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Genoa / Riviera or Lucca?

Posted by (Massachusetts, USA) on

Hi all,
My wife and I have booked several nights in Cinque Terre in July, and we'll be flying to Italy from Barcelona. We are deciding on what to do for a day trip on our way to CT -- we could either land in Florence and take the train to Lucca to spend a few hours there, and the on to CT, or land in Genoa and spend the afternoon in Genoa or a Riviera town on the way to CT. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

*And please, no discouragement about visiting Cinque Terre in July -- we have already booked this, so that aspect is not going to change. Thanks :-)

Posted by
893 posts

I haven't been to Genoa, so can't address that. We spent 3 nights in Lucca and enjoyed that. We stayed inside the wall and walked everywhere. This was on a RS tour and the only time in those days that we needed transportation was when the guide took us out in the countryside to a vineyard/wine tasting.
Had some great food in Lucca and enjoyed riding bikes along the wall.

Have a Great Trip!

Posted by
16203 posts

Find a flight to Pisa (PSA), which is very close to Lucca.
Pisa has probably more low cost flights from BCN than FLR or GOA.
Vueling is the airline you need no matter which airport.
RyanAir als flies from Barcelona to Italy, but they use the Girona Airport (GRO), which is not very near Barcelona.
Lucca would be my top choice among the ones you mentioned.

Posted by
1274 posts

Hi. Fly to Florence or Pisa. Check rail schedules from either of those to Lucca and CT to help you plan your time. ...and we have been to CT in July several times and thoroughly enjoyed it - don't let the naysayers concern you - just embrace / plan around the crowds. Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
12037 posts

I have not been to Genoa, but have been to Lucca, and can easily recommend it for your circumstance.

CT is the 'Italian Riviera', so going to some "other Riviera town" seems unnecessary or redundant.

Posted by
32398 posts

My suggestion would be Lucca. It's a smaller city than Genova and a few hours there would be perfect. I can't remember if there's luggage storage in the station?

Which if the five C.T. towns are you staying in?

Posted by
10 posts

Thank you all for your great feedback. This is super helpful!

Bob, any tips for adapting with the crowds?

Ken -- we are staying in Vernazza.

Posted by
396 posts

I love Lucca. I would recommend more that a day trip but, you can still walk/bike the ramparts, shop, climb the tower, and get some good food on your way to CT.

Posted by
1245 posts

Lucca is wonderful. Completely different from Cinque Terre. I would go there. I have only been to Genoa, to the airport, but wasn't that impressed.

Posted by
114 posts

Genoa was a nice city but I LOVE Camogli which was a 30 minute or so train ride. Beautiful sea view, much quieter than CT. I'd give a solid rec to CT and Lucca, but I'd choose Camogli over Genoa.

Posted by
12037 posts

any tips for adapting with the crowds?

Keep in mind the saying ' we have met the enemy are he( they) is us'---- everyone else there thinks YOU are the problem

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