Family Holiday in Liguria

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In Liguria with kids The region is a popular destination especially among Italian families from Turin and Milan. Liguria offers the opportunity to alternate visits, outdoor activities and relax at the beach. The bonus is that as you are never far from the coast so the added expense of a pool is not an absolute must with children. Liguria is easy to explore as the motorway that runs from one end of the region to another means that day trips are an easy option. Ligurians tend to eat on the go and all along the coast, you can buy tasty pies and delicious 'focaccia', a thin flatbread, that comes with multiple toppings. It’s easy to keep the kid's tummies topped up and pack a picnic basket.  The region is divided into two. The Riviera di Ponente to the west of Genoa and the Riviera di Levante to the east. There are more sandy beaches on the west coast but the eastern shore is more dramatic. The best mountain countryside, however, is on the Ponente. Genoa is not a great base with kids but makes an excellent day out. It’s easily reached by both train and car from either side of Liguria and has one of Europe’s biggest aquariums, home to 12 000 sea creatures. Explore the narrow alleyways of the old town, the powerhouse of the Middle Ages. Genoa was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and you can see the tiny house where he was supposedly born. The Galata Museum traces the city’s maritime past and has some fun hands-on exhibits for children. Take a boat tour of the port and let them run off steam in the Città dei Bambini, a museum exclusively for children.

The Riviera di Levante
The Must-See Liguria’s big draw the Cinque Terre is an easy place to explore with children. It’s best to go to either La Spezia or Levanto and catch the train. It runs along with the coast shooting in and out of tunnels and links all five villages. Kids also love catching the ferryboats that run between them. Older children will easily manage a hike along the famous coastal path. If Portofino is on the agenda be sure to walk to the lighthouse and cool off with an ice cream in the café.  To explore the Portofino Promontory take a boat from Camogli to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. It’s a magical little place and great for swimming. Kids will like spotting the underwater statue of Jesus. Older kids will enjoy hiking here. There are lots of pretty coves but the best sandy beaches for children are at Sestri Levante that inspired Hans Christian Anderson and the resorts of that lie to the east of the town between Moneglia and Levanto. Be sure to take a bike ride along the old railway tunnels from Framura to Bonassola. Get a taste of the mountains with a ride on the cable car from Rapallo to the Santuario di Montallegro and take a boat trip around the Bay of Poets from Porto Venere.

The Riviera di Ponente
The Must-See The ruined castle at Dolceaqua is the must-see on this stretch of coast. The old walled city of Noli is also great for kids. It’s miniature so easily explored and the walls that run up the hillside will certainly impress. Some of the first cavemen to live in Europe fell under the spell of the Riviera and children will love a trip to the caves of Toirano near Albenga. It’s a great option on a hot day. Older children will enjoy the mountain villages and the hiking in and around Apricale north of Ventimiglia and Triora, which was made famous by its witch trials in 1587. There are lots of great beaches for children on this stretch of coast but the best are at Alassio and Varigotti.  Much of the old railway path that used to run right next to the sea all along the coast has been converted into a seaside walkway notably between Varazze and Arenzano. It easy to push pushchairs along and great for family bike rides. Liguria offers lots of opportunities for walking. The hiking path that runs along the top of the Ligurian Alps is in parts, especially in Monte Beigua, relatively flat. It offers stunning views on a clear day of the Alps to the north and if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of Corsica. On a hot day, head for the waterpark at Caravalle, near Albenga, or set out on a dolphin and whale spotting expedition. Cruise boats leave from Genoa, Savona, Imperia, and Sanremo. Keep your eyes open you can sometimes spot dolphins just walking along the coastal path!

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