Italian Riviera Planning Guides
Best Things to Do from Genoa Cruise Port
Portofino, Camogli or the coast — ranked for your Riviera port day.
Genoa is the Italian Riviera's cruise gateway. The best things to do all lie along the coast east of Porto Antico: glamorous Portofino, authentic Camogli, elegant Santa Margherita and Ligurian food experiences each suit different call lengths.
First-time visitors: Portofino on an organised excursion or Ultimate Italian Riviera Day for Portofino, Santa Margherita and Camogli. Families: Camogli beach and harbour walks. Food lovers: Taste Liguria or village trattoria lunches.
Independent travellers with 8+ hours can train to Santa Margherita from Genova Piazza Principe — allow 15–25 minutes taxi from the cruise terminal to the station plus 45 minutes on the train.
Skip trying to 'see all of Liguria' in one call. Rank your must-do, match it to your hours, and keep the 60–90 minute return buffer sacred.
Highlights
- Portofino — harbour village and viewpoints
- Camogli — fishing village and beach
- Santa Margherita — promenade and ferry links
- Ligurian pesto and seafood lunches
Tips for cruise passengers
- Match destination to call length
- Book excursions before peak summer sailings
- Check coastal road traffic on summer afternoons
Editorial recommendations
Related guides
One Day on the Italian Riviera from Genoa
Gangway to all-aboard — realistic Riviera schedules that actually work.
Portofino from Genoa Cruise Port
The world's most photographed harbour — pastel facades and yacht-filled waters east of Genoa.
Italian Riviera Guide from Genoa Cruise Port
Liguria's glittering coast — from Genoa's harbour to Portofino's pastel perfection.
Best Things to Do from Genoa Cruise Port — FAQs
What is the number-one thing from Genoa?▼
Portofino for first-timers; Camogli if crowds or budget worry you.
Is Genoa city worth visiting?▼
Old town and pesto if time allows — most passengers head east to the Riviera.