You arrive in the Italian Riviera just as December’s calm reveals its quieter rhythm. The coast settles from summer’s rush, leaving open trails, peaceful harbors, and towns ready to share their daily life with those who look beyond the usual season. You discover what makes this stretch of Ligurian coastline worth exploring when the pace slows and local traditions take center stage.
This week, you’ll wander coastal paths, poke around small fishing ports, and get a taste of winter flavors that shape the region’s character. Whether you’re hiking, boating, or just eating well, these activities connect you to the Riviera’s scenery and people in ways that stick with you. Here’s how to dive in, balancing outdoorsy fun with a dose of local culture and that easygoing seasonal vibe.
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1) Hiking the Cinque Terre trails
Explore the Cinque Terre National Park by walking between its five seaside villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. The cliffside paths link fishing towns with views of vineyards, terraces, and the Ligurian Sea. December means fewer crowds, but with early sunsets, it’s smart to start hikes before the afternoon fades.
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is the classic route. You can tackle short or longer stretches, depending on your mood and stamina. After heavy rain, sections might close, so check park updates before you head out.
Want more solitude? Try the inland trails from Corniglia or Volastra. These hillside paths feel remote and show off the dry-stone walls locals built to protect their vines. Bring water—shops are scarce in winter.
Start from La Spezia or Levanto for easy train access, then walk one or two sections each day. Grab a map at the station or check out resources like Earth Trekkers. Hiking here gives you steady exercise and a peek at real coastal life in December.
2) Visiting Portofino harbor
Get to Portofino with a quick drive or ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure. The village is tiny, so most of your time will be around the harbor. Pastel buildings line the waterfront, and fishing boats bob next to the odd luxury yacht. Early mornings in the Piazzetta are especially peaceful.
Stroll along the promenade and watch the harbor shift colors as the light changes. Cafés serve espresso and seafood right by the water. Sure, prices are steeper than in nearby towns, but the view is tough to beat.
Head uphill to Castello Brown for sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea. Even in winter, the mild air makes the climb pleasant. Some folks explore Portofino harbor by boat, which is a fun way to see hidden coves and cliffs. With smaller crowds in December, you’ll notice things most people miss during the busy months.
3) Exploring San Fruttuoso Abbey
Reach San Fruttuoso Abbey by boat from Camogli or Portofino, or hike in along the coastal trails through Portofino Natural Park. The paths can get steep, so sturdy shoes are a must. Arriving by sea, you’ll spot the abbey tucked between green hills and a pebble beach.
The abbey’s history goes back to the 10th century, with Romanesque features added in the 12th. Inside, you’ll find stone cloisters and chapels that still feel pretty untouched by time. Its remote spot kept it safe from overdevelopment, so you get a real sense of monastic life.
If the sea’s calm, you might swim or dive near the underwater bronze statue, Christ of the Abyss, resting in the bay’s shallow water. After exploring, grab a snack at the tiny harbor café and watch the boats drift by.
Curious about the abbey’s backstory and how to get there? Check Abbazia di San Fruttuoso on the Italian Riviera.
4) Boat tour along the coast
Hop on a boat and see the Ligurian coast from the water. It’s a chill way to travel between towns like Camogli, Portofino, and Cinque Terre—no traffic, just sea air. Several operators offer half-day or full-day trips, depending on weather and sea conditions.
You can join a group or book a private charter if you want more space. Check Tripadvisor’s Italian Riviera boat tours for up-to-date schedules, prices, and reviews. Most companies include refreshments and snorkel gear, but offerings vary.
December brings some unpredictability—mornings are usually calmer. A handful of tours still leave from Santa Margherita Ligure or La Spezia if there’s enough interest. Real-time availability on GetYourGuide’s Riviera cruises saves you guessing.
Dress in layers; winter breezes on the sea can be brisk. Even a short trip rewards you with quiet harbors, sharp winter light, and a slower pace far from the crowds.
5) Tasting Ligurian pesto in Monterosso
Taste the Italian Riviera’s signature flavor in Monterosso al Mare. This seaside village offers hands-on ways to see why basil pesto is such a big deal here. The magic is in the local basil, pine nuts, and olive oil, all sourced nearby.
Try a workshop where you pick herbs and make pesto with a marble mortar. The “Make your Pesto” cooking class in Monterosso al Mare lets you work with fresh ingredients and learn the right technique. Classes are small, so you get to watch, mix, taste, and hear a few stories about local food.
For a deeper dive, the Cinque Terre Cooking School teaches pesto and gnocchi, focusing on hands-on technique and local wines. It’s about learning the real way, not just making things look pretty.
Not into classes? No problem. Most Monterosso restaurants serve up pesto dishes. Order trofie or trenette pasta with that bright green sauce, and you’ll get a real taste of Ligurian life.
6) Kayaking near Levanto
Paddle out from Levanto’s calm bay toward the rugged Cinque Terre coast. Local guides lead small groups along cliffs and coves you can’t reach by land. The sea’s usually gentle, so even beginners can manage with a bit of instruction.
Outfitters provide all the gear—kayaks, paddles, life vests. Many tours add snorkeling stops, letting you peek at marine life up close. A favorite is the Kayak Tour with Snorkeling between Levanto and Cinque Terre, led by instructors who know the area well.
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You’ll paddle steadily with few beach stops. The coastline’s rock formations and caves keep things interesting, though currents by the headlands can be tricky for newbies. If you want something shorter, check out the best kayak and canoe experiences in Levanto.
Early mornings are usually calmest with less boat traffic. When the weather’s clear, underwater views and photos are at their best. It’s a fun, practical way to get outdoors while you’re here.
7) Wine tasting in Dolceacqua
Head inland to Dolceacqua, a medieval village in the Nervia Valley, to try the region’s red wine, Rossese di Dolceacqua. Wander narrow lanes and cross old stone bridges to reach family-run vineyards. Tastings usually happen in cozy cellars, with winemakers sharing stories about each variety.
Try the Rossese—it’s a light red with earthy notes, grown only here. Local growers often serve it with olives, cheese, or focaccia. You’ll find wine tours and tastings on Tripadvisor’s Dolceacqua page.
Prefer a slower pace? Drop by a village enoteca, grab a glass, and chat with locals. The mood is laid-back, nothing like the busier Riviera towns. According to Liguria.io, the DOC status of Rossese di Dolceacqua means you’re tasting the real deal. Spend a few hours and soak up some genuine Ligurian culture.
8) Visiting the Blue Grotto in Camogli
Take a boat from Camogli’s harbor to the Blue Grotto, or Grotta Azzurra. The ride takes about half an hour, but it depends on the sea. You’ll need calm weather since the cave’s entrance sits right at water level, and boats squeeze through a tight gap.
The cave is small but pretty stunning. Sunlight filters through underwater holes, turning the water an electric blue. It’s quiet inside—just the echo of waves off the rocks.
It’s not as famous as Capri’s grotto, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. Entry fees are reasonable, though private boats or guided tours bump up the price. For current info, check Earth Trekkers’ practical overview.
Bring a light jacket—even in December, the breeze can bite. If the sea’s too rough for the grotto, stroll Camogli’s seaside promenade instead. You’ll still get those crisp winter views and a feel for the village’s slower pace.
9) Cycling the Gulf of Poets route
Ride the Gulf of Poets on coastal paths linking La Spezia, Lerici, and Portovenere. The route’s about 10 kilometers and mostly gentle, good for most riders. You’ll pass harbors, seaside promenades, and pine-shaded lanes with sea views.
Start in La Spezia and follow the waterfront bike path toward Portovenere. You’ll get a mix of climbs and flat stretches, with plenty of cafes and viewpoints for breaks. The path’s well-kept, and you’ll share it with local cyclists and walkers.
Want an easier ride? Join an e-bike tour through the Gulf of Poets with stops in villages like Tellaro and Ameglia. Guided tours add some local flavor, but you can also go solo—the La Spezia to Portovenere route is easy to follow. Whichever way you roll, bring water, a windbreaker, and give yourself time to stop where the cliffs drop into the sea.
10) Exploring Genoa’s old town
Step into Genoa’s historic center and you’ll feel its layered past almost immediately. The old town, or centro storico, is one of Europe’s biggest medieval districts. It sprawls through narrow caruggi—those twisting alleyways packed with shops, bakeries, and homes tucked into buildings that have seen centuries.
Start near Porta Soprana and just wander. The lanes wind toward Piazza San Matteo, sometimes crowded, always a little uneven underfoot. Wear shoes you trust, and don’t rush—life here unfolds slowly. You’ll spot locals stringing laundry between windows, and the smell of fresh focaccia drifts out of busy bakeries, calling you in.
Via Garibaldi is worth a pause. Here, grand Renaissance palaces—once the pride of Genoese nobility—line the street. These buildings, now part of the Palazzi dei Rolli UNESCO site, show off original frescoes and marble that’s still impressive.
Need a breather? Climb up to Spianata Castelletto. It’s a bit of a haul, but the city view is wide open and puts Genoa’s old-and-new mashup in perspective. For more orientation or if you want to dig deeper, the Genoa Old Town travel guide is handy.
Essential Travel Tips for the Italian Riviera in December
December on the Italian Riviera feels different—quiet beaches, lively town squares, and a mix of mild weather and holiday spirit. Locals take their winter traditions seriously, and you’ll notice the pace shifts.
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Weather and Packing Advice
Winter along the Riviera is cool but honestly pretty gentle. Expect daytime highs around 10–14°C (50–57°F), with nights dropping to about 6°C (43°F). Showers or sea winds show up now and then, especially in places like Portofino or Cinque Terre. Bring a water-resistant jacket, comfortable waterproof shoes, and layers you can add or shed as the day changes.
Pack light for daytime exploring, but toss in a warm sweater or fleece—evenings by the water get chilly. Locals favor muted colors and simple looks, so you’ll blend in easily. Planning a hike? Go for non-slip shoes; trails can get damp and slick in December.
Most hotels and trains stay warm, but older guesthouses in hillside towns sometimes don’t have the best heating. A compact travel blanket or warm pajamas can make a big difference. December brings festive lights and winter markets, so it’s worth dressing up a bit for town events.
Local Transportation Options
Getting around is straightforward—public transport keeps running along the coast, even in winter. The regional train line links towns like Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure, and La Spezia, with frequent service that makes short trips pretty easy. You can check current regional schedules to plan ahead.
Buses handle smaller inland routes, but don’t expect as many after dark. Taxis are around in bigger towns, though they’re pricey for longer rides. Renting a car only makes sense if you’re heading to out-of-the-way villages—parking in coastal towns is usually scarce and not cheap.
Many ferries take a break for winter, but some near Cinque Terre still run if weather’s decent. Trains are your best bet for winter travel. Keep some cash euros handy for town buses or tickets; not every machine takes foreign cards.
Cultural Etiquette and Traditions
December means local festivals, church gatherings, and those intricate nativity scenes (presepi) popping up all over Liguria. Locals mix warmth with a bit of reserve, so polite greetings matter. A quick “buongiorno” or “buonasera” when you enter a shop or café goes a long way.
Restaurants in smaller towns tend to close earlier in winter—aim to eat before 9 p.m. Meals are slow and social, not rushed. Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.
Shops adjust hours around Christmas and Saint Nicholas Day, so expect some closures on December 25–26. Feel free to take photos outdoors, but ask before snapping pictures of people or religious moments.
In smaller villages, modest dress and quiet manners in churches or during processions show real respect. Locals appreciate sincerity more than formality, and a friendly “grazie” will open doors.
Seasonal Events and Festive Atmosphere
December on the Italian Riviera is all about quiet streets, candlelit shopfronts, and neighbors gathering for the holidays. You’ll see locals prepping for winter with small markets and food traditions rooted in the region’s connection to land and sea.
Holiday Markets and Local Festivities
Holiday markets pop up in towns like Genoa and Sanremo, filling old squares with stalls selling handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and local treats. At Genoa’s Mercatino di Natale, you’ll spot vendors roasting chestnuts and pouring mulled wine, while choirs sing in nearby churches. The vibe is cozy and neighborly, not flashy.
Smaller coastal towns put on presepe vivente—live nativity scenes acted out in the winding alleys. Every village does it their own way, which really shows off the Ligurian sense of community. Compared to the summer crowds, December feels more personal and easygoing.
If you want to catch specific events, check national listings for festivals and celebrations across Italy—dates can shift from year to year. Even if you miss a big event, you’ll still find holiday lights and public concerts for Saint Lucia and Christmas week.
| Town | Typical Event | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa | Christmas market | Focus on handmade gifts |
| Rapallo | Nativity displays | Local schools participate |
| Sanremo | Winter fair | Live folk music |
Winter Cuisine Specialties
Riviera kitchens lean into modest, seasonal dishes. You’ll spot pasta al pesto with boiled potatoes and green beans—a simple, warming meal that just works on chilly evenings. In December, trattorias bring out stockfish stews and chickpea farinata baked in wood ovens, so the edges get that perfect crisp.
Sweet stalls tempt with pandolce genovese, a dense cake packed with pine nuts and raisins. Locals often swap it as a holiday gift, and honestly, who could blame them? Curious about more regional foods or little culinary quirks? Guides like Italy in December 2025 dive deeper.
Wine bars pour young Ligurian whites—Vermentino comes to mind—alongside olives from Taggia. Meals here focus on freshness and restraint instead of the heavy holiday feasts you might expect elsewhere. There’s a real pride in letting simple ingredients and coastal flavors shine.
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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
