Late summer on the Italian Riviera brings warm days, quieter towns, and fewer crowds. You can enjoy the coast’s highlights without the peak season rush—honestly, it’s a relief. This is your moment to really soak in the Riviera’s landscapes, food, and culture at a pace that feels human.
Here’s a guide to trails, villages, food, and events that shape life here. Each section leans into practical ways to connect with the region—walking paths, seaside towns, food traditions, and cultural spots you might otherwise miss.
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1) Hike the Cinque Terre coastline trails
The Cinque Terre coastline has marked paths linking its five famous villages. The Blue Trail, about 12 kilometers, stretches from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. Most folks don’t walk the whole thing—one or two sections usually do the trick.
These paths give you steady views: terraced vineyards, fishing harbors, the endless Ligurian Sea. Some climbs are steep, especially between Corniglia and Vernazza, so you’ll want sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
For fewer people, check out the hillside routes above the towns. They take longer, but you’ll get wide-open views and a quieter vibe. Here’s a handy Cinque Terre coastal trail guide if you’re weighing your options.
Train stations in every village let you start or stop wherever you like. That flexibility is a lifesaver if it gets too hot or you want to save energy for exploring the towns.
2) Explore colorful streets of Santa Margherita Ligure
Start at the waterfront—fishing boats in the harbor, ferries heading toward Portofino. The promenade gives you a big view of the Gulf of Tigullio, and cafés line the way for a quick espresso.
Wander inland and you’ll find narrow lanes, pastel buildings, and small shops. Most roads lead to Piazza Caprera, the main square where locals actually hang out. It’s a good spot to sit for coffee and just watch the world go by.
Walking is easy here, though a few gentle hills sneak up on you. Old churches hide between new storefronts, a reminder that this place has been evolving for centuries.
If you’re into photography, the layered ochre, pink, and cream facades are a dream. Check out this walking tour video for a preview of the vibe.
Shops focus on local stuff—bakeries with focaccia, family-run clothing stores, tiny art galleries. It feels refreshingly low-key compared to Portofino, and prices are usually better too.
More ideas? Here’s a list of things to do in Santa Margherita Ligure.
3) Visit Aquarium of Genoa
The Aquarium of Genoa stands as Italy’s largest—actually, one of Europe’s biggest. Renzo Piano designed it back in 1992, and it’s right in the Old Port, so you can easily fit in a waterfront stroll.
Inside, you’ll see about 12,000 animals from 400 species—sharks, dolphins, seals, penguins, the whole crew. The layout lets you get close to marine life without feeling rushed, though weekends can get crowded. Families like it since you can push a stroller around without hassle.
There’s also the Biosphere and the Bigo panoramic lift nearby, so you can make a day of it. Tickets aren’t cheap, especially for groups, so it’s smart to check the official site and book ahead.
Late summer still draws plenty of tourists. If you want a quieter visit, show up first thing in the morning or stick to weekdays.
4) Enjoy Ligurian cuisine tasting
Liguria’s food is simple and honest—olive oil, basil, seafood, nothing overdone. Eating these dishes where they were born just hits different.
In Genoa, you can join a guided food and wine tour to sample focaccia, farinata, and local wines. These usually last a couple hours and the guides know their stuff. Here’s one: Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour.
If you want to get your hands dirty, cooking classes in Genoa or Vernazza let you make pasta or pesto from scratch. You’ll eat what you make, which is always a win. Italian Riviera food and drink tours lists a bunch of options.
Don’t skip the small trattorias. Trofie al pesto, stuffed veggies, anchovies—they’re simple, but the freshness of the produce really stands out.
5) Take a private boat ride to Portofino
Portofino looks its best from the water. A private boat gives you control—cruise slow, stop to swim, or just drift along the Ligurian coast.
Several local operators run half-day and full-day tours. With private boat tours from Portofino, you pick the boat and the plan. No boating experience? Most trips include a skipper.
Want it more personal? Gabri’s Boat Portofino does small-group trips, usually up to six people, with stops for swimming or an aperitivo at sea. Perfect for couples or families.
It’s pricier than a group cruise, but you get privacy, flexible timing, and access to quiet coves.
Portofino’s harbor gets busy in late summer, so book ahead. Mornings are typically calmer and less crowded.
6) Walk around historic Boccadasse village
Boccadasse sits just a short bus ride or a 30-minute stroll from central Genoa along Corso Italia. The village hugs a small pebble beach, and its faded pinks, yellows, and greens feel like a watercolor. Early mornings are especially peaceful.
Wander the narrow alleys climbing the hillside for views over the sea and rooftops. From Via Scalinata, you can head toward Cape Santa Chiara and spot the Türcke Castle by Gino Coppedè.
The beach is tiny and gets packed on weekends. For a quieter scene, aim for a weekday or late evening. The waterfront has gelato stands and bars where you can relax with a coffee and watch the fishing boats.
Boccadasse is free to visit and often pops up in lists of the best things to do in Genoa. It’s still a working fishing village, not a tourist trap, and that’s half the charm.
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7) Relax on Monterosso al Mare beach
Monterosso al Mare has the widest sandy beach in Cinque Terre. Unlike the rocky spots in the other villages, here you can actually stretch out and settle in for a real beach day.
Fegina Beach is the main stretch, with umbrellas and chairs for rent if you want them. There are public sections too, but they fill up fast in late summer—show up early for a good spot.
The water’s usually calm, so swimming is easy. Families like it for that reason. You’ll spot the famous rock formation near the shoreline—a classic photo op.
Food and drinks are close by in the newer part of town. Grab a snack at a café or try some fresh seafood at a trattoria. You could honestly spend the whole day here and not need to leave the beach.
If you want more ideas, check out 10 fun things to do in Monterosso al Mare or browse top attractions in Monterosso al Mare.
8) Join a Genoa food and wine tasting tour
Explore Genoa’s old center while tasting local wines and dishes. Most tours mix short walks through the historic streets with stops for focaccia, pesto, and seafood. It’s a way to experience the city that goes beyond just sightseeing.
Some tours lean into wine—you might join a food and wine tasting walking tour or a guided food tour with wine tastings. These are good for trying Ligurian wines you probably won’t find back home.
Tours usually run two to four hours. Some take you to artisan shops and markets, while others focus on sit-down tastings. If you want a slower pace, look for ones that mix in local stories and history.
Just a heads-up: the old town’s streets can be uneven, so wear comfy shoes. Group sizes vary, so check if you want something more private.
9) Discover medieval castles along the coast
The Ligurian coastline hides several medieval castles, each with its own story. These fortresses once guarded against pirates and rivals, so you’ll get sweeping sea views from most.
In Genoa, you’ll see old fortifications that protected trade routes. Eastward, towns like Lerici and Portovenere have coastal castles—stone walls right up against the sea.
Some castles are in great shape, others are half-ruins. It’s interesting to see the differences in architecture and how time’s treated them. Expect some uphill walks or narrow stairs, so plan your shoes and timing.
Want a preview? Here’s a guide to the best Italian Riviera castles to visit. You’ll find both famous landmarks and lesser-known gems.
Visiting these castles adds a layer to the Riviera that goes beyond beaches and ports—there’s something about those quiet, historic corners that sticks with you.
10) Trek natural park trails near Portofino
Head out into the Portofino Regional Natural Park, a protected area first set aside in 1935, now crisscrossed by more than 70 km of marked trails. Some of them trace old stone routes locals once used to reach tiny churches and hilltop villages. You’ll find options for both quick strolls and longer treks—pick whatever fits your mood or energy level that day.
The landscape shifts fast: one moment you’re under the cool shade of oaks, then suddenly you’re walking through olive groves or along steep cliffs above the sea. Trails go up and down a lot, so if you’re not used to uneven ground, it can feel a bit challenging. Most aren’t extreme, but good shoes and steady footing are a must.
Hiking here lets you catch glimpses of the Ligurian coastline and little fishing towns like Camogli and Santa Margherita. On a clear day, you might spot all the way across the Gulf of Tigullio. Some paths hug the coast, while others head inland—handy if you want shade when it’s hot out.
Want more details or a map? Check out guides like Portofino Park trails or Portofino Trek itineraries. They’ll help you pick something that matches your schedule and fitness.
Essential Travel Tips for the Italian Riviera
You’ll get more out of your visit if you prep for the coastal weather, know how to hop between towns, and keep a few local customs in mind. Little tweaks in what you pack or how you get around can make things smoother—and honestly, just more fun.
Weather and What to Pack
Late summer here is warm, with daytime highs usually around 25–28°C (77–82°F). Nights cool off to about 18–20°C (64–68°F). It’s humid, especially by the water, and you might run into a quick rain shower.
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Pack light cotton clothes for the day and toss in a light jacket or sweater for evenings. You’ll want comfortable walking shoes—towns like Cinque Terre have steep lanes and old, bumpy stone paths.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for the beach. A small umbrella or light rain jacket helps if the weather turns. If you plan a nice dinner out, one smart-casual outfit covers you, since dress codes are stricter than at beach cafés.
A daypack makes it easy to carry water, snacks, and maybe a camera when you’re hiking or on a boat. Keep your luggage manageable—trains and ferries often mean stairs or tight spaces.
Local Transportation Options
Public transport is your friend. The regional train line runs along the coast, connecting Genoa, Cinque Terre, and La Spezia. Trains are usually on time and the quickest way to town-hop.
For shorter trips, ferries give you a scenic view of the coast. They run often in summer—unless the sea gets rough, so always double-check the schedule.
Buses reach inland villages, but service drops off in the evening. If you rent a car, be ready for narrow roads, tricky parking, and slow traffic near busy spots. Honestly, driving only makes sense if you’re heading somewhere really out of the way.
Walking’s the best way to see historic centers. Most towns limit cars, and pedestrian zones make it easy to wander between shops, markets, and the waterfront.
Cultural Etiquette and Customs
Locals appreciate a polite greeting. Pop into a shop or café and say “buongiorno” (good morning) or “buonasera” (good evening). A simple “grazie” (thank you) goes a surprisingly long way.
Meals run later than you might expect. Lunch kicks off around 1 pm, dinner after 8 pm. Restaurants often close between lunch and dinner, so plan for snacks if you get hungry.
When visiting churches, dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees, and skip beachwear. Even outside churches, folks appreciate if you wear more than just a swimsuit in town.
Tipping isn’t really expected—service charges are usually built in. If you had great service, leaving a bit of change is a nice gesture, but not required. Try to keep quiet in residential areas after 11 pm; locals value their rest.
Seasonal Events and Local Experiences
Late summer on the Ligurian coast is a sweet spot—festivals are winding down, but you still catch plenty of local flavor and the crowds aren’t as wild as in August.
Noteworthy Festivals This Week
Early September sometimes lands right on the tail end of summer celebrations in small towns. In Camogli, you might stumble onto a religious procession for the town’s patron saint—think church rituals mixed with local music. These aren’t big, flashy events, but they do give you a real window into local life.
La Spezia sometimes hosts open-air concerts into September. Performances happen in piazzas, so you can sit outside with locals instead of being stuck in a formal venue. Schedules can shift if the weather turns, so keep an eye out.
Markets are still lively in Rapallo and Chiavari. Weekly stalls sell fresh produce, crafts, and local olive oil. Wandering these markets is a laid-back way to meet residents and pick up something genuinely Ligurian.
Regional Food and Wine Highlights
September means grape harvest time around Liguria. Vineyards near Dolceacqua and Rossese di Dolceacqua villages start picking, and you can often join a tasting—sometimes with both young and aged wines.
Seafood’s still at the heart of the menu. Anchovies from Monterosso are at their best now, usually served marinated with lemon or fried. Restaurants in Cinque Terre keep things simple and traditional.
For something filling and affordable, try farinata—a chickpea flatbread baked in wood ovens. You’ll find it in bakeries from Genoa to Savona. Grab a slice and a glass of local white wine for a quick, honest taste of Liguria.
Insider Advice for Avoiding Crowds
Tourist numbers start to dip after August, but spots like Vernazza and Portofino still pull in plenty of day-trippers. If you want a quieter stroll, try heading out early in the morning or after 5 p.m.—the streets usually calm down by then.
Trains connecting the Cinque Terre villages get packed around midday. I’d suggest grabbing your tickets ahead of time and, if you can, hop on at smaller stations like Corniglia. That little trick can shave off some waiting.
Craving a bit more breathing room? Wander inland. Hill towns such as Dolceaqua or Apricale serve up medieval streets and seriously good local food, all with way fewer crowds. It’s a nice way to split your time between the coast and the peaceful interior.
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About the Italian Riviera
Cinque Terre Travel Guide
Cuisine of the Italian Riviera
Genoa Travel Guide
Italian Riviera Landmarks
Riviera di Levante Travel Guide
Riviera di Ponente Travel Guide
