today I would like to talk with you about Genoa, a historical town in the north of Italy.
Genoa (Italian, Genova) is a historical port city in northern Italy, the capital of the Region of Liguria.
Its culture, places, food and buildings tell the story of the old Maritime Republic.
With pastel-coloured terracotta-roofed houses, artistic churches, lovely seaside villas, and also several luxurious boutiques, Genoa is a must see if you want to experience the "quintessential" Italy.
The city is a good base to explore the Italian Riviera and world famous places like Portofino and the Cinque Terre.
Paolo Coelho wrote: "Among the marvels of Italy, it will take some digging to find the beauties of Genova, but it is worth visiting it. I remember walking there with a friend, when she suddenly said: “Let’s stop for a bit. I can’t stand this orange color!”". The fact is the more you stay the more you will enjoy and appreciate the town.
Get in
By plane
The Aeroporto di Genova - Cristoforo Colombo provides several daily flights from other major European cities such as Rome, London, Paris and Madrid. From the airport it is fairly easy to rent a car or take a shuttle (bus no. 100, also called Volabus) to the city center.
By train
Genoa can be easy travelled to by train from Milan, Turin, Rome,Tuscany,Pisa, Livorno and Florence (changing train in Pisa or Viareggio) and France (there is a direct train connecting with Nice ). There are two main train stations in Genoa, Brignole and Principe. Brignole serves most local routes and provides access to many bus lines. Principe serves local as well as long distance trains and many trains from Milan and beyond will only stop at this station.
By car
Coming from Milan you can reach Genoa via the A7-E62 (approx. 145 km). Mind though that the last part, from Serravalle to Genoa, is incredibly twisty, making you wonder if you’re still on the highway or accidentally have taken a wrong turn into a motordrome. It’s therefore advisable to take an alternative route, turning off the A7 at the deviation near Tortona and heading on the A26/A7, following Genova, Ventimiglia, Savona, Voltri; making it a longer (+20 km), but certainly safer and more comfortable trip, unless you want to spice up your journey and observe how (some) Italians drive. The same highway is less twisty northbound.
Coming from Turin you can either take the A6/E717 to Savona (137 km) and then go to Genoa following the beautiful, but twisty A10 coast highway (an other 45 km) or follow the Genova indications you'll find Piacenza on the ringroad heading south. This latter is the shorter alternative (170 km total), but offers fewer sightseeing opportunities.
Coming from the French Riviera just follow the highway A10 and enjoy the sight (approx 160 km from the French border). If you're tempted to avoid the toll roads, be aware that it will take you at least three or four times as long although you might get better views.
Coming from Tuscany you can take the A12 from Rosignano to Genoa; mind that you must have snow chains on board between the gates of Carrodano and Sestri Levante when travelling from November 1st to March 31st, even though snow is seldom a problem here.
By bus
Genoa can be reached via Eurolines coach from many European countries. Long distance buses also run from Nice.
By boat
Genoa is an important port, and has many ferry services. Grandi Navi Veloci crosses from Barcelona weekly, and takes about eighteen hours. It also offers a weekly crossing to Tangiers, which takes around forty-six hours.
Other direct ferry routes from Genoa are: Barcelona ( Spain ),Valletta ( Malta ), Bastia ( Corsica ), Olbia and Porto Torres
( Sardinia ), Palermo ( Sicily ), Tangier ( Morocco ) and Tunis ( Tunisia ).
Historic Centre
One of the largest in Europe, Genoa's historic centre unwinds in an intricate maze of alleyways (caruggi) that open unexpectedly onto small squares; the soul of the city lives here in these alleyways, where smells, tastes, and cultures have combined throughout history.
IIn the centre, where time seems to have stood still, noble palaces and splendid churches alternate with historic shops that have been in operation for over 100 years, where local specialities are still prepared according to ancient recipes and handmade objects are crafted with timeless skill.
