens offering pesto workshops and olive oil tastings.
- Stone farmhouses converted into comfortable guesthouses with views of sunlit terraced slopes.
- Family-run accommodations that invite children and adults to participate in seasonal farming tasks.
Activities and local experiences you can't miss
Liguria serves up a vibrant menu of activities that highlight the region’s natural beauty, culinary traditions, and coastal culture. Start with a coastal hike along the Sentiero Azzurro in the Cinque Terre, where each village presents a new balcony of sea-blue color and a new perspective on the coastline. If you’d rather stay on the water, a boat tour from Monterosso, Riomaggiore, or Portovenere reveals sea caves, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs that beg for a photo at golden hour.
Food and drink are integral to Liguria’s experiences. Join a pesto class in Genova or a market tour in Chiavari to sample fresh seafood, fragrant basil, and citrusy lemons. Genoa, the region’s capital, is a treasure trove of historical palazzi, narrow alleys, and culinary institutions that make a perfect day of exploration before returning to a cozy holiday rental for the night. Coastal markets offer abundant seafood, locally pressed olive oil, and cheeses that showcase Liguria’s pastoral flavors.
Beyond the coast, the inland hills provide hiking, biking, and scenic drives through olive groves and vineyards. A wine-tasting afternoon in the hinterland near Sarzana or in the hills around San Romolo offers a taste of Vermentino, Pigato, and other Ligurian varietals. For families and children, shallow-water beaches, playgrounds, and gentle boat rides are common along the Levante coast, while Sare and Lerici provide beach clubs and calm coves ideal for sunbathing and paddling.
For cultural immersion, time your trip with local festivals and markets. Spring brings fresh produce and flower fairs along the coast; late summer pulses with seafood feasts and live music; autumn offers olive harvest celebrations. Local experiences can also include cooking demonstrations featuring pesto genovese, focaccia, and seafood risottos, as well as hands-on workshops in pasta-making or gelato crafting. No matter how you structure your days, Liguria rewards social travelers who want to explore with others, discover new flavors, and try activities that connect them with locals and fellow visitors alike.
- Guided coastal hikes with panoramic views over the Ligurian Sea.
- Boat trips to Portovenere, Palmaria Island, and the far side of the Cinque Terre coastline.
- Pesto-making classes, olive oil tastings, and seafood dinners with local hosts.
- Sunset strolls through historic towns and lively markets with artisan stalls.
Seasonal planning and practical tips
Liguria shines in multiple seasons. Spring brings cooler days and the scent of citrus and olive blossoms; summer offers long days of sun and sea, with balik-friendly water temperatures along the coast. Autumn can be a quiet, elegant time to visit, with harvests and food festivals that celebrate the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Winter in Liguria remains milder than many continental destinations, making it a pleasant off-season option for travelers seeking quieter towns and affordable vacation rentals or agriturismi without the crowds.
When planning, consider transport as part of your Liguria experience. The local train network along the coast connects most major towns with reliable service, and ferries operate between Cinque Terre villages and other coastal destinations in the high season. For accommodations, booking a coastal apartment or a hillside agriturismo gives you flexibility and a taste of daily life here. If you’re traveling with a group or family, look for larger vacation rentals Liguria offers that come with a kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor spaces for al fresco meals with a view.
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to a great Liguria trip. Many towns provide step-free access to key areas, and the coastal paths can be enjoyed in portions that suit different ability levels. When you book a vacation rental or farm stay, check for wheelchair-friendly routes, elevator access, and accessible bathroom facilities. Local guides and hosts are often happy to tailor itineraries to your needs, whether you want a relaxed coastal day, a museum-and-food-focused itinerary, or a full day of hiking with a moderate climb and rewarding viewpoints.
Plan your Liguria escape with SearchandStay
Ready to start planning your Liguria adventure? Look for vacation rentals Liguria that match your style, or find a holiday rental Liguria that puts you in the heart of a town you love. If you’re seeking farm stay accommodation options with a strong sense of place, explore agriturismi Liguria that connect you with local producers and traditional recipes. For a streamlined planning experience, use SearchandStay to compare options, read guest reviews, and filter by amenities, location, and price. This platform helps you assemble the perfect mix of coast, countryside, and culture so you can focus on making memories rather than researching accommodations.
To start your search, visit searchandstay.com. There you’ll find a curated selection of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and farm stays across Liguria. Whether you’re after a sunlit apartment in a village with a café-lined waterfront or a serene agriturismo perched among olive groves, SearchandStay helps you find the right fit. Reading guest reviews and viewing real-time availability empowers you to book with confidence, so you can plan a Liguria itinerary filled with coastal hikes, seafood dinners, and sunset moments that linger in your memory.
Sample Liguria itinerary ideas
Seasoned travelers know that Liguria rewards planning with flexibility. Here are a few ready-to-adapt ideas that pair accommodations with experiences:
- Cinque Terre day-trip base: Stay in a seaside apartment in Riomaggiore or Manarola, hike a portion of the Sentiero Azzurro, and return to a cozy rental for a sunset aperitivo.
- Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure luxury and laid-back charm: Book a harbor-view vacation rental, take a boat tour to secluded coves, and enjoy a pesto-focused dinner with sea views.
- La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets: Combine a farm stay in the hills with a visit to Lerici and San Terenzo, plus a day trip to Portovenere by boat.
- Genoa food and culture immersion: A city-based apartment near the old town with day trips to nearby markets, palazzi, and pesto tastings; return to a comfortable lodging for evenings of quiet, delicious meals.
Regardless of the route you choose, Liguria invites you to collect small moments—sunlit stairs during a market stroll, a shared plate of pasta al pesto, a chorus of waves against a rocky harbor—as you build a vacation rental or farm stay itinerary that is as dynamic as the coastline itself.
Final notes for a memorable Liguria experience
Liguria is best enjoyed with an open heart and a willingness to share conversations with hosts, locals, and fellow travelers. Arrive with a plan but flexibility in your day, especially for coastal towns where weather and sea conditions can shift plans in one afternoon. Choose accommodations that reflect your style—be it a modern apartment with sea views or a rustic farm stay that invites late-night chats on the terrace. And remember, a great Liguria trip blends active days with relaxed evenings: a stroll along a lighthouse, a market session with a local vendor, and a final plate of trofie al pesto savored under a fading Mediterranean light.

