What To Do In Genoa, Italy, During A Private Luxury Yacht Cruise

Written By: Missy Johnston

Genoa Harbor, Italy

If you’re taking a private luxury yacht cruise through the Italian Riviera, there is no better place to start your journey than in beautiful Genoa, Italy, with an international airport very close to the yacht marinas where your charter yacht awaits.. Load up on rich Italian food and immerse yourself in the unique history and culture of the city before beginning your luxury yacht charter.

Food and Drink

Genoa Old Town

Sample the fresh seafood and pesto Genoa is known for at the Ristorante Creuza de Ma in Boccadasse. Additionally, Eataly Genova and the Pizzeria 23 Febbraio are great lunch options, while the Blue Lounge Bar and Restaurant inside the Melia Genova hotel offers amazing cocktails and dinner fare.

History and Architecture

San Lorenzo Cathedral

There is no shortage of gorgeous, historical buildings in Genoa. One example is the San Lorenzo Cathedral, a lovely Roman and Gothic style cathedral built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

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Genoa Old Port

To see more medieval-era buildings, take a walking tour through the Old City. You’ll be able to see mansions, churches, and palazzos, built by Genoa’s wealthiest residents, in between stops at the boutiques and restaurants hidden in the winding, maze-like streets. Genoa is Europe’s largest medieval town, so plan to spend a few hours exploring all of the narrow alleyways and open squares. Your captain can arrange a private museum quality guide for a walking tour.

Scenery and Attractions

View of Genoa from Spianata di Castelletto

The best view in Genoa may be the one from the Spianata di Castelletto. Climb the cobblestone staircase all the way to the top, or take the elevator from Piazza Portello, and enjoy looking at Genoa’s old town and port laid out below..

If maritime history and tradition are your cup of tea, perhaps visit the Galata Museo del Mare, which is the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting is Genoa’s Aquarium.

Genoa is such a perfect place to begin your yacht trip of northern Italy that you will undoubtedly want to spend more time here. Several Italian yacht cruise itineraries include Genoa as a starting point or ending port for either the Ligurian Coast or a charter that includes Portofino and the Cinqueterre.

2022-11-17T15:44:33-05:00

About the Author: Missy Johnston

With 35 years of experience in crewed yacht charter as both a yacht charter broker and yacht charter crew as Chef, Missy Johnston has a wealth of knowledge, most gained from personal experience on which she draws for every blog written. Missy has traveled and cruised extensively in many of the worldwide yacht charter destinations, providing excellent first-hand knowledge and the opportunity to take photos in many off the track locations to include in all her blogs and itineraries. And, of course, extensive cruising and time spent as yacht crew gives Missy terrific knowledge about what constitutes comfortable cruising and how to create the best charter experience and itinerary possible taking into consideration wind, weather, currents and tides. Having been a charter chef, Missy understands your onboard cuisine needs and can help guide you in completing your provisioning information for the best onboard charter cuisine.