# Genoa - Labyrinthine old town, maritime history and focaccia by sea

> Discover Genoa's labyrinthine old town, maritime heritage and focaccia by the harbour on a characterful city break, and plan a relaxed trip with Parkoni.

Web page: https://parkoni.com/en/reiseziele/genoa

[Parkoni editorial team](https://parkoni.com/en/ueber-parkoni) · Published 6 November 2026

Genoa is a proud maritime city with a dramatic setting, climbing steeply from a busy harbour into a labyrinth of medieval lanes. Palaces built by merchant families line narrow streets, and the port has been reinvented with modern design while keeping its seafaring spirit. It is a rewarding choice for a characterful city break, for lovers of architecture and history, and for travellers who enjoy honest, delicious food and a city that feels authentically Italian.

The city suits couples, friends and families who enjoy exploring on foot. Mornings can be spent in churches and palaces, afternoons by the harbour or in the old town markets, and evenings with a plate of seafood and a glass of local wine.

## Highlights of Genoa

- **The historic centre**: A large medieval old town, a maze of narrow lanes, hidden squares and churches to explore on foot.
- **Via Garibaldi**: A grand street lined with Renaissance palaces, many decorated with frescoes, art and elegant courtyards.
- **The Old Port**: A redeveloped harbour with modern design, a large aquarium and terraces where you can watch the ships come and go.
- **Lanterna lighthouse**: The historic lighthouse guarding the harbour entrance, a symbol of the city and a fine place for sea views.
- **The Cathedral of San Lorenzo**: A striking Romanesque and Gothic church in the heart of the old town, with black-and-white striped marble.
- **Piazza De Ferrari**: A large open square with a splendid fountain, surrounded by theatres, banks and palaces.
- **Boccadasse**: A small fishing village on the coast with coloured houses and a pebble beach, reached by a scenic walk along the seafront.

## When to visit Genoa

Spring and early autumn are generally the most pleasant times to visit. The weather is mild, the sea is pleasant to look at from the promenades and the old town is easy to explore without the heat. These seasons are ideal for long walks and outdoor meals.

Summers are warm and sunny, and the seaside villages are lively in the evenings. Winters are mild, with some rainy days, but the warm trattorias and museums make the season comfortable and authentic.

## Practical tips for Genoa

- **Currency**: The euro is used. Cards are widely accepted, though small focaccia shops and traditional trattorias may prefer cash.
- **Language**: Italian is the everyday language, and English is understood in hotels and major attractions. A few polite Italian phrases are always appreciated.
- **Getting around**: The old town is best explored on foot, though it is steep in places. Buses and lifts connect the higher districts, and taxis are available for longer trips.
- **Local customs**: Focaccia and pesto are local specialities, so try them at a bakery or trattoria. Locals take their meals seriously, so take your time over lunch and dinner.
- **What to pack**: Comfortable shoes with good grip for steep cobbled streets, a light jacket for the breezy seafront and sun protection.

## A stress-free start at your departure airport

Plan your trip to your departure airport early, compare car parks with Parkoni and book a space in advance, then start the holiday relaxed. With the parking arranged, you can head straight for the harbour and a warm slice of focaccia.

## Nonstop to Genoa

Nonstop flights there leave from these airports, among others: [Amsterdam Airport Schiphol](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/amsterdam-schiphol-airport-ams), [Kraków John Paul II International Airport](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/krakow-john-paul-ii-airport-krk) and [Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/josep-tarradellas-barcelona-el-prat-airport-bcn).

- [Amsterdam Airport Schiphol \(AMS\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/amsterdam-schiphol-airport-ams): KLM, year-round
- [Kraków John Paul II International Airport \(KRK\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/krakow-john-paul-ii-airport-krk): Wizz Air, year-round
- [Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport \(BCN\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/josep-tarradellas-barcelona-el-prat-airport-bcn): Vueling, year-round
- [Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport \(BRI\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/bari-karol-wojtyla-airport-bri): Ryanair, year-round
- [Cagliari Elmas Airport \(CAG\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/cagliari-elmas-airport-cag): Ryanair, year-round
- [Catania-Fontanarossa Airport \(CTA\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/catania-fontanarossa-airport-cta): Ryanair, year-round
- [Lamezia Terme Sant'Eufemia International Airport \(SUF\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/lamezia-terme-sant-eufemia-airport-suf): Ryanair, year-round
- [Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport \(MAD\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas-airport-mad): Volotea, year-round
- [Naples International Airport \(NAP\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/naples-airport-nap): Ryanair, Volotea, Wizz Air, year-round
- [Falcone-Borsellino Airport \(PMO\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/falcone-borsellino-airport-pmo): Ryanair, year-round
- [Paris-Orly Airport \(ORY\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/paris-orly-airport-ory): Volotea, year-round
- [Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport \(FCO\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/rome-fiumicino-leonardo-da-vinci-airport-fco): Aeroitalia, ITA Airways, year-round
- [Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport \(QSR\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/salerno-costa-d-amalfi-airport-qsr): Aeroitalia, year-round
- [Alghero-Fertilia Airport \(AHO\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/alghero-fertilia-airport-aho): Aeroitalia, seasonal
- [Brindisi Airport \(BDS\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/brindisi-airport-bds): Ryanair, seasonal
- [Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport \(BUD\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/budapest-liszt-ferenc-airport-bud): Wizz Air, seasonal
- [Brussels South Charleroi Airport \(CRL\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/brussels-south-charleroi-airport-crl): Ryanair, seasonal
- [Frankfurt Main Airport \(FRA\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/frankfurt-main-airport-fra): Discover Airlines, seasonal
- [Munich Airport \(MUC\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/munich-airport-muc): Air Dolomiti, seasonal
- [Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport \(OLB\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/olbia-costa-smeralda-airport-olb): Aeroitalia, ITA Airways, seasonal
- [Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport \(OTP\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/bucharest-henri-coanda-airport-otp): Ryanair, seasonal
- [Warsaw Chopin Airport \(WAW\)](https://parkoni.com/en/flughafen/warsaw-chopin-airport-waw): Wizz Air, seasonal

Routes as listed on Wikipedia from the airlines' schedules; the airline's current timetable is authoritative.

- [All destinations](https://parkoni.com/en/reiseziele)

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Markdown version of this page for software and AI assistants. Source: Parkoni, https://parkoni.com/en/reiseziele/genoa