Vacation Near Cinque Terre in Italy: Why Chiavari is Worth a Visit

Between Genoa and the Cinque Terre lies a place often overlooked: a small coastal town with a lot of history, long beaches, and regional cuisine. Perfect for those who want to experience Italy away from the tourist crowds.

The colorful coastal villages of the Cinque Terre attract most visitors to Liguria. Yet, just a few miles further north, there's a picturesque place that few know: Chiavari. This coastal town is framed by green hills, hidden coves, and turquoise waters. We present to you the gem in the Gulf of Genoa.

Chiavari, with its colorful house facades in narrow streets, is reminiscent of the picturesque atmosphere of the Cinque Terre. But the city has far more to offer than just postcard idylls: Impressive buildings of various styles, such as the Palazzo di Giustizia and the Palazzo Rocca, shape the historic townscape. The remains of a medieval castle, the Castello di Chiavari, are also preserved to this day. However, the biggest difference is that the place is hardly geared toward tourism. You won't find many souvenir shops or overpriced restaurants.

An ideal starting point for a walk through Chiavari is Viale Enrico Millo. Along this street are notable Art Nouveau buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the old town, the ornate arcades, especially in the main shopping street Via Martiri della Liberazione, are more reminiscent of Bologna than the colorful coastal towns of Liguria.

Also worth a visit are the Cathedral Nostra Signora dell'Orto and the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie with its impressive frescoes. Meanwhile, cozy squares like Piazza Fenice and Piazza delle Carrozze, with their cafes and restaurants, invite you to linger.

Speaking of food: The local culinary specialties include pasta types Trofie and Trenette, usually served with pesto, the vegetable tart Pasqualina, and Pansoti. These dumplings are reminiscent of large ravioli, filled with ricotta and wild herbs such as nettle and dandelion, and served with a walnut sauce. Delicious!

For those who prefer to cook themselves, the best ingredients can be found at Piazza Mazzini, where the fruit, vegetable, and cheese market takes place every morning. Meanwhile, Via Martiri della Liberazione is the site of the antique market, typically held on the second Sunday of the month. There, you have the opportunity to experience authentic Italy and pick up a few souvenirs.

In the summer months, life takes place not only in the town but also by the water. For centuries, Chiavari was an important trading port, and today it hosts up to 500 yachts. Ferries connect the town with Portofino and the Cinque Terre. The promenade, lined with inviting bars and restaurants, offers a retreat with typical Ligurian flair, and beneath it, a pebble beach invites bathing.

Chiavari is also easily accessible: The airport of Genoa is about 25 miles away. From there, you can take the train towards Rome, which stops in Chiavari. Along the route are also stops at Portofino and a few more to La Spezia and the Cinque Terre.

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