The 13 Best Hikes In Genoa
The Italian city of Genoa is famous for its winding streets, good food, medieval architecture, and stunning seascapes. But it's also home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. From short and easy walks to longer and more challenging trekking routes, there's something for everyone in Genoa. The best hikes in Genoa, Italy, allow you to discover some truly beautiful places and explore Liguria at your own pace.
If you're looking for a hiking guide, you've come to the right place. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Genoa, and you'll be ready to begin your Italian adventure. All you need is a map and some hiking boots, and you're good to go.
As well as being some of the most popular tours in Genoa, these hikes let you get some exercise while seeing more of this part of Italy. And they are some of the best free things to do in Genoa. Climb mountain peaks, capture unforgettable images, and see hidden corners of this incredible destination with these hikes.
Our Top Hiking Trail Picks in Genoa
Monte di Portofino
This popular hiking trail takes you up to the summit of Monte di Portofino, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding coast. The hike is relatively short and can be completed in around two hours. However, the path is fairly steep in places so make sure you're prepared for a bit of a workout! Suitable for moderate hikers, this is an excellent length to get your blood pumping without being too demanding.
Cinque Terre Coastal Trail
The Cinque Terre coastal trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in Italy. It takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, if not the world, with dramatic cliff-top views and the pretty fishing villages known as the Cinque Terre dotting the route. The trail can be completed in a day but it's best to allow two or three days so that you can really enjoy the views and take your time. You could even stay in one of the villages that make up this National Park and World Heritage Site and enjoy the incredible food and culture of this picture-perfect Liguria treasure.
If the hike is too much to attempt in its entirety, you can also break it up into sections and only walk one or two at a time. At around an hour and a half from the city, you could fuel up with the best brunch in Genoa, visit one or two of these villages, and be back in town for dinner.
Valle Scrivia Trail
This scenic trail takes you through the beautiful Valle Scrivia valley, past vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. It's a relatively easy hike with plenty of opportunities to stop for lunch or a refreshing swim along the way. The trail can be completed in a day but it's best to allow two days so that you can really take your time and enjoy the scenery. If you want a real Italian adventure, consider camping out at a site in this regional park to maximize your time in the area. You'll be able to escape the tourist crowds, drink in the tranquility of nature, and discover just what it is that makes this area so special.
Monte Beigua
This longer trail takes you up to the summit of Monte Beigua, the highest mountain in the Liguria region. The hike is tough but rewards you with incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea, Genoa, and the surrounding mountain peaks. Allow three or four days to complete this hike so that you can take your time and enjoy the scenery. This is only suitable for the more advanced hikers, but the reward is seeing a part of Italy many visitors never get to.
Genoa Coastal Trail
This easy-to-moderate trail takes you along Genoa's stunning coastline, past rocky beaches, sheltered coves, and pretty fishing villages. It's a great way to explore the city's coastline and can be reached by public transit from Genoa train station, making this an exceptional way to see some great scenery without straying far from the city. For more on Genoa's public transportation system, read our local guide.
San Fruttoso di Camogli loop
This is a more challenging hike that takes you up to the picturesque village of San Fruttoso di Camogli. The trail is steep in places but the views are more than worth it, with the entire Genoa coastline stretched out before you. You can reach the village by bus from Genoa but the journey takes around two hours so it's best to allow a full day for this hike. This hike is suitable for experienced hikers only. With 1140 meters or 3700 feet of elevation gain, it's not for the faint-hearted or the unfit. But the incredible views and the beautiful town of Portofino along the way make it all worthwhile.
Portofino Promontory
This easy hike takes you along the scenic Portofino promontory, with its dramatic cliff-top views and colorful Mediterranean vegetation. It's a great way to explore the area and can be completed in a day. Portofino is a legendarily pretty town on the Ligurian coast, so if you have the time to make it out here, you won't be sorry you made the effort.
Monte Albano loop
This longer hike takes you up to the summit of Monte Albano, offering stunning views of the Genoa coastline. The hike is tough but rewards you with incredible views of the city and surrounding mountains, and the sea beyond. It's the perfect way to see the wilder side of Liguria and enjoy the nature of Italy while testing yourself on a demanding trail.
Punta Chiappa Loop
This challenging hike takes you along the scenic Punta Chiappa headland, with its dramatic cliff-top views and pretty Mediterranean plantlife. The rugged coastline of this area makes it popular for walking despite the challenge it presents, so don't overlook this walk if you have the fitness levels it demands.
Capo Noli Loop
This easy hike takes you along the pretty Capo Noli headland, with its sheltered coves and scenic views. Capo Noli is a popular destination for walking, so if you have the time to make it out here, you won't be sorry you made the effort.
Punta Mesco Loop
This longer hike takes you up to the summit of Punta Mesco, offering stunning views of the Genoa coastline. The hike is tough, but your reward is the stunning view of the city and surrounding mountains. Allow three or four days to complete this hike so that you can take your time and enjoy the scenery. Substantial footwear and up to date maps are definitely advised in this unspoiled area.
Portovenere Loop
This easy hike takes you along the pretty Portovenere headland, with its sheltered coves and scenic views. You'll travel close to the Cinque Terre and some of the most outstanding coastal scenery in Italy while you walk along the cliffs. Trekking the route will certainly work up an appetite, but this is Italy, so great food is never far away.
Bossea-Casella Railway Trail
This moderate trail follows an old railway line between the villages of Bossea and Casella. It's a gentle hike with some stunning views of the Genoa countryside, making it the perfect way to escape the city for a day. The trail can be completed in a few hours but it's best to allow a full day so that you can stop for a rest or take photos. This is a great option for families or group of friends as it's relatively flat and easy to follow.
Easy Hikes in Genoa
If you want to get out and enjoy a good walk without pushing yourself too hard, Genoa offers you a couple of options. The Portovenere Loop gives you gorgeous views of the sea and mountains and lets you explore the area around Cinque Terre, but it's suitable for just about anyone. Capo Noli also offers stunning coastal scenery if you can't get enough of the sea, and is easy enough for almost anyone. Finally, the Cinque Terre Coastal Trail can be broken up into sections, so you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want, and it's worth it to see one of Italy's true bucket list destinations.
Intermediate Hikes in Genoa
If you want a walk that's suitable for more advanced hikers, give the Bossea-Casella Railway Trail a try. An easy place to take a walk that's not too far from the city, this hike offers a decent challenge without being too intimidating. Alternatively, the Valle Scrivia route is a good one if you want a challenge that will get your blood pumping but doesn't require superhuman endurance.
Difficult Hikes in Genoa
Thanks to the mountains that lie close to the city, Genoa and Liguria have some hikes that will test even experienced walkers. Set out to conquer Punta Mesco, and you'll have a multi-day challenge ahead of you that will show you the wilder side of Italy. Likewise, Monte Albano offers plenty of elevation to give those leg muscles a workout. And of course, the stunning San Fruttoso di Camogli route is one you shouldn't miss if you're addicted to mountain views and the feeling of accomplishment that comes from earning them.