Savoring the Traditional Foods of Italy’s Northwest Coast

A vacation in Genoa is as much about savoring the Italian delicacies that sum up the very best of this Northwestern coastal province as it is about enjoying the lovely atmosphere. The very special traditional dishes of Genoa are influenced by this location that serves as Italy’s principal seaport. Located in the heart of Italy’s Liguria region and in close proximity to the French border, Genoa is well known for its ‘Mediterranean flair’. As a major sea-faring city, of course, scrumptious seafood delicacies are commonly featured in Genoa’s cuisine with local fisherman hauling in fresh anchovies, octopus, mussels, rock fish and scampi. Genoa’s focus on chartered fishing and seafood dining is very similar to vacationing in Los Cabos, Mexico. However, you won’t find accomodations in Genoa quite as secluded as; Cabo villas or the seafood dishes as spicy.

On vacation in Genoa, what traditional Italian dishes can you expect to find?

Tourists who have come to Genoa to eat won’t be disappointed. Dining out is a big event—a mixture of relaxation, and taking in the authentic Italian atmosphere in one of Genoa’s many restuarants in the lovely Old Town district where local workers who come to socialize will likely dine on hearty, no frills meals at rather reasonable prices such as these:

1. Seafood dishes: Genoa is also renowned for its bountiful seafood cuisine. Seafood establishments dot the landscape surrounding Genoa’s Porto Antico district, where hearty appetizers like Zuppa di pesce (fish soup), a soup of mussels and rock fish as well as mussels and seafood scampi often start off a meal.

2. Olive oil: Liguria is renowned for its light and fruity olive oil and most restaurants will feature their oil in pastas, on pizzas and as a bread dipper. As the main producing region of olive oil in all of Italy, oil from the Liguria region is aptly named “Olio Ligure” (or olive oil from Ligura) for the plant that is used to produce it and only grows within this region.

3. Pesto: One of the main regional dishes of Genoa is pesto. Made from basil, garlic, pine nuts and pecorino cheese ground together in the regions famous “Olive Ligure”, it is usually used as a sauce on pasta or pizza, and it’s also featured as a savory ingredient in local soups.

4. Breads and snacks: Focaccia bread is a Genoa tradition with almost every meal. This variety of flat bread made in the local bakeries and you can find it plain or stuffed with a variety of vegetables—olives and onions. Focaccia is also used as a crust to make vegetable pies or “torta”. If you are sight-seeing in Old Town Genoa, you can stop in at almost any café or bakery for a fresh focaccia.

5. Chickpeas: A major farming produce in Ligura Region, chickpeas are incorporated into a number of traditional Genoa dishes. For instance, farrinata, a type of panzaroti-like snack is folded in flaky chickpea flour, brushed with olive oil and stuffed with ricotta cheese and vegetables.

6. Delicious desserts: When in Italy, it’s a shame to miss dessert with so many sweet treats for the taking. And with the numerous bakeries and ice cream parlors scattered around town, you can’t resist a small taste of the freshly made gelato in numerous flavors (e.g., lime, almond, biscotti, etc.) or a local delicacies like Turkish delight or candied fruits—including include pineapple, cherries, apricots, and orange or grapefruit peel.

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The beauty of Italy is that it is a country dense of interesting things to do, places to visit, and people to meet. Take Tuscany, for example. It is a region full of splendid places rich of art, culture and folklore far beyond city boundaries. Actually you can find more hidden treasures in country towns between main centers such as Lucca and Florence than in both cities together.The same happens between regions. North of Tuscany you can find the Liguria. The two regions barely touch their tips, but it’s right in this portion of land that you can find one of the most celebrated spots of Italy.

I am talking about Cinque Terre, a series of five delicious towns along the coast of Liguria that the UNESCO declared World Heritage site and the Italian government a national park. You can get easily to these jewels of the Italian coast from Tuscany and combine the best of two worlds. The majority of tourists enjoy their holidays in villas Tuscany coast near Massa, Carrara or Lucca. From here Cinque Terre is just a short drive away, and you can even dedicate a full day to each town in order to discover them to their fullest.

The five towns are called Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola and Monterosso al Mare. Each one is not larger than a borough, dramatically perched on a cliff descending into the sea and backed by a steep inclination that for centuries has been the asper cultivation ground for vineyards and olive trees. Vementino, Bosco, and Albarola are the three grapes used to produce the two wines of Cinque Terre, the Sciacchetrà and the Cinque Terre, both renown and appreciated.

Formerly the economy of each one of these towns was based on fishing and some agricolture. These days tourism is the main resource. Thousands of visitors arrive here each year, especially during the summer season. However, the advice is to visit them during the fall season or at the end of the spring period. If you are a romantic one and would love to see the stormy sea from your cozy restaurant seat, you should be there during winter time. Nevertheless, the colorful houses crowding the rocks by the coast give the most scenic spectacle during sunny days. Should you trade a swim in the clear seawaters for less crowded days? I know, the choice is tough, but keep in mind that Cinque Terre are wonderful in any season!

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The Italian Riviera attracts visitors from around the world with a combination of culture, cuisine, and gorgeous scenery. The craggy coast and blue sea, the picturesque towns and ancient cities- there is a lot to take in. What many visitors don’t realise is that the sightseeing doesn’t have to end at the water’s edge. The coast of Liguria can boast excellent scuba diving.

Portofino is the most popular dive destination, although there are plenty of choices. It’s about 40 minutes from Genoa and makes an easy day trip. The great draw card for divers is the marine reserve, home to a stunning array of red corals, sea sponges, octopus, anemones, scorpion fish, moray eels, and of course a huge variety of fish. Large barracuda and tuna are amongst those commonly seen by divers.

The area is famous for huge underwater carpets of corals and sponges, some of them brightly coloured in yellow, red, and purple. Sharp-eyed divers might also catch sight of any number of different nudibranch species- to call these fascinating and beautiful creatures ’sea slugs’ really doesn’t do them justice. Nudibranchs come in every colour of the rainbow and a huge variety of colours forms, some graceful, some ornate, and some very strange indeed.

As with all the best Mediterranean dive sites, Portofino offers more than just marine life. People have been intimately involved with the sea here for thousands of years and that fact is celebrated in more ways than one. Perhaps the most obvious (and spectacular) sign of human interaction with the underwater world is the magnificent Christ of the Abyss. This eight and a half foot bronze statue sits on the floor of San Fruttuoso Bay, delivering a benediction towards the surface more than 50ft above.

There are also less carefully placed artefacts in the waters off the coast, including several divable wrecks from the Second World War. The largest wreck in the world is near the small town of Santa Margherita. The Amoco Milford Haven is more than 1000ft long. Now known simply as the Haven, it’s a regular destination for guided dives.

The months between April and October are the best for diving in Liguria, although in the right conditions (and with right wetsuit!) year-round diving is a possibility. Average visibility is about 18m- not incredible but certainly enough to get a clear view of the wonderful wildlife and the other underwater attractions that bring divers to this area. Guided dives, instruction, and gear hire is available in Portofino, Sestri Levante, and Santa Margherita.

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Here is a rundown of 5 places you must see when visiting the port city of Genoa.

The Aquarium of Genoa

The Genoa aquarium was originally built in 1992 as a celebration of 500 years since Christopher Colombus, the Genoan sailor, discovered the new world. This vast aquarium includes 70 tanks containing a colossal 6,000,000 liters of water and is home to a vast array of sea life.

Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Home to both of Genoa’s football clubs, Genoa FC and Sampdoria FC, The Luigi Ferraris stadium is the spot to see top class Italian football whilst in Genoa. Currently playing in Serie A and Serie B respectively, the stadium showcases matches every Saturday and often in midweek. Built in 1909, it is one of the oldest football stadiums in Italy.

Via Garibaldi

Via Garibaldi is street in the historical centre of Genoa. Beautiful buildings that date back to 1550, Via garibaldi is a delightful hidden treasure. If you have the chance to enter palazzo bianco or palazzo rosso you would even get a better taste of the history and beauty of Genoa. This is a must see. One can imagine what it would have been like to walk on this beautiful street where the wealthy of this city lived.

Galata Museo del Mare

Devoted solely to  Genoa’s seafaring past, this museum will give you insights into the history of Italys biggest and busiest port. The Museum also includes a full-size replica of a 17th-century Genovese galleon.

Church of San Siro

A short walk from Via Garibaldi, The Church of San Siro is Genoa’s oldest church and was once the city’s cathedral from the 4th to the 9th century. Rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries, it now feels a bit like a haunted house—imposing frescoes line dank hallways, and chandeliers hold crooked candles flickering in the darkness.

Written by Ellis Green of LoveCruise.co.uk, A UK cruise company specializing in Last minute cruise deals and cruise and maritime voyages

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Genoa is a vibrant city brimming with culture, gorgeous architecture, unique food and that perfect sea side ambience that can only be appreciated by experience. The calling of sea birds, wafting salt and fish pungent on the ocean breeze and the unmistakable bustle of a busy port make Genoa an atmospheric, down to earth destination. You know you are going to get world class Italian food in the restaurants, that the hotels will be plush and the sightseeing memorable, but what about taking your adventure in Genoa to the next level? The following festivals and events will hopefully enrich your time in Genoa and make it all the more fun, entertaining and delicious.

Pesto e Dintorni Festival - October

Celebrate Genoa’s iconic contribution to Italian cuisine: Pesto! Every year the Palazzo Ducale blooms with local farmers, restaurateurs, and chefs sharing classic and new pesto dishes. Genoa keeps to a very strict pesto recipe composed of seven ingredients only: Basil, garlic, salt, olive oil, pine nuts, pecorino cheese and grana cheese. Fishermen bring fresh seafood pairings, wine makers supply the perfect vintage to complement the tangy, green sauce and the visitors get to eat! Try pesto on bruchetta, with olives, or with a dram chestnut liquor!

Circumnavigando Festival - December

This modern “circus” is an annual extravaganza of the world’s most unique street performers. All over downtown you will find these professional acts showcasing their talents. Illusionists, comedians, dance troupes and acrobats perform for your delight. There is of course a traditional yet innovative circus aspect including high wire artists, jugglers, clowns and animals. Modern music accompanies throughout the energetic bazaar.

International Poetry Festival - June

The Palazzo Ducale hosts this highly acclaimed celebration of poetry every year. Nobel Prize winners, renowned authors from around the world and budding writers, eager to learn, gather and listen to readings, musical performances and lectures. This is as much a learning experience for all, and experimentation is encouraged! Almost 100 free performances are open to all who appreciate poetry and there is a rousing dance party on the beach at the close.

La Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare - June

This exciting tradition takes place in Genoa every fourth year. Since 1956 this boat race has drawn thousands of spectators to the cities of Genoa, Pisa, Venice and Amalfi, which all alternate the honor of hosting. The rowing race is the main event and much prestige goes along with winning. The color and enthusiasm of the parade and merriment leading up to the frenzied finish are just as worthwhile. The waterfront is alight with the emblems and city colors of the four Italian ports and the sense of city pride and competition is electric. Cheer for white team waving the griffin flags, that’s Genoa!

Gezmataz Jazz Festival – July

Gather with the crowd in the Porto Antico on Genoa’s waterfront and join in the revelry! This is a festival for music lovers. Part performance and part educational workshop, Gezmataz will wow you with internationally acclaimed groups like the Yellow Jackets, Naked Truth and Brainkiller. For the five days of the event aspiring guitarists, drummers, bassists and saxophonists have the opportunity to study with professionals and at the end they put on a student concert!

Noella Schink is a travel and beauty writer from Portland, Maine. She recommends Auto Europe for your car rental needs next time you are living it up in Genoa.

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The beautiful city of Genoa is generally used as an embarkation or disembarkation port, so shore excursions here can be occasionally overlooked. We would strongly advise you to spend a day in Genoa before you begin/after you finish your cruise, it’s definately a city worth exploring further!

Here we have compiled a guide to our top 3 recommended shore excursions that you can look forward to.

1. The Genoa Highlights Tour
This very popular tour, complete with its own English speaking tour guide, will take you around Genoa’s most interesting and traditional places. You will take in the medieval Old Town, which along with being the biggest in Europe, gives the oppurtunity to see it’s Noble past in the form of Romanesque churches & 16th century palazzos. After then viewing the Historical Centre, the San Lorenzo cathedral and Christopher Colombo’s house, you will enjoy the sensational view of Genoa from the famous Spianata Castelletto.

2. Outlet Shopping
This is specially crafted for those who are interested in fashion. You will be met at the port in Genoa by your English speaking driver, who will then take you directly to the McArthur Glen outlet shopping centre, which is one of the biggest and well regarded shopping outlets in Italy. You will then have 6 hours to shop and take your pick from the many restaurants available to enjoy lunch, before being taken back to the port in Genoa. Stores here include; Versace, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Trussardi, Prada, Guess, Bulgari, Moschino, Fratelli Rossetti and various American brands!

3. The Best of Genoa Tour
This incredible tour begins as soon as your driver and Licensed tour guide pick you up from the pier in Genoa and begin the short 10 minute journey for Europe’s largest Aquarium! During your time in the Aquarium of Genoa you will be given the oppurtunity to unlock a universe teaming with life and full of mysterious creatures. It can prove to be a pleasantly emotional experience as you grapple with the concept of the immensity of the ocean you ride above and the richness it holds beneath, in some ways recreating your cruise experience! You will come face-to-face with dolphins, sharks, penguins, a variety of fish and many other sea creatures during your adventure through the marine world.

Upon leaving the Aquarium, you will first stop off at the panoramic terrace of Castelletto, where you will see the historical centre of Genoa, the port and the lighthouse which is regarded as the symbol of the town. Next up is a Walking Tour through the old city, where you will enjoy numerous highlights fully explained and detailed by your guide. Some of these include; Palazzo Ducale, the Church of Saint Andrea & the Piazza San Matteo among others. You will also be given plenty of free time to enjoy your own lunch/explore the town further. A highly recommended tour for the more active sightseers, although folding wheelchairs are accepted.

Written by Ellis Green of www.lovecruise.co.uk

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