6 Villages to Visit Near Genoa on a Spring Day

With the arrival of spring, the desire to get out of the city and spend a few hours outdoors grows. Those looking for villages to visit near Genoa have several alternatives that are perfect for a day trip, without the need to organize large commutes. Within a few kilometers of the center are seaside resorts, small historic towns, scenic trails, and places ideal for walking or relaxing. All destinations that can be easily reached by train or car. Discovering them in spring means avoiding the summer crowds and enjoying Liguria at a quieter time of year. In this article we tell you about six villages near Genoa to see in a day trip.

If you're planning an out-of-town trip and looking for a convenient starting point to visit the villages near Genoa, you can book your stay at Hotel Astoria, in the center of Genoa, just a few minutes' walk from Brignole station: an ideal base for getting around easily by public transportation, as well as by car.

Camogli: the picture-postcard Ligurian village

Camogli is one of the most popular villages to visit near Genoa in spring, ideal for a day trip.  It is located on the Riviera di Levante, easily reached by train in about 30 minutes from Genoa Brignole station.

As soon as you arrive, you find yourself immersed in a small seaside town overlooking a small harbor that still retains its fishing-related identity. The tall, colorful houses overlooking the sea create a very recognizable setting, often used to represent Liguria in tourist materials. To stroll along the waterfront is to breathe in the authentic atmosphere of a village that, although very well known, has maintained its own slow pace. 

Here it is a must to taste the focaccette al formaggio, small fried delicacies typical of the area, to be enjoyed hot while walking through the alleys of the historic center, but also the typical Genoese focaccia and the tasty cheese focaccia.

Camogli is also the perfect starting point for those who love hiking in Liguria. From the village starts one of the most famous paths in Portofino Park, which leads to the beautiful bay of San Fruttuoso. The path winds through olive trees, stretches of woodland and scenic spots overlooking the sea, and is perfect to tackle in spring, when temperatures are mild and the vegetation begins to bloom. Along the way one encounters typical Ligurian nature and can take advantage of a day in the open air between sea and mountains. The trip can be concluded (or even started) by returning by boat, with a crossing that allows you to admire the coast from a different perspective.

Nervi: nature, art and a walk by the sea

If you're looking for an easy and pleasant destination to spend a day outdoors near Genoa, Nervi is the right choice. You don't even need a car: it only takes a few minutes by train to find yourself among cliffs, historic gardens, and sea views that look like paintings. 

The highlight is the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, a pedestrian path carved out of the rock that runs above the sea. It is one of those places that the Genoese have always loved, where you stop to read, walk, chat, or simply look at the horizon.

But Nervi is not just about the sea. Behind the promenade are the Nervi Parks, a large green space that unites the ancient noble villas of the neighborhood. In spring it is all in bloom: the palm trees, lawns, and shady avenues become the perfect place for a break.

Some of the villas house lesser-known but very interesting museums, such as the Gallery of Modern Art and the Wolfsoniana Museum.

Pegli: between history and nature at Villa Durazzo Pallavicini

Pegli is one of those places that sometimes go unnoticed but deserve to be rediscovered, especially in spring. It is located in the western part of Genoa and is easily reached by train or public transportation.

Once a resort town, it still retains the tranquil atmosphere of a seaside village, with its waterfront dotted with palm trees, fishermen's boats, and old villas overlooking the beach. Walking in Pegli means discovering a different side of the city, far from the hustle and bustle of the center and immersed in a slower pace.

The real jewel of the area is Villa Durazzo Pallavicini, one of the most fascinating destinations for those looking for villages to visit near Genoa. Not only is it a historic villa, it is also home to a unique scenic garden, often called one of the most beautiful romantic gardens in Europe. Conceived in the nineteenth century as a veritable open-air theater, the park unfolds among lakes, temples, grottoes, and vistas designed to surprise visitors. In spring, with the ongoing flowering and longer days, the visit becomes even more atmospheric.

Sori and Bogliasco: small jewels of the Riviera di Levante

Sori and Bogliasco are two small villages on the Riviera di Levante, easily reached from Genoa in less than half an hour by train.

Perfect for those who want to get out of town without going too far, they offer pebble beaches, cozy towns and an atmosphere that still retains something authentic. There are no major tourist attractions here, but that's precisely the beauty of it: you walk among the houses overlooking the sea, watch the fishermen setting up their nets, and breathe in the slow pace of off-season seaside villages.

Both villages lend themselves well to a spring trip, perhaps over the weekend. One can arrive in the morning, take a stroll along the waterfront, stop for coffee or a simple but neat lunch at one of the sea-view restaurants. The outdoor tables begin to fill with the first rays of sunshine, and the sound of the waves accompanies the day.

For those looking for ideas on what to see near Genoa in the spring, Sori and Bogliasco are two ideal stops: they do not require complex travel and offer a chance to slow down, if only for a few hours.

Arenzano: a trip to the Riviera di Ponente

Arenzano is a good alternative for those who want to change direction and travel to the Riviera di Ponente without straying too far from Genoa. The train takes about half an hour, and once you arrive you can walk to the center and the waterfront in a few minutes. 

Unlike the Levante villages, the atmosphere here is slightly different: larger, more open, with manicured green spaces and a waterfront that invites walking or cycling. Arenzano's Municipal Park is the town's green heart, inhabited by free-roaming peacocks, ancient trees, and flanked by historic villas that tell of the area's noble past.

In spring, this corner of Liguria is perfect for those who want an outdoor break away from the crowds. The bike path that connects Arenzano to Cogoleto runs along the route of the former railway and offers glimpses of the sea that are ideal for those who like to walk or take an unhurried bike ride.

ia e regala scorci sul mare ideali per chi ama camminare o fare un giro in bici senza fretta.