Itineraries for Your Trip to Genoa
3 Days in Genoa for Foodies
Genoa is the largest and most historic city in Liguria, so it comes as no surprise that it’s also the region’s culinary hub. It was here that ships unloaded their exotic delicacies at port and local fishers and farmers carried their wares to market; the meeting of the two culminated in one of Italy’s most unique local cuisines.
Long a pesto aficionado, I knew I would love la cucina genovese when I first visited, but I have since discovered that this city offers much more than its most famous condiment. Olive oil-drizzled focaccia, paper cones of fried seafood, savory vegetable pies, cheese-stuffed focaccia di Recco…there are more than enough gourmet delights to fill three days in and around the city.
Be prepared for rain in the shoulder seasons.
If you only have time for one thing, grab a slice of authentic focaccia fresh from the oven at one of the old town’s many traditional focaccerie.
Get a culinary lay of the land with a food tour in Genoa’s historic center. Take in the sights while a local guide takes you straight to the best street food vendors, focaccia bakeries, and landmark eateries in the city.
In the later afternoon, learn how to make Ligurian specialties from a local home cook, then sample your handiwork over dinner.
On your second morning, head to the chic resort town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera by car, train, or ferry. Stroll through its postcard-perfect harbor and village center, then roll up your sleeves to learn the secret to making fresh pesto like a true Ligurian. Cap off your delicious morning with lunch overlooking the sea.
On your way back up the coast to Genoa, stop in the colorful fishing village of Camogli for a glass of wine at sunset. The Ligurian Riviera is lined with terraced vineyards that produce refreshingly crisp white wines that are the perfect foil to the coastal cuisine.
Genoa is an ideal base for a foodie jaunt to the Cinque Terre’s five technicolor fishing villages and surrounding vineyard-covered hills. Take the train to Monterosso, then join a tour that combines sightseeing with stops to sample artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and other Ligurian specialties.
By late afternoon, head inland to visit a local winery for a tour and tasting. Learn about the area’s winemaking traditions and sample wines directly in the cellar.
