Genoa is one of the best bases in Italy for day trips, because the Riviera di Levante, the coast stretching east of the city, is lined with villages that look like film sets and are linked by frequent trains. You can be in a fishing town in half an hour, on a ferry in forty minutes and hiking a cliff path within the hour. This guide lays out the best options and how to combine them.
Camogli (30 minutes by train)
The closest and easiest. Tall painted houses rise from the harbour, a castle sits on a rock and a long pebble beach lines the front. Eat focaccia di Recco, walk the promenade and, if you have energy, take the coast path to a viewpoint. Camogli works well as a half day, or as the start of a longer outing to San Fruttuoso by boat or on foot.
San Fruttuoso (boat or hike)
A medieval abbey tucked into a cove with no road. Boats run from Camogli, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure in season, and the hike over the headland takes a few hours. The cove has a small beach, a couple of restaurants and an underwater statue of Christ for divers. It is a highlight for anyone who likes nature, quiet and history. Check boat times and weather before you go, since services reduce outside the summer.
Portofino (about an hour)
Take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then a ferry or bus. The tiny harbour, the Piazzetta, Castello Brown and the lighthouse are the main sights. It is expensive and crowded in summer, so go early in the day, or travel in spring and autumn. Many visitors choose to eat in Santa Margherita instead, where prices are more reasonable.
Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo (40 minutes by train)
Elegant seaside towns with promenades, gardens, a harbour and good restaurants. Rapallo has a castle on the water and a cable car to the Montallegro sanctuary, with wide views. They make a relaxed day for anyone who prefers cafes and strolls to hiking, and are good bases for longer stays.
Chiavari, Sestri Levante and beyond
Further along the coast, Chiavari offers arcaded streets and a sandy beach, and Sestri Levante has two bays divided by a narrow peninsula. These are less visited by foreigners and give a more local flavour. Trains run frequently, and you can combine them with a swim and a seafood lunch.
The Cinque Terre and other big trips
The Cinque Terre villages are about two hours from Genoa by train, and they have their own coverage on Twickly. Milan, Turin and Pisa are also reachable, but each deserves a trip of its own. If you have only one day free, choose the nearer Riviera towns over a long rail journey.
Getting around
Regional trains from Genoa Brignole and Principe stations run along the coast, stopping at the main towns, and tickets are cheap. Validate paper tickets before boarding if required, and check the timetables for the last return train. Ferries and boats operate mostly from spring to autumn, with fewer services in winter. Cars are a hassle in summer because parking in the coastal towns is limited and the roads are narrow and congested.
Tours and boats
Guided day trips are available by coach or boat, and are useful if you want commentary, have limited time or prefer to avoid navigating transport. Private boat trips can combine Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli in a single outing. For independent travellers, a simple plan is a train to Camogli in the morning, a boat to San Fruttuoso and Portofino, and a ferry or bus to Santa Margherita before returning to Genoa by train.
Tips
Start early, wear shoes for stone steps and paths, bring water and a swimsuit in season, and allow a buffer for the return journey. Sundays and holidays are busy, so book restaurants if you want a table with a view. In bad weather, swap boat trips for walking in towns.
Choosing between them
If you like walking and nature, pick San Fruttuoso and the coast path. If you want pretty harbours and photographs, choose Camogli or Portofino. If you prefer cafes, shops and a gentler pace, Santa Margherita and Rapallo suit you. First-time visitors with only one free day usually enjoy the Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino combination most, because it mixes train, boat and a village stroll without a long journey.