Genoa for backpackers, the gateway to Cinque Terre

Explore the medieval port of La Superba on a budget

Genoa is the maritime capital of Liguria and gateway to Cinque Terre. Popular for its food, wine and budget hostels, the Italian port is a popular choice for backpackers. Best known for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, the Ligurian coastline is also the home of pesto.

Just over an hour south of Genoa lies the fishing village of Portofino and the UNESCO cliffs of Cinque Terre. You can discover wonders here on a budget. Check out the best places to eat, walk, stay in ‘La Superba’ on vacation.

Why Genoa?

Backpackers arriving in Genoa will discover a city with the largest medieval centre in Europe. Perfect for a 48 hour mini-break, the Ligurian capital is a top seaside destation for budget travellers. Unlike most holiday European ports, Genoa is a thriving, loud and active city. People still work in the shipyards here.

Go on a stroll along the historic marina and explore the medieval narrow passageways. Bursting with music and superb restaurants, you'll have a fabulous time getting lost in this historic city. The city also has a glorious aquarium full of sharks and dolphins. Even better there’s a maritime museum, the Galata Museo del Mare, which celebrates Genoa’s naval heritage.

Just outside the medieval centre, the impressive Palazzo Ducale was the seat of the city’s rulers from the 14th century onward until it became the city's most popular museum.

Essentials

Most of Genoa, away from the marina, is built on hillsides so you should be prepared to walk in this city. Put it this way, you'll certainly have plenty of opportunites to walk off last night's pasta.

Genoa's tourist office is at Palazzina Santa Maria (daily 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm). There’s another tourist office at Via Roma 11, plus information booths at the Piazza Matteotti and Genova Principe train station.

The Genoa Museum Card provides entry to to 22 museums and discounts at the Palazzo Ducale and the Aquarium. A 48 hour card costs €16 (£12.80). The card is available from tourist offices, museums and official website.

Recommended hostels in Genoa

Book the best hostels in Genoa with HostelsClub. We can help you find hostels for only 12.50 Euros a night. Make new friends, save big money and stay in comfortable rooms when you book with us. Prices will vary according to season.

How to get to Cinque Terre

East of the city, beyond the luxury Portofino resort, you’ll find the romantic fishing villages and walking trails of the Cinque Terre. From Genova Principe train station, you can take the train to Cinque Terre. For train schedules, go to www.trenitalia.com. (Approx. Travel Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes.)

"The Five Lands" of Cinque Terre comprises of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Backpackers have travelled to this beautiful stretch of coastline for decades.

Where can you stay in Cinque Terre

Walk along northern Italy's romantic coastline and stay in a lovely ostello from only 19 Euros a night. Prices will vary according to season.

*Header photo by Luca Volpi (Flickr/Creative Commons).