Beyond Cinque Terre: The Stunning Italian Riviera Villages Most Travellers Never See
When people dream of the Italian Riviera, their minds usually wander to the colourful cliffside villages of Cinque Terre or the glamorous harbour of Portofino.
And while both deserve their reputation, they barely scratch the surface of one of Italy’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
Running from the French border to the edge of Tuscany, the Italian Riviera is packed with elegant seaside resorts, hidden fishing villages, UNESCO-listed cities and peaceful coastal walks that many visitors overlook entirely.
If you’re planning a trip to Liguria, these are the destinations worth adding to your itinerary—especially if you want to experience a slower, more authentic side of the Riviera.
Sanremo: Where Riviera Glamour Never Went Out of Fashion
Long before the Amalfi Coast became Italy’s celebrity playground, Sanremo was attracting Europe’s wealthy elite.
Its grand Belle Époque hotels, palm-lined promenade and historic casino still evoke the glamour of a bygone era, while the marina is lined with elegant restaurants serving freshly caught seafood.
Yet one of the town’s greatest treasures lies away from the waterfront.
Climb into La Pigna, Sanremo’s medieval quarter, where a maze of cobbled alleyways, hidden staircases and panoramic viewpoints reveal a completely different side to the city. As evening falls, locals fill tiny family-run restaurants tucked between centuries-old buildings, creating an atmosphere that feels wonderfully removed from the tourist crowds.
Genoa: Italy’s Most Underrated Coastal City
Many travellers simply pass through Genoa on their way to the Riviera’s prettier seaside towns.
They’re making a mistake.
As the birthplace of pesto, one of Italy’s great maritime cities and home to magnificent Renaissance palaces, Genoa rewards anyone willing to spend a few days exploring.
The UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi showcases some of Italy’s finest historic architecture, but it’s inside the city’s famous caruggi—the narrow medieval alleyways—that Genoa truly comes alive.
Here you’ll stumble across hidden bakeries, bustling wine bars and traditional trattorias serving authentic Ligurian dishes that haven’t changed for generations.
Rapallo: The Perfect Base for Exploring Portofino
Portofino may steal the headlines, but neighbouring Rapallo offers many of the same Riviera views without the premium price tag.
Its elegant waterfront promenade, colourful harbour and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place to stay, while regular ferries and trains provide easy access to Portofino.
Arriving by boat remains one of the most memorable ways to experience the famous harbour, watching the pastel-coloured buildings slowly appear against a backdrop of lush green hills.
It’s easy to understand why filmmakers have long fallen in love with this stretch of coastline.
Santa Margherita Ligure: Romance by the Sea
If you’re searching for somewhere that captures the timeless charm of the Italian Riviera, Santa Margherita Ligure should be high on your list.
The town combines elegant villas, colourful waterfront cafés and crystal-clear Blue Flag waters, while scenic walking paths connect it with nearby Portofino through fragrant Mediterranean woodland.
For an unforgettable evening, take the short train journey to Camogli.
Often overlooked by international visitors, this traditional fishing village feels particularly magical after sunset. According to local legend, the brightly coloured houses helped fishermen identify their homes as they returned from sea, while the lights that illuminate the waterfront each evening continue to create one of Liguria’s most romantic settings.
Portovenere: The Beautiful Alternative to Cinque Terre
If you’ve always wanted to visit Cinque Terre but worry about the crowds, Portovenere could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Perched dramatically above the Gulf of Poets, this charming harbour town combines colourful waterfront buildings with rugged cliffs, medieval streets and spectacular sea views.
Explore the striking Church of St Peter, wander through the historic centre or climb to Doria Castle, where one of the Riviera’s finest viewpoints overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean.
As the afternoon light softens towards sunset, it’s easy to see why poets and artists have found inspiration here for centuries.
Cinque Terre: Slow Down and Stay Longer
Of course, no visit to the Italian Riviera would be complete without experiencing Cinque Terre.
Made up of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, the five villages have become some of Europe’s most recognisable coastal destinations, their colourful houses tumbling dramatically towards the sea.
They even inspired Pixar’s Luca, introducing millions to the region’s nostalgic charm.
But rather than trying to tick off all five villages in a single day, consider slowing down.
Stay for the evening, linger over dinner and watch as the day-trippers disappear. It’s only then that Cinque Terre begins to reveal the quieter, more authentic atmosphere that has captivated travellers for generations.
The Riviera Beyond the Postcards
While Portofino and Cinque Terre may dominate social media feeds, the true magic of the Italian Riviera lies in the places between them.
Whether you’re wandering the medieval streets of Sanremo, discovering hidden trattorias in Genoa, watching fishing boats return to Camogli or admiring the sunset from Portovenere, Liguria rewards travellers who venture beyond the obvious.
And perhaps that’s the real secret of the Italian Riviera—not simply visiting its famous destinations, but taking the time to uncover the ones that so many visitors leave behind.
Original destination insights and expert commentary provided by Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia.