I’m thinking of spending around 5 days in the Liguria region next April. I would like to use the train instead of renting a car. I’m looking for hotel recommendations, as well as recommendations of places to visit that area reachable by train.
Posted by
Chicago
792 posts
Hi Kathy,
I am surprised no one has commented yet- there are many beautiful choices in Liguria. It is very easy to travel between cities via train. I have stayed in Levanto, Santa Margherita-Ligure, Camogli, and Sestri Levante and loved them all. it’s doable to do day trips to Genoa and Le Cinque Terre from any of these cities.
In SML, I stayed at the Hotel Tiguillio et de Milan. In Sestri, I stayed at hotel due mari. I had good experiences in both. the other cities, I rented an apartment. But in Camogli, I looked longingly at the Hotel Cenobio dei dogi every time i walked by. it is expensive but maybe you could get a good deal in April.
If you are going in early April, consider staying in one of the larger town (like Sestri Levante) just from a point of availability/business hours. There is more open/businesses are open longer after April 15.
If you enjoy hiking, there are great options from all of these towns. It’s my favorite thing to do in that area.
Posted by
21 posts
we stayed for several days outside of Genoa in Albaro/Bocadasse. it was nice, on the water, lots of places to walk and eat. close to train station. I could live there.
Posted by
Northern Rockies, British Columbia, Canada
543 posts
Hi Kathy.
Yes, the train is the best option. It runs frequently, is relatively inexpensive and there’s no problem getting a seat. No need to buy tickets in advance (…no savings). Buy at the station on the day of travel or day before and validate in the machine in the station before boarding.
In February 2023 We were in Genoa for 3 nights at Hotel de Ville. It’s located in part of a stately Palazzo near the famous Genoa Aquarium. It’s clean and well run, and in very good condition. We also stayed in Sestri Levante in an AirBnB rental for 6 nights near the Bascillica.
If you have 5/days (6 nights), I suggest splitting it between 2 bases as we did ; Genoa in the west and another in the east towards Cinque Terre, but not *in” one of 5 villages.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
Hi Kathy,
We stayed at the Hotel Giardino di Albaro in the Albaro district of Genoa. Like pozziracing said, "I could live there." The hotel is very well located in that the bus to downtown Genoa stops in front of the hotel. The buses for Nervi, etc. are a block away. The bus to the train station is a block away in the other direction. The Boccadasse area is a only a walk away along the promenade on Corso Italia. The best gelato in Italy is in Boccadasse. We loved the town of Chiavari--eat at the restaurant called Luchin. You will not be sorry.
Posted by
29 posts
Oh, I am so glad you posted this question. I am considering Liguria for our trip next year, and there is so little to find in the forums! Thanks!