Local Tourism Notes for Liguria

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Local Tourism Notes for Liguria

Liguria Airport Contacts

To find out about the airports serving the Italian Riviera region, flight information, access or lost luggage:

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page for Airports and Ferries in Liguria

To find out about airlines flying to the region:

• See The AngloFILE for Airlines, Scheduled Flights & Charter

Main Tourist Attractions

Le Cinque Terre

Le Cinque Terre is a series of five picturesque fishing villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, linked by scenic mountainside paths and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Declared a UNESCO protected area in 1997, the area's natural beauty is protected because the cinque terre are very difficult to access. The area lends itself particularly well to walkers, and those interested in diving and fishing.

A train service is available from Genoa, and during the summer months the Cinque Terre can be reached by boat.

• Cinque Terre Tourist Office
• For details of the summer boat service: Click here
• For train times see the Treinitalia website 

Portofino

Portofino is an exclusive resort, 38 Km east of Genoa. The harbour accommodates sleek yachts and pastel-coloured houses. The coast surrounding Portofino is a protected area with rich biodiversity including red coral and sponges. A wide range of sporting facilities are available to visitors including sailing, tennis, golf and hiking.

Portofino can be reached by train from Genoa or by shuttle bus from the nearby resort of Santa Margherita.

• The Portofino Tourist Office
  At: Via Roma 35, Portofino
  Tel: 0185 269 024
  Website

Genoa Aquarium (Acquario di Genova)

Europe's biggest aquarium, and one of the most important on a world level, reproducing the natural habitats of the Mediterranean and world oceans with 50 different tanks and 1,000 different species. The most well known attractions include the penguins, red sea tank, seals and sharks.

Many workshops and special events are organised for school children. There is a children's marine club to introduce youngsters to the sea and marine protection and the aquarium also has its own research council.

See the website for opening times and pricing details.

• Genoa Aquarium
  At: Area Porto Antico Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genoa (GE)
  Tel: 010 248 1205
  Website 

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Ornate black and white striped marble cathedral close to Palazzo Ducale, consecrated in 1118 and housing an unexploded bomb from World War II as well as stunning frescos. The Museo del Tesoro della Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is home to a platter which is said to have been used to present John the Baptist's head to Salome.

• Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
  At: Piazza San Lorenzo, Genoa (GE)
  Tel: 010 254 1250
  Website 

Palazzo Ducale Centro Didattico

This palace, which was the seat of the first Genovese Doge, is one of the main historic buildings in Genoa and is home to important art displays as well as permanent jazz, photography and cinema exhibits. An educational centre (centro didattico) offers creative art workshops for both children and adults as well as refresher courses for teachers. Tourist groups may also request specific workshops at the educational centre to complement a visit to one of the exhibitions or the palace itself.

• Palazzo Ducale
  At: Centro Didattico, Piazza Matteotti 9, 16123 Genoa (GE)
  Tel: 010 557 4004
  Website 

People with Disabilities

The Liguria region also has a portal for accessible tourism, Terre di Mare. It lists the museums, swimming pools, theatres, hotels and restaurants in the region that are accessible to those with mobility problems.

A discount card is also available. Known as OK! Liguria Per Tutti, it provides discounts and the chance to take advantage of the Mobility Service's electric scooters that can be used to visit all the accessible tourist attractions in Genoa. 

• The card can be obtained from the Terre di Mare website: Click here 

Local Tourist Offices

• Liguria Tourist Board website
• City of Genoa Tourist Office
  At: Sportello Stazione Ferroviaria Genova Principe (main train station)
  Tel: 010 246 2633
  Website
• Province of Genoa and the Italian Riviera.
  At: Via Roma 11,16121 Genoa (GE)
  Tel: 010 541 541
  Website
• Province of Imperia, Bordighera and San Remo
  At: Viale Matteotti 54/a, 18100 Imperia (IM)
  Tel: 0183 249 47
  Website
• Province of La Spezia and the Cinque Terre
  At: Viale Mazzini 47, 19100 La Spezia (SP)
  Tel: 0187 770 900
  Website
• Province of Savona
  At: Via Paleocapa 23/6, 17100 Savona (SV)
  Tel: 019 820 522
  Website