While Cinque Terre often steals the spotlight on Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, I’ve discovered there’s so much more to this spectacular region. After exploring this gorgeous stretch of the Italian Riviera multiple times, I’ve fallen in love with the lesser-known coastal gems that offer all the beauty without overwhelming crowds.
Liguria is home to dozens of charming villages and towns that rival the famous five, from the elegant harbor of Portofino to the colorful fishing village of Camogli.
During my travels through Liguria last summer, I was captivated by places like Portovenere with its colorful waterfront homes and Finalborgo, officially recognized as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.”
Each town has its unique character. Some are perched dramatically on cliffs, while others are nestled in cozy bays with picture-perfect beaches.
If you’re planning an Italian getaway and want to experience authentic coastal charm beyond the tourist hotspots, these Ligurian treasures deserve your attention. I’ve put together this guide to help you discover the region’s hidden gems, complete with local tips I’ve gathered from residents who shared their favorite spots with me. Trust me, these ten beautiful towns will give you all the magic of Cinque Terre without having to navigate through crowds of tourists.
Liguria’s Hidden Gems: Exploring Coastal Charm
While Cinque Terre steals much of the spotlight, Liguria’s coastline hides several breathtaking towns that offer authentic Italian experiences with fewer crowds and equally stunning views.
Portovenere: A Gateway to a Maritime Wonderland
I discovered Portovenere on a spring morning when the sunlight painted its tall, narrow houses in vibrant yellows and pinks. This UNESCO World Heritage site sits at the edge of the Gulf of Poets, where Lord Byron once swam across the bay.
The Church of San Pietro, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory, offered me some of the most spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea. Built on an ancient temple to Venus (hence the town’s name), it’s a photographer’s dream.
Walking along Via Capellini, the town’s main street, I found charming boutiques and restaurants serving fresh seafood. The pesto here, made with local Ligurian basil, tastes nothing like what you’ll find at home!
Camogli: Picturesque Fishing Heritage
Just a short train ride from Genoa, Camogli surprised me with its authenticity and lack of tourist crowds. This fishing village features tall, narrow buildings painted in traditional trompe l’oeil style – some facades look like they have elaborate decorations that are actually just painted on!
The pebbly beach sits beneath the colorful row of seafront buildings, creating a postcard-perfect scene. I spent hours watching local fishermen bring in their catch while enjoying fresh focaccia from a nearby bakery.
Don’t miss the medieval Dragonara Castle that guards the harbor or the annual Fish Festival in May. The town celebrates by frying fish in what might be the world’s largest frying pan – a quirky tradition that shows off Camogli’s deep connection to the sea.
Mountain Escapes and Medieval Allure
While exploring Liguria’s coast is magical, venturing inland reveals medieval towns nestled in the mountains with stone bridges and narrow alleyways that transport you back in time. I discovered these hidden gems offer a peaceful alternative to the coastal crowds.
Dolceacqua: Crossing the Nervia River
When I first laid eyes on Dolceacqua’s iconic humpback bridge, I understood why Monet painted it in 1884, calling it “a jewel of lightness.” This stunning stone bridge connects the newer part of town with the medieval borgo, creating a picture-perfect scene.
I spent hours wandering through the caruggi (narrow alleyways) that wind uphill toward Doria Castle. The castle ruins offer breathtaking views of terracotta rooftops and surrounding vineyards that produce the renowned Rossese wine.
Don’t miss trying the local michetta cookies, a sweet specialty with a romantic history dating back centuries. The town feels wonderfully authentic, with fewer tourists than coastal areas and locals who still maintain traditional Ligurian ways of life.
Apricale: Timeless Village Perched on the Hills
Just a short drive from Dolceacqua, I discovered Apricale – a stunning medieval village that seems to defy gravity as it clings to the hillside. Stone houses stack dramatically upward around the central piazza, creating a natural amphitheater where locals gather.
The village’s narrow streets reveal hidden treasures at every turn: ancient doorways, colorful flowerpots, and unexpected glimpses of the valley below. I was enchanted by the Castle of the Lizard, now home to an art museum showcasing contemporary works.
Apricale’s restaurants serve traditional Ligurian cuisine with a focus on wild herbs and local olive oil. I recommend trying the pansarole – fried dough drizzled with warm honey – at one of the family-run eateries facing the main square.
The village hosts vibrant cultural events throughout summer, including the famous theatrical festival where the entire village becomes a stage.
Culinary Delights in Idyllic Settings
The food scene in Liguria offers incredible tastes in stunning locations. Local specialties shine in these charming towns, where traditional recipes meet spectacular views.
Tellaro: Seafood and Seascapes
Walking through Tellaro’s narrow streets, I found myself drawn to small restaurants perched over the sea. This fishing village serves some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted.
The local specialty, muscoli ripieni (stuffed mussels), pairs perfectly with views of boats bobbing in the azure waters. Many restaurants here use recipes passed down through generations.
For an unforgettable experience, I recommend dining at sunset when the buildings glow golden and fishing boats return with the day’s catch. The simple acciughe al limone (lemon anchovies) showcases the town’s connection to the sea.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Tellaro’s version of Ligurian focaccia – slightly thinner than elsewhere but incredibly flavorful with local olive oil.
Ne: Flaunting Flavors in Forested Valleys
Tucked away in lush valleys, Ne offers a completely different culinary experience than the coastal towns. Here, forest ingredients take center stage.
The town’s signature dish is testaroli – ancient pancake-like pasta served with pesto or mushroom sauce. I found the earthy flavors perfectly complemented by local white wines.
Chestnuts feature prominently in Ne’s cuisine. From castagnaccio (chestnut cake) to chestnut flour gnocchi, these forest treasures create unique flavors unlike anything else in Liguria.
Small family-run trattorias serve pansoti – Ligurian ravioli filled with foraged greens and herbs, topped with walnut sauce. The rustic dining rooms with views of misty mountains create a magical setting for these hearty meals.
Cultural Celebrations and Local Traditions
Liguria’s charm extends beyond its stunning landscapes into rich cultural celebrations that reveal the authentic soul of this region. These traditions offer travelers a deeper connection to local history and community life in some of Liguria’s most fascinating towns.
Bussana Vecchia: Artistic Resurgence Among Ruins
I discovered that Bussana Vecchia celebrates its artistic rebirth each summer with the Festival of Arts, where the entire village transforms into an open-air gallery. After an earthquake devastated this town in 1887, artists from across Europe reclaimed it in the 1960s, breathing new creative life into the ruins.
Walking through narrow lanes, I noticed how artists’ studios function as both workshops and galleries. Many craftspeople open their doors during special weekend events throughout the year, offering hands-on demonstrations of ceramic making and painting techniques.
The annual Midsummer Night celebration in June is particularly magical. Residents illuminate the ancient pathways with hundreds of candles while musicians perform in the stone ruins under starlit skies.
Triora: Revisiting the Witch Trials
My visit to Triora coincided with their fascinating Halloween celebration when this medieval village embraced its dark history of 16th-century witch trials. The Museo Etnografico e della Stregoneria (Witchcraft Museum) becomes the centerpiece of activities during this time.
The most impressive cultural event is “La Notte delle Streghe” (Night of the Witches) held in August. Local performers reenact historical events while visitors explore the atmospheric stone streets illuminated by torchlight. Traditional music and dance performances bring the past to life.
Triora also maintains unique food traditions connected to its history. I tried “stroscia,” a rustic olive oil cake, and “castagnacci,” chestnut flour pancakes—recipes that have remained unchanged for centuries and are featured prominently during seasonal festivals.
Unwind and Rejuvenate: The Tranquility of Ligurian Towns
While Cinque Terre gets all the attention, Liguria’s lesser-known towns offer peaceful retreats where you can truly escape the crowds and reconnect with a slower pace of life.
Noli: Among the Most Ancient, a Quiet Escape
I discovered Noli during my spring visit to the Italian Riviera, and it quickly became my favorite hidden gem. This small medieval town is one of Italy’s ancient maritime republics but remains wonderfully untouched by mass tourism.
The pristine beach stretches alongside colorful buildings, creating a perfect backdrop for morning walks. Unlike the packed shores of more famous destinations, here you can hear the waves crashing.
Noli’s historic center features narrow caruggi (alleyways) where I spent hours wandering without seeing another tourist. The 12th-century castle ruins above town offer stunning views of the coastline—I recommend visiting at sunset.
Local restaurants serve the freshest seafood caught that morning. My favorite spot was a tiny family-run trattoria where Nonna still makes handmade pasta in the kitchen.
Finalborgo: Where Every Stone Tells a Story
Just a short distance inland from the coast, I found Finalborgo—one of Italy’s most beautiful villages (Borghi più belli d’Italia). This perfectly preserved medieval village sits within ancient walls that transport you centuries back in time.
Walking through the main piazza, I felt a sense of calm that’s impossible to find in busier Ligurian destinations. The village comes alive in the evenings when locals gather for aperitivo under the glow of warm streetlights.
Finalborgo’s narrow streets house artisan workshops. Here, craftspeople create ceramics and jewelry using techniques passed down for generations. The Basilica di San Biagio’s bell tower dominates the skyline, while small museums showcase the area’s rich history.
The surrounding hills offer gentle hiking trails through olive groves and Mediterranean scrub—perfect for morning adventures before temperatures rise.
