Italian Riviera 2026: Top Cities for a Beach Vacation in Italy

The Italian Riviera remains one of the most popular beach vacation destinations in Europe—from elegant Sanremo to the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Euronews has named the cities of Liguria worth considering for a trip in 2026. Learn more about the top resorts on the Italian Riviera and get tips on choosing a destination

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The summer heat is driving Europeans to the coast, and the Italian Riviera remains one of the most popular destinations for beach vacations. This coastline stretches along the Liguria region, from the French border to northern Tuscany, and combines Mediterranean architecture, crystal-clear waters, and Blue Flag beaches. Euronews has compiled a selection of cities worth considering for a trip in 2026.

Read on to find out which resorts to choose for an elegant getaway, a cultural exploration of Liguria, peaceful evenings by the sea, and UNESCO-protected routes.

Planning a beach vacation in Liguria but not sure which documents to start preparing?

The Italy travel guide from the Visit World portal contains verified information on visa requirements, insurance, and transportation between resorts on the Italian Riviera.

What should you know about the Italian Riviera before your trip?

The Italian Riviera spans the entire coastline of the Liguria region—from Ventimiglia in the west to La Spezia in the east. The resorts here vary in character: some are known for their Belle Époque architecture and casinos, while others are renowned for their fishing traditions or status as exclusive yachting destinations.

The coastline is well-connected by rail, so you can base yourself in one city and travel along the coast by train. This allows you to visit several towns during a single vacation.

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Sanremo: A Belle Époque Resort

Sanremo is considered one of the most elegant resorts on the western part of the Italian Riviera. The city has preserved its palm-lined promenades, 19th-century architecture, and historic casino, which still welcomes guests today.

A stroll along Corso Imperatrice remains a classic tourist route. Also worth visiting is the old quarter of La Pigna—a medieval district with narrow alleys and scenic viewpoints overlooking the coast. Local restaurants in this part of town are less crowded with tourists.

Sanremo is ideal for travelers seeking a resort getaway with the atmosphere of old-world European luxury and delicious Ligurian cuisine.

Where to Find the Cheapest Summer Vacations in Europe in 2026— find out more at the link.

Genoa: The Cultural Capital of Liguria

Genoa is the region’s main port city and a convenient starting point for exploring the Italian Riviera. Here, the focus shifts from beach vacations to architecture, museums, and historic neighborhoods.

Via Garibaldi is one of the city’s most famous streets and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along it stand well-preserved historic palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries. Genoa is also considered the birthplace of pesto sauce, so this is the place to try it.

The city’s atmosphere is captured by the caruggi—narrow alleys lined with bakeries, wine bars, and small trattorias. This part of Genoa offers a glimpse into the daily life of locals off the beaten path.

Photo: iStock

Portofino: A Symbol of Luxury on the Italian Riviera

Portofino is one of Europe’s most recognizable destinations for yacht tourism. The pastel-colored houses near the harbor, designer boutiques, and restaurants close to the port have cemented the town’s reputation as an exclusive resort.

Travel experts recommend arriving by sea. It’s from the water that you get the best view of the harbor’s panorama, the colorful facades, and the winding coastline. This way of arriving has become a unique part of the Portofino experience.

The most beautiful cities in Europe in 2026— listed here.

Rapallo: A Convenient Base Near Portofino

Rapallo is often chosen by those planning to visit Portofino but looking for more affordable accommodations. The town is located on a neighboring stretch of the coast and features its own promenade, a 16th-century castle, and regular ferry service to other Riviera resorts.

Photo: Insperia

The “base in Rapallo—day trips along the coast” format is ideal for travelers who want to see several towns in a single trip while avoiding the high prices of the central resorts.

Santa Margherita Ligure: A peaceful coast for romantic getaways

Santa Margherita Ligure has a reputation as a romantic resort. Along the coast, you’ll find villas, Blue Flag beaches, and picturesque walking trails leading toward Portofino.

Photo: Getty Images

The town is ideal for a vacation in a more relaxed atmosphere than glamorous Portofino, while retaining its elegant Ligurian style. The “morning stroll—lunch by the sea—dinner in a neighboring town” routine is perfectly suited here.

Camogli: An Authentic Fishing Village

Camogli is located near Santa Margherita and has retained the character of a traditional fishing village. Houses with distinctive colorful facades line the waterfront, and the local cuisine centers on fresh catches.

Camogli is especially atmospheric in the evening—after sunset, the coastline is bathed in a softer light, and the promenade is mostly filled with locals. Experts recommend planning a dinner here rather than a daytime visit.

Read about unusual rules on European beaches in this article.

Portovenere: A UNESCO Route Away from the Crowds

Portovenere often remains in the shadow of the famous Cinque Terre, although it has its own spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is located near the so-called Bay of Poets, known for its rocky coastline and pastel-colored houses along the harbor.

Photo: Depositphotos

Key sights to see include the Church of St. Peter on the cape and the Doria Castle on the hill. A boat trip along the coast offers a more complete view of the region’s natural landscapes.

It’s recommended to plan your hike up to the castle for late afternoon. At this time, the light becomes softer, and the panorama of the bay looks its best.

Cinque Terre: A Classic Coastal Destination Comprising Five Villages

Cinque Terre comprises five villages along the rocky coast:

• Monterosso al Mare—the largest of them, with a wide sandy beach;
• Vernazza—with a natural harbor and a medieval tower;
• Corniglia—the only village without direct access to the sea, perched on a cliff;
• Manarola—known for its vineyards that slope down to the water;
• Riomaggiore—located at the entrance to the nature reserve and known for its colorful facades.

The area is connected by trains and hiking trails that run along the coast. The best time to explore is in the evening, after the day-trippers have left and the villages return to a quieter pace.

Read also: The Best European Islands for a Vacation in 2026.

How to Choose a City on the Italian Riviera for a Vacation in 2026?

The choice of destination depends on the type of trip you’re planning:

• Sanremo—for a classic resort vacation with a Belle Époque atmosphere;
• Genoa—for exploring Liguria’s history, architecture, and cuisine;
• Portofino—for a luxurious getaway and yachting;
• Rapallo—as a more budget-friendly base near Portofino;
• Santa Margherita Ligure—for a more peaceful, romantic getaway;
• Camogli — for an authentic dinner in a fishing village;
• Portovenere — for UNESCO-designated routes away from the tourist crowds;
• Cinque Terre — for a classic exploration of the Ligurian coast.

The best option is to combine several towns into a single trip, using train connections and ferry routes between the resorts.

Plan your trip along the Italian Riviera with the Visit World travel guide!

The Visit World portal has prepared a travel guide to Italy with practical information on visa requirements, intercity transportation, insurance, and accommodation options at the resorts. The guide includes recommendations for itineraries along the Ligurian coast and is ideal for planning your trip in 2026.

Order the Visit World travel guide to Italy to plan your trip to the Italian Riviera with all the practical details covered!

Reminder! In our previous article, we talked about lakes in Europe where you can swim safely.

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