Take a tour of Genoa’s charming seaside villages

Devour divine gelato in Boccadasse

Enjoy the warm colours of the historic seaside villas / Photo: A.Falcone ©Xedum

A gentle amble along the pretty Corso Italia promenade – or a taxi if you’re feeling lazy – will take you from cosmopolitan Genoa proper, to Boccadasse, an adorable old fishing village and a multi-coloured, multi-tiered feast for the senses. Do as the locals do and grab an outlandishly yummy gelato and join the cheerful knots of happy people watching the sunset over the warm placid sea – for best results bring a towel and stake out a spot for the afternoon on the dinky pebble beach.

See natural wonders in Nervi

The views across the sea are just as tantalising at daytime

A little further east from the city – electric scooter hire is a good bet – and you’ll be revelling in the rarefied atmosphere of Nervi. A longstanding favourite of upscale travellers, Nervi’s dramatic clifftop terrain and tastefully decadent villas provide an elegant backdrop to your visit. Take in the flora and fauna of the village’s botanical park, with over 100 eye-catching species and a world-renowned rose garden or browse highbrow treasures at the GAM Modern Art Gallery.

Imbibe Italian decadence in Camogli

The fishing village has promenade perfection / Photo: Ufficio Comunicazione Città Metropolitana di Genova

A scenic half-hour train from Genoa proper, Camogli is the quintessential riviera village. Amid dramatic rocky surroundings, its exquisite jumble of technicolour facades rise up from the beach making a dreamy spot to spend an evening on the bay while the ancient rhythms of the local fishing folk ebb and flow around you. Dozens of restaurants and bijou bakeries line haphazard narrow alleyways – grab a local specialty focaccia, still warm from the oven – salty, olive-infused and irresistible.

Brought to you by Comune di Genova