Holidays near Cinque Terre: Why Chiavari is worth a visit
The colorful villages of the Cinque Terre attract by far the most visitors to Liguria. But just a few kilometers further north lies a picturesque place known to few: Chiavari. The coastal town is framed by green hills, hidden bays, and turquoise sea. We introduce you to this pearl in the Gulf of Genoa.
Chiavari, with its colorful house facades in its narrow streets, evokes the picturesque atmosphere of the Cinque Terre. But the town has much more to offer than just a postcard-perfect idyll: Impressive buildings of various styles, such as the Palazzo di Giustizia and the Palazzo Rocca, characterize the historic townscape. The remains of a medieval castle, the Castello di Chiavari, have also been preserved to this day. The biggest difference, however, is that the town is hardly geared towards tourism. Souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants are rare.
Piazza Mazzini is good for an aperitif.
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An ideal starting point for a stroll through Chiavari is Viale Enrico Millo. Along this street, you'll find remarkable Art Nouveau buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the old town, the ornate arcades, especially along the main shopping street, Via Martiri della Liberazione, are more reminiscent of Bologna than the colorful coastal towns of Liguria.
In the city you can find artistically painted house facades.
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Also worth a visit are the Cathedral of Nostra Signora dell'Orto and the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie with its impressive frescoes. Cozy squares like Piazza Fenice and Piazza delle Carrozze, with their cafés and restaurants, invite you to linger.
Speaking of food: Local specialties include the pasta varieties trofie and trenette, which are usually served with pesto, the vegetable tart pasqualina, and pansoti. These pastries resemble large ravioli, are filled with ricotta and wild herbs like nettle and dandelion, and are served with a walnut sauce. Delicious!
Pansoti are a typical Ligurian dish.
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Those who prefer to cook their own meals will find the best ingredients in Piazza Mazzini. The fruit, vegetable, and cheese market takes place here every morning. Via Martiri della Liberazione, instead, is home to the antiques market, which usually takes place on the second Sunday of the month. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience authentic Italy and pick up a few souvenirs.
In the summer months, life takes place not only in the town, but also on the waterfront. For many centuries, Chiavari was an important trading port; today, up to 500 yachts are moored there. Ferries connect the town to Portofino and the Cinque Terre. The promenade, lined with inviting bars and restaurants, offers a retreat with a typically Ligurian flair, and a pebble beach below invites you to swim.
The coast of Chiavari.
Source: Getty Images
Chiavari is also very easy to reach: Genoa Airport is about 40 kilometers away. From there, you can take the train to Rome, which stops in Chiavari. The route also includes Portofino and, a few stops further on, La Spezia and the Cinque Terre.
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