The Italian Riviera is buzzing as summer kicks off, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the energy. From Genoa’s busy port to the rainbow villages of Cinque Terre, this coastline is a patchwork of adventures. Craving good food, a hike with a view, or just a lazy day by the sea? The Italian Riviera’s got you, mixing local flavor with sights that stick in your memory.
Early June is kind of the sweet spot—warm but not too hot, and you’re not elbowing your way through crowds yet. The Ligurian Sea looks especially tempting for a swim or a sail, and if you wander inland, you’ll stumble upon hilltop villages and quiet paths. Festivals are starting to pop up, too, so there’s a real chance to taste Ligurian cuisine and traditions up close.
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1) Hike the Cinque Terre coastal trails
Cinque Terre’s got more than 120 km of coastal trails, linking up five villages that look like they’ve been painted onto the cliffs. You’ll need a Cinque Terre Card to get on most of the 48 marked hiking paths.
June’s weather is just about perfect for hiking—warm, blue skies, maybe a breeze if you’re lucky. Set out early if you can; midday gets hot and the trails pick up with other hikers.
The Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) is the classic, but sometimes bits of it close for repairs or weather. Always check with the visitor centers in any of the villages before you lace up.
Trails wind through olive groves and forests, and the views? Unreal. Bring your swimsuit—some trails drop down to little coves where you can jump in.
If you’re after something gentler, the Monterosso to Vernazza section is easier but still gorgeous.
Even on the easy bits, you’ll want good shoes. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a bit of cash—nothing beats grabbing a bite of local food in one of the villages after a sweaty climb.
2) Explore the Aquarium of Genoa
Right in Genoa’s old port, the Aquarium of Genoa is the biggest in Italy and easily one of Europe’s top aquariums (see reviews). Over 5,000 animals and around 400 species are on display, so you’re in for a proper underwater journey.
Designed by Renzo Piano, the building itself is something to see—even before you step inside. It’s been a waterfront highlight since 1992.
Give yourself at least a couple of hours to wander through. The dolphin area is a big draw, so if you want to skip the crowds, try to time your visit early or later in the day.
You can buy tickets ahead of time and skip the long lines—definitely worth it in June. Weekday mornings are usually quieter, if you’re not a fan of crowds.
3) Take a scenic rail tour along the coast
The Italian Riviera’s rail lines are a treat—some of the most scenic in Italy, especially hugging the Cinque Terre coastline. Trains here mean you get sea views you’d totally miss by car.
From June 1-7, trains run often between the main towns, and there’s extra summer service. The ride between Genoa and La Spezia is basically a tour of seaside villages.
The classic route? Cinque Terre’s five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and the rest. Trains come every half hour or so, and you can hop on and off as you fancy.
A Cinque Terre Card (€18) covers unlimited train rides between the villages and gets you onto the trails, too. If you’re after a window seat, morning trains are your best bet.
Want a bit more structure? There are guided rail tours with commentary and stops to explore. Handy if you like a bit of history with your scenery.
4) Dine on authentic Ligurian cuisine in Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is a food lover’s paradise, honestly. The seafood is as fresh as it gets, and you’ll spot locals digging into mussels and fish dishes at almost every table.
If you’re curious about the local flavors, sign up for a walking food tour. You’ll hit a handful of spots, hear the stories behind the food, and—well, you won’t leave hungry.
Pesto is the star here. Loads of places run pesto-making demos, so if you’ve always wondered how to do it the Ligurian way, now’s your chance.
The waterfront restaurants get daily deliveries from the fishing boats, so you can’t go wrong ordering seafood. The focaccia here is something else—don’t expect it to taste like what you’ve tried elsewhere in Italy.
Menus change up in June, with fresh spring veggies and herbs sneaking into lots of dishes.
5) Visit the colorful fishing village of Boccadasse
Just a short hop from Genoa, Boccadasse feels like it belongs in a painting. The houses are splashed in bright colors, and the whole place sits right on the sea.
You can get there by strolling down Corso Italia from Genoa—about a 30-minute walk, and you’ll get great coastal views as you go.
Wander the “creuze,” those narrow alleys twisting between the buildings, and you’ll end up at a small pebble beach. Fishing boats bob in the bay, and the vibe is super relaxed.
Grab a gelato from one of the little shops facing the water. Pistachio and hazelnut are local favorites, and honestly, they’re hard to beat.
Lunch? The small seafood restaurants serve whatever’s fresh—fried anchovies or simple grilled fish with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.
Day trips to Boccadasse are a highlight if you’re in Genoa. It gets packed on weekends, so weekdays are a bit more chill.
6) Walk from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino
This walk is a real gem—about 5 km, mostly easy, and the sea views are worth every step. Figure on an hour or so, maybe a bit more if you stop for a swim.
Start at Santa Margherita’s promenade and follow the coast. The trail weaves through olive groves and past villas, and while it’s well-kept, you’ll want decent shoes for some uneven patches.
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There are little beaches and coves along the way, perfect for a quick dip if the mood strikes. Shade covers much of the path, so even on warm days, it’s pretty comfortable.
The walk ends at Portofino’s famous harbor. Take some time to poke around the village, or if you’re up for it, keep going to the Portofino lighthouse for even more killer views.
Not keen on walking back? Buses and water taxis run between Portofino and Santa Margherita. Weather looks promising for next week, so it’s a great time to try this route.
7) Relax on the beaches near Rapallo
The beaches around Rapallo are an easy escape, especially in early June when it’s warm but not scorching—usually 24-26°C. There’s a mix of free beaches and private clubs along the coast.
San Michele di Pagana, a short walk east, has quiet coves and clear water. It’s less crowded than the main Rapallo beach, which is better for families thanks to gentle waves and good facilities. Beach clubs typically charge €15-20 for a lounger and umbrella, including showers and changing rooms.
Santa Margherita Ligure is just a five-minute train ride away if you want sandy beaches—Rapallo’s are mostly pebbles.
Cafés line the waterfront, serving cold drinks and snacks from early morning until sunset. It gets busiest mid-afternoon, so mornings or late afternoons are more peaceful.
Bring water shoes—pebbles can be tough on your feet. And if you’re not a fan of crowds, hit the beach early or closer to sundown.
8) Discover medieval castles in the Italian Riviera
History buffs, take note—the Italian Riviera hides some pretty epic castles. Castello Brown in Portofino sits above the harbor with panoramic views, and visitors give it a solid 4.3 rating.
Getting to Castello Brown takes a bit of a climb, so it’s not for everyone, but the view from the top? Worth it.
Castello d’Albertis is another favorite, rated 4.5, and you can skip the hike by using the free funicular. It’s a good pick if you want the history without the sweat.
For something off the usual tourist path, Castello di Monte Ursino is a hidden gem with a 4.8 rating and audio guides that bring the place to life.
Early June is great for castle-hopping—mild weather, blue skies, and fewer crowds. Mornings are best for photos and avoiding tour groups.
Most castles open around 9am and close by 5pm, with minor differences. Tickets usually cost €5-12, and there are often discounts for students and seniors.
9) Take a ferry to San Fruttuoso Abbey
Tucked away in a quiet cove you can only reach by boat or hiking trail, San Fruttuoso Abbey feels like a secret worth sharing. The Benedictine monastery sits directly on a small beach, making it easily one of the most photogenic spots you’ll stumble across on the Italian Riviera.
Ferries head out regularly from Portofino, Camogli, and other coastal towns this week. A round-trip ticket from Recco runs about €18, and abbey admission is €9. It’s smart to grab tickets online ahead of time, especially with early summer crowds picking up.
This 10th-century abbey has architecture that seems to grow right out of the landscape. Inside, you’ll find a simple interior, a climbable little tower, and some surprisingly engaging displays about the abbey’s history.
When you finish exploring, grab lunch at one of the small seaside restaurants. The seafood is fresh, and pairing it with a local Ligurian wine feels like the right move.
The beach here is a great place to unwind before you catch the ferry back. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to dive to see the Christ of the Abyss underwater statue not far off the coast.
Give yourself at least a half-day for this outing. The ferry schedule gives you a few hours to enjoy the site. If you can, go in the morning—seas are usually calmer and you won’t have to elbow your way through crowds.
10) Enjoy waterfront activities at La Spezia Cruise Terminal
La Spezia’s cruise terminal isn’t just a jumping-off point for the Riviera. It’s actually a nice spot to slow down and take in the scene. You can start by watching the boats—everything from sleek yachts to weathered fishing vessels—glide by along the seafront.
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Right around the terminal, several waterfront cafés invite you to relax with an espresso and watch the daily rhythm of the harbor. Locals tend to gather here in the early evenings, giving the area an easygoing, authentic vibe that’s a welcome break from the tourist rush.
If you’re curious about naval history, it’s just a short walk to La Spezia’s Naval Technical Museum. Inside, you’ll find model ships, old cannons, and maritime oddities that hint at the city’s long naval tradition.
The terminal is also a handy spot to hop on boat tours to Cinque Terre. These tours, usually running 3-4 hours, let you see the famous villages from the sea—a view you don’t want to miss.
Street food vendors line the promenade, too. If you’re hungry, grab some focaccia or try farinata, a chickpea flatbread that’s pure Liguria.
Navigating the Italian Riviera in Early June
Early June is such a sweet spot for exploring the Italian Riviera. The weather finally cooperates, and getting around is a lot less stressful than you might expect.
Weather Expectations and Packing Tips
June usually brings warm days—think 18-25°C (65-77°F). Mornings and evenings can still feel a bit cool, especially by the water, and while rain isn’t common, a quick afternoon shower can sneak up on you.
Here’s what you’ll want to pack:
- Lightweight clothing: T-shirts, shorts, sundresses
- A light sweater or jacket for those breezy evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones everywhere!)
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Swimwear (the sea’s about 21°C—pretty inviting)
- A small umbrella just in case
The UV index is no joke this time of year, so don’t skip the sunscreen, even if the sky looks a bit gray. In the evenings, restaurants and some attractions expect you to dress smart-casual—nothing too fancy, but maybe leave the flip-flops at home.
Transportation Options Along the Coast
The regional train system is hands-down the easiest way to bounce between the coastal towns. Trains run often between places like Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the Cinque Terre.
Ferries are back to full schedules in June, offering a scenic alternative to the rails. These boats link up most major towns and give you those classic Riviera views from the water.
Buses fill in some gaps between train stops, though they can get a bit unreliable when things get busy. If you want more flexibility, you might want to:
- Get a Cinque Terre Card (covers trains and hiking trails)
- Use the TrenItalia app for live schedules
- Rent a scooter for short hops (but you’ll need an international license)
Renting a car is possible, but honestly, it’s a hassle—parking is scarce and the roads are tight. The train network lets you skip traffic and just enjoy the sea views between stops.
Cultural Insights for Summer Visitors
June brings a blend of local traditions and seasonal customs to the Riviera. If you pay attention to these, you’ll get a lot more out of your trip than just the usual sightseeing.
Local Festivals and Special Events
The first week of June is packed with celebrations in Ligurian towns. On June 2, National Republic Day fills main piazzas with parades and family gatherings. Many restaurants roll out special menus for the occasion.
In Portofino, the Festa del Mare (June 5-6) honors the town’s maritime heritage with boat parades and seafood stands. Local fishermen decorate their boats with strings of lights and compete in old-school rowing races.
Santa Margherita’s annual Rose Festival happens on June 4, filling Villa Durazzo’s gardens with thousands of blooms. Admission is €5, but it’s best to show up before 10 am if you want to avoid the crowds.
Evenings in Rapallo bring free concerts in the waterfront square. These usually start around 9 pm and feature local musicians playing Ligurian folk music—definitely worth checking out if you’re in town.
Etiquette and Customs in Ligurian Towns
Dining on the Riviera has its own rhythm. Most restaurants serve lunch from about 12:30 to 2:30 pm, and dinner doesn’t really kick off before 8 pm. If you want a spot at a seafront place, you’ll need to book ahead—those tables go fast.
People tend to dress on the conservative side, especially in the smaller towns. If you’re heading to a church or a nice restaurant, it’s best to skip shorts and bare shoulders. Honestly, just tossing a light scarf in your bag can save you from any awkward surprises if you end up somewhere formal.
When you walk into a shop, it’s polite—almost expected—to greet the staff with a “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” before you ask for anything. It’s a tiny thing, but it really does seem to make a difference in how you’re treated.
Coffee has its own set of unwritten rules. Locals stand at the counter and order “un caffè” for the best price and the real deal. If you grab a table, expect to pay quite a bit more. And don’t even think about ordering a cappuccino after 11 am—nobody here does that.
Shops usually shut down for riposo, that midday rest, from about 1 to 4 pm in the smaller towns. Pharmacies close too, unless you spot one with a “farmacia di turno” sign. So, plan your errands with that in mind, or you might find yourself just staring at closed shutters.
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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
