Things to do in Piedmont & Liguria

All about Piedmont & Liguria

When to visit

Piedmont’s truffle woods and vineyards attract gourmands from across the globe in the fall and winter when the region’s top food and wine festivals are held. Visitors bid six figures for white truffles at Alba’s fair and auction and sip their way through the Barolo and Barbera hills as temperatures take on a nip. However, summer reigns supreme in coastal Liguria as seaside hot spots like Portofino and the Cinque Terre draw the world’s yacht set.

Getting around

Piedmont and Liguria have a rolling topography that makes it almost impossible to move in a straight line between two points, so train travel in most regions is slow and sinuous. The only exception is the regional rail line along the Mediterranean between the seaside resort towns, including the Cinque Terre. Explore Piedmont’s wine country and Alpine slopes by car, then ditch the wheels and take the train to venture along the coast.

Traveler tips

The Cinque Terre Card is a must if you plan to visit this UNESCO-listed clutch of fishing villages on the Ligurian coast. The card includes unlimited rides on the local train that runs between the towns all day long and access to the hiking trails inside the National Park. Book your Cinque Terre Card on the park’s website in advance to avoid waiting in the long line at the ticket office once you arrive on the coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Piedmont known for?

Piedmont is one of Italy’s premier culinary regions, and a number of the most prestigious specialties in the country are produced here. White truffles from Alba top the list, while Piedmont’s vineyards turn out iconic wines like Barbera and Barolo, its hills are blanketed with hazelnut trees, and the capital city of Turin is a mecca for high-quality chocolate.

Is Piedmont French or Italian?

Piedmont sits along the border with France, and its northern reaches are deeply influenced by French culture and cuisine, but the region is politically and geographically Italian. Locals speak Italian, and the Savoy royal seat of Turin briefly served as Italy’s capital after the country’s unification in 1861.

Is Liguria worth visiting?

Yes, Liguria is a spectacularly scenic stretch of coast in northern Italy known as the Italian Riviera. Its waterfront is dotted with picture-perfect fishing villages, including Portofino, the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, and the captivating former marine republic of Genoa. In addition, Ligurian cuisine is among Italy’s most beloved—the region is the birthplace of pesto and focaccia.

What are the main cities in Liguria?

The largest cities in Liguria are Genoa, a major port city with a glorious history as a significant maritime republic, and La Spezia, where many cruise ships dock. The region’s biggest draws, however, are the tiny fishing villages of the Italian Riviera like the Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore), Portofino, and Portovenere.

Are the beaches sandy in Liguria?

The Ligurian coastline has sandy and rocky stretches, both popular destinations for sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts. The Italian Riviera to the west of Genoa tends to be sandy, while the coast to the east is lined by rocky cliffs, and the beaches are generally covered in pebbles.

Is the Italian Riviera the same as the Amalfi Coast?

When people talk about the Italian Riviera, they generally mean the coastline of Liguria from the French border on the west to La Spezia on the east. The Amalfi Coast, far to the south along the Italian coastline, is more often called the “Costiera” and is lined with similarly colorful fishing villages.

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