Genova. A charming palette of buildings approaches you as you stroll through the city.
Small, mazy streets and alleys lead you through a labyrinth of Italian ambiance, with cozy bakeries at each corner. Here you can purchase focaccia bread and other delicious pastries at affordable prices. Amongst these, there is a unique delicacy, Baci di Dama, which directly translated means "lady kisses". A romantic and fitting name for these unique and delicious hazelnut & chocolate cookies.
Another must-try is Farinata, a chickpea akin pancake, drizzled with rosemary and baked with olive oil. They are distinctive for Genoa, and you can find them almost everywhere.
You can choose to stroll up towards San Lorenzo where a black and white decorated cathedral creates a contrast to the particolored, old buildings.
These black and white patterns are characteristic for Genoa.
(The classical b/w patterns)
From here, you can walk through Garibaldi through a tunnel where an ancient, rather peculiar elevation system leads you up to Castelletto with a spectacular and multihued 180-degree view of Genoa.
Up here a small Sicilian, ice cream shop is located, which allegedly sells the best ice cream in the city. (We did not reach to taste all the ice cream in Genoa for comparison but their ice cream is most definitely recommendable!)
(Me saying hello to the view of Genoa from Castelletto)
One of the more distinctive experiences you can have is to take Trenino di Casella which is a rather antique train from 1924 – and that can indeed be sensed! You can bring along ingredients for a milkshake and get it shaken throughout the trip.
The train has its very own peculiar charm. On the ancient tracks, you pass an impressive vista of a green, undulating landscape with Genoa and the ocean in the background.
(Trenino di Casella)
The arrival station, Casella, is a small and cozy town with outdoor weekly marketplaces.
Everything up here emits warmth and nostalgia.
Back in Genoa, you can pace towards the monument di Porta Soprana, which is leftovers from the Barbarossa walls.
The monument from the 12 century were constructed to defend the Republicans from the expansionistic motives from the Emperor Barbarossa, and named after him.
A few meters from there, you can catch a glimpse of the adventurer, Christopher Columbus’ house, now renovated into a museum. It is a reconstruction from the 18 century, as France demolished the original house in 1684. This area in San Vincenzo is a true gem for historians.
Another must-do in Genoa, which tourists must grant themselves, is a train voyage from Genoa to Camogli – San Rocco. San Rocco is a small fishing village with a tranquil, hassle-free atmosphere, surrounded by small shops, bakeries and colorful boats.
(San Rocco's charm)
You can trek from Camogli to Portofino in approximately 3-4 hours, escalating up towards Portofino’s promontory. A fascinating vista of the Ligurian Ocean rewards you on the summit.
(The breathtaking summit from above in all its grandeur)
Add some color to your life and give these places a visit!