Arriving on the Italian Riviera as early spring settles in, you’ll find the coast open, calm, and easy to explore. One week here, and you might hike cliffside paths, wander through working fishing towns, taste just-caught seafood, and duck into centuries-old churches—sometimes all in a single day.
Here’s a guide for how to spend March 8–14, 2026 on the Italian Riviera, packed with practical ideas you can use right now. From Cinque Terre’s trails to Portofino’s harbors, from quiet Levanto beaches to Genoa’s museums, you’ll find tips to help you shape each day.
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1) Hike the scenic trails of Cinque Terre
Spend a day on the cliffside trails linking the five villages of Cinque Terre. The park keeps over 120 km of marked routes, ranging from short coastal strolls to steeper inland climbs. You’ll find the details on the official Cinque Terre hiking trails page.
Most people go for the Sentiero Azzurro, the Blue Trail, connecting Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. It’s the classic route, and this guide to Cinque Terre National Park trails breaks it down. Some sections need a Cinque Terre Card, so double-check access before you set out.
The paths can be uneven, with stone steps and narrow spots above drop-offs. Good walking shoes really matter, especially if it’s rained. March weather—well, it changes fast, so pack a jacket.
If you like things quieter, take the higher ridge trails above the villages. You’ll climb more but get wider views and fewer people. Trains connect the towns if you want to skip a section or call it a day early.
2) Explore the colorful villages of Portofino
A relaxed day in Portofino starts down by the small harbor. Pastel buildings hug the waterfront, and you’ll see fishing boats next to private yachts. Walk the marina loop first to get your bearings before midday brings the crowds.
Climb up to Castello Brown for a sweeping view over the bay and the Portofino Marine Protected Area. It’s a short but steep walk—maybe 15–20 minutes, with steps. From up there, you’ll see how tiny the village is, pressed between the hills and the sea.
Pop into San Giorgio Church while you’re nearby. The inside is simple, but the terrace outside is a quiet spot for views.
Want more ideas? This list of things to do in Portofino, Italy might help, or check the top-rated Portofino attractions on Tripadvisor for the latest tips.
Prices here run higher than in places like Santa Margherita Ligure. Go early or later in the afternoon for a calmer atmosphere and easier wandering.
3) Take a sunset boat tour along the coast
Seeing the Riviera from the water changes everything. The cliffs shoot straight up, and villages pop into view without roads or tunnels blocking the scene.
Ports like Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino offer short evening cruises in early March if the weather’s on your side. Boats usually leave about an hour before sunset, coming back after dusk—pretty standard, like these sunset boat tour schedules elsewhere.
It’s usually a one- to two-hour ride along the headlands. Captains point out old villas, wild rock shapes, and tiny harbors you’d never reach on foot.
March seas can be cool and a bit choppy. Bring a jacket and check departure times on the day, since wind and tide can change plans.
If you want it quieter, book a small group tour. You’ll get better photo spots and more space as the sun drops behind the hills.
4) Join a pesto cooking class in Portofino
Making real Ligurian pesto in Portofino? That’s a memory. Small groups run hands-on classes each week, especially in spring when basil is at its best.
Some classes happen in restored buildings above the harbor. The pesto making class at an old mill in Portofino puts you in a peaceful spot among olive groves. You’ll use a marble mortar and wooden pestle—way different than a blender.
If you want something more structured, the Portofino pesto making class with regional wine tasting focuses on technique and local flavors. You’ll taste olive oil, cheese, and whatever’s in season with your pasta.
Groups stay small, and classes cost more than in Genoa. Portofino limits car access, so plan to arrive by train, bus, or boat.
Book ahead for March 8–14; weekend spots go fast as spring visitors trickle in.
5) Visit the historic San Fruttuoso Abbey
Reach San Fruttuoso by boat from Camogli, Portofino, or Rapallo, or hike through Portofino Regional Park. It takes a bit of planning, but the place is worth it. Boats run more often on clear March days, but rough seas can cancel things last minute.
The abbey sits in a tiny cove, tucked between Camogli and Portofino—no roads, no cars. This 10th-century Benedictine place has seen over a thousand years of Ligurian coast history. For more on getting there, check this Abbazia di San Fruttuoso in Liguria guide.
Inside, you’ll find Romanesque arches, a cloister, and the Doria family tombs. It’s compact—an hour is plenty. In March, it’s almost quiet, but the sea breeze can be sharp, so bring a jacket.
Offshore, divers visit the Christ of the Abyss statue. Even if you stick to land, the clear water and little beach make the trip worthwhile.
6) Stroll through Santa Margherita Ligure’s waterfront
Take a walk along Santa Margherita Ligure’s palm-lined promenade and you’ll see why so many use it as a base near Portofino. The marina sits right at the town’s heart, packed with fishing boats and yachts. You can cover the main stretch in half an hour, no rush.
Santa Margherita feels polished but not as exclusive as Portofino. Many say it’s a nice mix of Riviera elegance and everyday life, as this complete guide to Santa Margherita Ligure points out. You’ll see locals with their dogs, retirees chatting, and visitors heading for coffee.
Grab a coffee near the harbor and just watch the boats come and go. If the weather’s good, keep walking toward Paraggi for more sea views. Some parts of the path are narrow, so wear comfy shoes and watch for traffic.
For ideas beyond the waterfront, check these top things to do in Santa Margherita Ligure and shape the rest of your afternoon.
7) Discover local art at Genoa’s museums
Genoa holds some of the Riviera’s best art collections. The main museums cluster near the historic center, so you can see a lot in a day without feeling rushed.
Start with the grand palaces on Via Garibaldi, part of the Palazzi dei Rolli. Inside these old noble homes, you’ll find Italian and Flemish masters surrounded by original frescoes. Check the Museums of Genoa official portal for current exhibitions and hours—spring schedules can shift.
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If you want a shortlist, this best museums to visit in Genoa in 2026 roundup helps you compare art, maritime, and science options, which is handy if you’re traveling with family.
For contemporary pieces and smaller galleries, this art museums in Genoa guide is useful. Some close for midday breaks, so plan around that.
Afterward, stick near Porto Antico. It’s easy to go from museum halls to the waterfront in minutes, which keeps the day balanced.
8) Enjoy fresh seafood at Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare, right on the water, serves some of Cinque Terre’s best seafood. Restaurants here get fish straight from the morning’s catch.
Try the anchovies—they’re the local pride. You’ll see them fried, marinated with lemon, or salted and packed in olive oil, as detailed in this things to do in Monterosso al Mare guide.
Head to the Fegina area for seafront dining and big views, or pick a trattoria in the old town for something quieter. Prices run a bit higher near the beach, especially on weekends.
Menus also feature mussels, calamari, and mixed fried seafood. Most places keep things simple, as you’ll notice on this list of top things to do in Monterosso al Mare—fresh seafood is the main draw.
Book ahead for dinner March 8–14. Early spring weekends get busy with day-trippers. Arrive before 7:30 pm if you want a slower meal and an easy table.
9) Relax on beaches near Levanto
Levanto’s just a few minutes by train from Cinque Terre, but it feels more spacious and laid-back. Some travelers use it as a base, but it’s also great for a slow beach day.
The main beach runs along the bay with sand and small pebbles. Near the pier, check out the well-known free beach at the Levanto pier, described in this beaches of Levanto guide. You can pick sandy spots near the breakwater or rockier areas toward the edges.
Rent a sunbed at a private lido or just drop your towel on the public beach. In March, swimming’s brisk, but you can walk the promenade, read in the sun, or watch local surfers if the waves are up.
Shops and cafés sit right behind the beach, so you can grab lunch without much effort. Levanto’s practical and relaxed—a smart pick if Cinque Terre’s beaches feel too packed.
10) Experience a day trip to Portovenere
Hop on a train or ferry east to Portovenere for a quieter vibe than Cinque Terre. It’s about an hour from most Riviera towns. The harbor welcomes you with tall pastel houses and working fishing boats.
Start at San Pietro Church, perched on a rocky point above the sea. This best things to do in Portovenere guide covers it. Views stretch over the Gulf of Poets, and the March wind can be strong.
Climb up to Doria Castle for a bigger view of the coastline. There are steep steps, so solid shoes help. Inside, you’ll find open terraces, not furnished rooms.
Make time for Palmaria Island, the only La Spezia archipelago island open to visitors. A short boat ride takes you there, as explained here: what to see and do in Portovenere. Trails loop the island, but some feel exposed if it’s rained.
Finish with a simple seafood lunch on the waterfront before heading back.
Essential Travel Tips for the Italian Riviera
You’ll rely on regional trains, deal with mild but unpredictable coastal weather, and walk more than you imagine. Plan for short distances, layered clothes, and uneven ground.
Local Transportation Options
You can get up and down the coast pretty easily by train. The regional line runs between La Spezia, the Cinque Terre villages, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino (via bus), and Genoa with frequent service most days.
Trains come often, but platforms turn hectic on weekends. Remember to validate paper tickets before hopping on, or just use a mobile ticket to dodge any fines.
If you’re staying in Cinque Terre, it’s worth checking a current Italian Riviera travel guide with route tips. It gives you a sense of which towns connect easily and where driving just isn’t worth it.
Driving might sound tempting, but honestly, the roads are tight and parking is a headache. In Portofino, you have to park outside the village and grab a shuttle bus.
Ferries start up with limited spring schedules in March if the weather behaves. Boats connect towns like Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, but rough seas can cancel everything at the last minute.
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Weather Expectations in March
In early to mid-March, daytime temps usually hover around 12–17°C (54–63°F). Once the sun dips, it gets chilly fast.
Expect a mix of sunny spells and passing rain. When it’s clear, the light along the water is gorgeous, but shaded alleys and hiking trails stay cool.
The sea stays cold. Most people won’t swim unless they’re used to bracing water.
Coastal winds often pick up in the afternoon. On open trails between Monterosso and Vernazza, the wind cuts right through and makes it feel colder.
Check the forecast every day—weather changes fast along this stretch, especially between Genoa and the Cinque Terre.
Packing Recommendations
Definitely pack for walking. You’ll be climbing stairs, crossing cobblestones, and handling steep bits even inside the towns.
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- A light waterproof jacket
- A small umbrella
- Layers like long-sleeve shirts and a medium-weight sweater
Ditch big hard-shell suitcases if you’re staying in old buildings. Many guesthouses have no elevator, and it’s rare to find a porter.
If you’re bouncing between towns, take a look at a 5-day Italian Riviera itinerary to get a feel for how often you’ll move around. More transfers mean lighter bags save your back.
Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Even in March, the sun off the water can be surprisingly strong.
Cultural Highlights and Seasonal Events
Early March brings small but lovely festivals, museum shows, and food traditions all over Liguria. Plan around local celebrations, gallery visits, and seasonal dishes that mark the shift from winter to spring.
Spring Festivals in Liguria
March 8 is International Women’s Day (Festa della Donna) across Italy. In places like Genoa and La Spezia, you’ll spot mimosa flowers in markets and see little cultural events in theaters or community halls.
Check the Events & Festivals in Italy calendar for updates before you go. Smaller Riviera towns often announce concerts and talks just a week ahead.
You’ll also find religious processions during Lent. These are quiet, local affairs. If you go, dress simply and don’t interrupt for photos.
Outdoor festivals tend to stay on the modest side in March, partly thanks to unpredictable weather. Still, they give you a real chance to mix with locals, not just tourists.
Art Exhibitions to Visit
Genoa really leads the way for museums on the Riviera. The Palazzo Ducale puts on rotating exhibitions—Italian painters, photography, design, that sort of thing.
You can see what’s on through event roundups like the best Italian Riviera events on Tripadvisor. Double-check opening days; some museums close Mondays.
In smaller towns like Santa Margherita Ligure, expect intimate gallery shows rather than big retrospectives. You’ll often find Ligurian artists and lots of maritime themes.
Two hours usually covers a major exhibition in Genoa. Regional museums are smaller—most take less than an hour, so you can easily pair them with a coastal stroll.
Regional Culinary Experiences
Early March shines a light on seasonal Ligurian dishes instead of big food festivals. Local restaurants start rolling out fresh artichokes, wild greens, and the last of the winter citrus.
Keep an eye out for:
- Farinata crisped up in wood-fired ovens
- Anchovies pulled fresh from the Ligurian Sea
- Pesto whipped up with new-season basil (if you’re lucky enough to catch it in a warm microclimate)
If you’re hunting for more dining ideas, check out these things to do in the Italian Riviera—you’ll spot plenty of well-loved trattorias in there.
Coastal restaurants tend to reopen bit by bit through March. It’s a good idea to call ahead, especially in smaller spots like Camogli or Portofino, since midweek closures are still pretty common until late spring.
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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
