You’ve landed on the Italian Riviera just as the coastal trails open up, the villages blink awake after winter, and that spring sunlight starts to sharpen the sea’s color. Late March is kind: the air’s clear, the weather’s gentle, and the crowds haven’t quite arrived yet. It’s a sweet spot for wandering and seeing what you find.
Here’s a real-world guide for March 22–28, 2026: hikes, coastal villages, old stones, food adventures, and a few local tips so you don’t trip up. You’ll wander from cliff paths and quiet beaches to working harbors, vineyards, and Genoa’s maze of lanes, with a bit of advice on what to pack and how to dodge the usual rookie mistakes.
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1) Hiking the Cinque Terre trails
Set aside a day if you want to walk between the five Cinque Terre villages. The coastal trails link Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, winding up and down stone steps and rocky paths.
Most folks stick to the Blue Trail, which connects the towns in segments. Always double-check Cinque Terre trail conditions before you go—some sections close after heavy rain.
Some stretches, especially between Vernazza and Monterosso, get steep and uneven. Bring shoes that grip. Even in March, water’s a must since there aren’t many places to refill between towns.
For a breakdown of distances, tickets, and which parts are one-way, check this 2026 Cinque Terre hiking guide. It’s straightforward and saves you some guesswork.
Start early if you want the paths mostly to yourself. Trains run often, so you can always cut your hike short if you hit your limit.
2) Exploring Portofino village
Getting to Portofino is easy: train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then hop a bus or ferry. In late March, it’s less hectic than summer, though weekends still pull in plenty of visitors.
Begin in Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, the tiny harbor square with those classic pastel buildings and café tables. If you want to see what’s trending, check THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Portofino (2026) before you go.
For a view, hike up to Castello Brown. It’s a 15–20 minute climb on a paved path with steps—solid shoes help, especially if it’s rained.
If you’re not up for hills, just stroll the harbor and peek into boutiques. Shops and restaurants aren’t cheap here. For lunch, look for trofie al pesto or focaccia tucked down a side street.
You can also dip into the Portofino Regional Park trails. These paths connect Portofino with Paraggi and San Fruttuoso and are more about the views than the challenge.
3) Visiting San Fruttuoso Abbey
San Fruttuoso Abbey sits in its own cove, reachable only by boat or on foot. Ferries run from Camogli, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure, if the weather’s decent.
The Abbey of San Fruttuoso itself dates back to the 10th century, right on the pebble beach. Inside, you’ll spot Romanesque arches, a tiny cloister, and the Doria family tombs.
Paths are uneven, and services are basic—just a couple of simple restaurants, with prices to match the remote setting.
If you’re hiking, the trails through Portofino Park are worth it for the views, but you’ll need steady footing. The descent into the cove is a bit of a workout.
For divers, there’s the famous Christ of the Abyss statue offshore. Only go with a licensed dive center—it’s not an easy spot.
Arrive early for a quieter visit. In March, the water’s chilly and the crowds are thin, which is honestly a plus.
4) Wine tasting in the vineyards of Liguria
Spend a few hours up in the hills above the coast, where tiny vineyards overlook the sea. Liguria’s steep slopes mean most wineries are family-run and production stays small. What you taste is what the land can manage.
Focus on crisp whites like Vermentino and Pigato. Most tastings include a bit about how the sea and rocky soil shape the wine. You can find Liguria wine tours and tastings all over the region.
Near Cinque Terre or La Spezia, try a guided visit like the Cà du Ferrà tour in Bonassola. Tours last about two hours, spring through autumn, weather depending. Wear something you don’t mind getting dusty.
Expect snacks—focaccia, olives, maybe some cheese. Book ahead, especially on weekends.
5) Walking along the Via dell’Amore
Take an hour for the Via dell’Amore in Cinque Terre, a paved path hugging the cliffs between Riomaggiore and Manarola. It’s just over a kilometer, mostly flat, with benches and handrails.
No need for hiking boots—this is a walk anyone can do, and the views are the main event.
You’ll need a timed ticket, booked in advance through the official site. There’s a small extra fee. In busy weeks, slots go fast.
Take the train to start in either village, walk one way, and ride back. Mornings are quieter and the light’s nicer.
6) Relaxing on Monterosso beach
Monterosso al Mare has the widest sandy beach in Cinque Terre, right in the newer Fegina area. It’s roomier than the rocky coves elsewhere.
Lay out on the public sand or rent a sunbed and umbrella at a lido. In March, you’ll have space, but some services might be limited.
If you’re brave, swim—the water’s cold, though. Most people just stroll, read, or watch the fishermen head out early.
Monterosso’s the biggest village, so you’ll find more facilities. For the latest on beach access, check this Monterosso al Mare travel guide.
Afternoons can get breezy, so pack a light jacket. If the sky’s clear, sunset here is worth sticking around for, then wander into the old town for seafood.
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7) Sampling fresh seafood in Camogli
Camogli’s all about the seafood. Local boats supply the restaurants, and menus change with the day’s catch.
Stroll the waterfront and read the chalkboards outside trattorias. Most places serve up Ligurian classics: anchovies, mixed fried fish, seafood pasta. You can browse what’s on offer at Tripadvisor’s list of seafood restaurants in Camogli.
Try anchovies, stuffed or marinated, with lemon and olive oil. Spaghetti with clams or trofie with seafood are also good bets. Portions aren’t huge, and prices reflect the area’s popularity, especially on weekends.
Camogli still feels like a real fishing village, not just a postcard. At sunset, you’ll see locals gathering along the harbor as the boats come in—there’s something honest about it.
Book dinner ahead if it’s Friday through Sunday. For a quieter vibe, go for a weekday lunch and eat outside by the sea.
8) Boating around the Gulf of Tigullio
Honestly, the Riviera looks best from the water. A boat trip around the Gulf of Tigullio lets you hop between Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso without fussing over trains or traffic.
You can join one of many boat tours in the Gulf of Tigullio leaving from Rapallo and nearby towns. Most run two to four hours, sometimes with swim stops if the sea cooperates.
Want privacy? Look into a private boat trip. You pick the pace and stops, and you’ll dodge the crowds. Prices jump in summer, but in late March, it’s quieter and usually cheaper.
The coastline’s a mix of small beaches, cliffs, and pastel harbors. Bring a jacket—spring breezes can surprise you.
9) Touring historic Genoa Old Town
Step into Genoa’s Old Town and you’re in one of Europe’s largest medieval centers. Narrow alleys open into little piazzas, with daily life buzzing between cafés, bakeries, and shops.
Start by walking the historic center to get a sense of Genoa’s seafaring past. The alleys and Romanesque churches hint at its days as a trading powerhouse. For ideas, check the top things to do in Genoa.
Don’t skip Strada Nuova (now Via Garibaldi), lined with grand palaces. Many are part of the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli and open for visits.
If you like structure, join a guided walk through the historic centre and Strada Nuova. A guide points out details you’d probably miss in the maze.
Go in the morning to beat cruise ship crowds near the Old Port. Wear comfortable shoes—the streets are stone and uneven. Two hours is a good start, but you might get happily lost.
10) Enjoying local pesto cooking classes
Spend a few hours learning to make Ligurian pesto. Several towns offer small group classes focused on traditional methods.
In Sestri Levante, you can join a Pesto Experience, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting in Sestri Levante. You’ll use a mortar and pestle, roll out fresh pasta, and sample local wine. Classes run a few hours, usually around lunch or dinner.
Near Cinque Terre, try a small group pesto cooking class in Riomaggiore. You’ll see why hand-crushed pesto tastes different from the blender stuff. Most classes end with trofie pasta and a glass of wine.
Settings are simple, not fancy kitchens. Instructors care more about technique and fresh ingredients—especially basil and local olive oil.
Book early for this week; spring visitors snap up spots fast.
Insider Tips for Experiencing the Italian Riviera
You’ll bounce between fishing villages, busy resort towns, and steep coastal paths—all packed into a short stretch of coast. Timing, transport, and a bit of local etiquette will shape your trip more than you’d think.
Best Times to Visit Each Coastal Town
Late March means no summer crowds, but towns are lively. Days are longer, and restaurants reopen after winter, especially in bigger hubs.
Cinque Terre is best early. Trains start before the day-trippers show up, so get to the villages before 10 a.m. If hiking’s your thing, check trail conditions with a resource like this Italian Riviera guide with Cinque Terre and Portofino hikes.
Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure get busy on weekends. For quieter scenes and easier dinner reservations, visit midweek.
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Secure Your Italian Getaway
On the eastern end, towns like Portovenere stay mellow most of the year. If you like a plan, this 5-day itinerary along the Italian Riviera spaces out the busy and the calm.
How to Navigate Local Transportation
You’ll probably end up relying on regional trains more than cars here. The Genoa–La Spezia line links all the main coastal towns, and trains run pretty often between Sestri Levante, Monterosso, and La Spezia.
Sure, driving looks easy on a map, but those narrow roads and the constant hunt for parking slow you down fast. In Portofino, for example, you have to leave your car outside town and either walk or grab a shuttle bus in.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Train for Cinque Terre and most seaside spots
- Ferry between certain ports when the weather’s calm
- Car only if you’re headed inland or want to wander off the main track
If you’re itching for a longer route, this 10-day Italian Riviera road trip itinerary for Liguria points out where a car actually helps.
On weekends, try to buy your train tickets ahead of time. And don’t forget to validate paper tickets before hopping on, or you might get fined.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
You’re entering working towns, not just pretty postcards. Locals expect a bit of basic courtesy.
When you walk into a shop, say “Buongiorno.” When you leave, even if you didn’t buy a thing, throw out a quick “Arrivederci.” It’s amazing how much friendlier people get when you do.
If you’re visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees—yes, even if the weather feels mild.
Restaurants have their own pace:
- Lunch: 12:30–2:30 p.m.
- Dinner: almost never before 7:30 p.m.
Don’t rush your meal. You’ll need to ask for the bill when you’re ready; the staff won’t just drop it off without a cue.
In smaller towns—often those best Italian Riviera towns to visit—locals spot repeat visitors quickly. Respect the afternoon quiet hours, keep your voice down in those echoey lanes, and try not to block doorways when snapping photos.
Weather Insights and Packing Recommendations
Late March on the Italian Riviera means mild afternoons, cool evenings, and the occasional rain shower. You’ll want layers you can peel off or pile on, plus shoes that don’t mind a bit of uneven ground or a wet patch here and there.
What to Expect from Late March Weather
Daytime temperatures usually sit between 14–18°C (57–64°F) along the coast. In sunny pockets like Portofino or Cinque Terre, it can feel a bit warmer—especially if the wind takes a break.
Mornings and evenings get pretty cool, often around 8–10°C (46–50°F). The sea breeze picks up in the afternoons, and you’ll really notice it out on the promenades.
Rain doesn’t usually last long—think quick showers, not all-day downpours. It’s worth checking a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy if you’re planning a big hike.
Crowds? Still light this time of year. You can wander through train stations, trails, and old town centers without elbowing your way through.
The sea stays cold, so swimming’s not really on the menu. Better to stick to walking paths, harbor views, and soaking up sun at a café when you can.
Top Packing Essentials for Spring
Start with layers. A light waterproof jacket, a medium-weight sweater, and a few breathable long-sleeve tops—these make a solid base.
Spring in Italy? It’s a mixed bag. Mornings can be chilly, but afternoons usually mellow out (check this Italy packing list for spring (March–May) if you want the nitty-gritty). Honestly, you’ll probably reach for each layer at some point every day.
Bring:
- Water-resistant walking shoes with decent grip for those slick stone steps
- A compact umbrella or rain shell
- Dark jeans or travel trousers
- A small daypack if you’re hitting the trails
Skip the trendy sneakers—practical shoes just make life easier, especially if you’re wandering the Cinque Terre after a rain.
Try to pack light. Trains don’t offer much space for bags, and a lot of guesthouses perch above street level, no elevator in sight.
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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
