Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria Italy. Photo: Shutterstock It’s only early August, but fall vacation planning is already in full swing. The summer season will soon be winding down, and the Liguria region in northwestern Italy will gradually begin to return to a more relaxed pace.
September is one of the most pleasant months to visit the Italian Riviera: the sun is still shining, the Mediterranean waters remain warm, and the colorful alleys return to their familiar, slow Italian rhythm. If you're planning to visit the region during this time, here are the places and experiences worth checking out.
September marks the beginning of a more comfortable period for hiking in the region. The gradual drop in temperatures allows you to enjoy the cliffs, villages, and Mediterranean forest without the heavy heat of peak summer.
The paths of Cinque Terre, the five fishing villages perched on cliffs, offer a spectacular encounter between nature, sea and architecture. The Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro), which connects the villages, passes through vineyards, lemon groves and open sea views. The area can still be popular in September, but it usually has a more relaxed feel compared to the peak season.
Before setting out, it is recommended to check which sections are open, as the condition of the trails may change due to maintenance work or weather conditions.
The Portofino peninsula also offers a network of shady paths that wind through oak trees, bays and picturesque villages. A particularly recommended route starts from Santa Margherita Ligure, passes through the Gulf of Paraggi and continues to the famous port of Portofino.
For those looking for a more secluded experience, it is recommended to continue to the Bay of San Fruttuoso, where an ancient monastery from the 11th century is hidden. The bay can be reached on foot or by boat, and the disconnection from the roads is a big part of its charm.
Portofino. Photo: ShutterstockOne of the great advantages of September lies in the water. After the hot summer months, the Mediterranean Sea maintains a pleasant temperature, allowing you to combine hiking with swimming and a beach vacation.
Stop off in Camogli, a beautiful fishing town with tall, colorful houses and a pebble beach. Another great option is Sestri Levante, famous for its Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence), an intimate and romantic stretch of beach surrounded by colorful houses.
The most impressive way to see Liguria is from the sea. You can take a local ferry from La Spezia, Portovenere or other towns along the coast. The view from the deck, of the colorful villages clinging to the cliffs and spilling out towards the water, is one of the most beautiful experiences of the trip.
It is recommended to check the sailing schedules in advance, as the frequency may change depending on the season and sea conditions.
Portovenere. Photo: ShutterstockLiguria is not just beaches and villages. It also offers port towns, historic palaces and a rich maritime heritage.
Genoa, the provincial capital, is a rugged and fascinating port city. Wander its ancient alleys, visit Via Garibaldi, home to magnificent Renaissance palaces that have been recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend time at the Genoa Aquarium, considered one of the largest and most prominent in Europe.
On the western side of the province, near the French border, lies Sanremo, also known as the “City of Flowers.” The city offers a historic casino, luxurious villas, a promenade and an elegant atmosphere associated with the Riviera.
The area also has a spectacular bike path along the coastline, built on the route of an old railway. The flat route allows you to cycle between towns, bays and viewpoints almost without going far from the sea.
Genoa. Photo: ShutterstockCulinary celebration: pesto, focaccia and local festivals
September is the month of harvest, harvest and local produce, and in Liguria's villages and towns, traditional food festivals, known as Sagra, are held during this period. The events are usually dedicated to a local ingredient, a traditional dish or seasonal produce and offer a great way to get to know the region through its cuisine.
You can't visit Liguria without trying the local pesto, made with basil, pine nuts, olive oil and cheese. One of the dishes most associated with the region is Trofie al Pesto, a short, twisted pasta that absorbs the sauce well.
It's worth trying hot Ligurian focaccia alongside it, especially Focaccia di Recco, which is associated with the town of Recco. It consists of two thin, crispy layers of dough with soft, melting cheese between them.
Other festivals in the region are dedicated to porcini mushrooms, fish, olive oil and the dry white wines of Liguria. It is worth looking out for local signs announcing Sagra events in towns and villages as you travel.
Trofie with Genoese Pesto/ ShutterstockWhat should you know before your arrival?
Although the weather in September can be pleasant, the month can also bring rainy days and brief thunderstorms. It is recommended to check the local forecast, plan your walking routes for the clear days and save the rainy days for visiting the museums, aquarium and palaces of Genoa.
It's also a good idea to book accommodation in advance, especially in the Cinque Terre, Portofino and the popular coastal towns. September may be calmer than August, but the Italian Riviera doesn't stay a secret for long.
Anyone who arrives in Liguria after the peak of summer will discover the same blue sea, the same colorful villages, and the same wonderful food, but in a more relaxed atmosphere, which fits exactly with the pace at which Italy should be experience.