Genoa is famous for being the gateway to the Italian Riviera and Italy’s largest port. While the city itself offers grandeur and architecture, most tourists visit Genoa to take a cruise from the local port. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time when you arrive in Genoa, which deserves at least an overnight stay to allow you to explore this medieval city before your cruise.
While everyone talks about Florence and Rome, Genoa is a gem of maritime heritage and the gateway to some of the most popular Mediterranean cruises.
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About Genoa
Genoa is a walkable city, worthy of its own visit, even if you’re not intending to get on a cruise. It’s a place that embraces the concept of ‘la dolce vita’, adopting a slower pace of life. It’s also famous for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
Genoa is one of the most underrated cities in Europe and deserves its nickname of ‘La Superba’. Many Mediterranean cruises sail from Genoa or call in at the port due to its proximity to Portofino. Most of the key sights in Genoa are located close to the port, which is only 5 to 10 minutes from the downtown area of the city centre.
Key landmarks in Genoa include La Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Genoa Cathedral) and Palazzo San Giorgio, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, respectively. This city is stunning for its architecture, with Via Garibaldi, an ancient street in Genoa, getting UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2006.
A Guide to Genoa Cruise Terminal
Genoa’s cruise terminal welcomed over 1 million tourists in 2022. While it’s slowly returning to its pre-pandemic peak of 1.3 million, Genoa hosts some of the biggest cruise lines in the world, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
There are two cruise terminals at Genoa due to its size, Ponte dei Mille and Ponte Andrea Doria. When you search for ‘Genoa port’ on your maps app, you’ll see lots of places come up because of its size. Check which terminal your cruise is sailing from to ensure you arrive at the right one.
Cruise Port Terminal Facilities
- Two main cruise line terminals: Ponte dei Mille and Ponte Andrea Doria.
- Special assistance, including boarding assistance, is available for passengers with limited mobility.
- Nearby parking facilities available near the cruise terminal, including reserved accessible parking.
How to Get from Genoa Cruise Port to the City Centre
One of the perks of Genoa cruise port is that it’s only a 5 to 10-minute walk to the city centre. It’s a similar distance to the metro and easy to navigate your way through Genoa using public transport.
Citymapper is one of the best apps to use to help get around Genoa, giving you an overview of different public transport options. You’ll also get estimates on how much you can expect to pay for taxis or private transfers.
If your cruise ship comes into the Ponte dei Mille terminal, you can walk to the Principe metro station in about 15 minutes. If you’re coming into Ponte Andrea Doria, Dinegro metro station will be closer. These stations are both on the same metro line.
Book a Tour that Picks You Up at Genoa Cruise Port
As a city with a cruise port, Genoa has hundreds of tours you can choose from. They’re the perfect way to see some of the highlights of the city on a whistle-stop tour. Whether you’re staying overnight before a cruise or exploring Genoa as a cruise stop, these tours have something to offer everyone.
The hop-on/hop-off bus stops right at the cruise terminal, making it an ideal way to see as much of the city as possible before your all-aboard time.
You can do a two-hour private historical tour of Genoa. This tour takes you through the historic parts of the city in a rickshaw, which will hold up to two adults and two children under 6. The tour organisers will collect you from the exit of the Ponte Dei Mille terminal at the square of Via Marinai d’Italia.
The ancient city wall of Genoa is the longest in Europe, dating back to the early 17th century. You can take the Genoa City Wall E-Mountain Bike Private Tour from the Port di Genova terminal to experience the forts with a mountain bike excursion. The tour guides will supply everything you need, from your helmet to the bike and even some traditional Genovese focaccia bread.
Closest Airport to Genoa Cruise Port
The closest airport to the Genoa Cruise Port is Genoa (GOA) airport. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to get from Genoa Airport to the Port of Genoa by taxi, usually costing around 20 euros.
You can also take a direct AMT Volabus from Siffredi 3/Albareto to Dinegro/Traghetti-Lanterna to get to the cruise ports from the airport. These buses run every hour with various stops at the stations near the cruise terminal and the terminals themselves. Expect a short walk once you get off. A one-way ticket from Genoa Airport to the cruise port costs around €5 and can be purchased via the AMT app or on the bus.
Alternatively, you can fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP) Airport and take the airport shuttle to Milan Central Station, which leaves every 20 minutes. Once you arrive in Milan, take the train to Genova Principe station, and grab a taxi to the cruise terminal. Similarly, you can take a shuttle bus to Milan Central Station from Milan Linate (LIN) Airport.
How to Get Around Genoa
If you’re staying in Genoa before a cruise, you’ll be able to get around most of the city on foot or by using public transport. A single metro or bus ticket will cost €2, but you can get an unlimited ticket for €10 to cover 24 hours of travel. Alternatively, a half-day ticket is €5 and valid for €5. Public transport means that Genoa is an ideal option for budget travellers.
You can purchase your ticket from a bus station kiosk or via the AMT App. Some bus stops have machines that let you buy tickets with your contactless card, but you won’t be able to purchase tickets on board the buses themselves.
It’s a common misconception that travel in Genoa is free, but this is only for registered residents. You’ll need to purchase and validate your ticket before you get on the bus or metro.
10 Things to do in Genoa
Genoa, a historic port city in Italy’s Ligurian region, offers a wealth of activities for cruise visitors. Here are some top things to do:
For more things to do check out my complete guide on Genoa
1. Boccadasse
Discover Boccadasse, a charming fishing village within Genoa. Enjoy picturesque views, dine at local trattorias, and explore the quaint, colourful houses lining the beach.
2. Try a Pesto Making Class
Immerse yourself in Genoa’s culinary traditions by joining a pesto-making class. Learn the art of creating authentic Pesto alla Genovese from a local chef.
3. Piazza De Ferrari
Visit the bustling Piazza De Ferrari, the heart of Genoa, known for its iconic fountain and historical buildings, including the Palazzo della Borsa and Teatro Carlo Felice.
4. Porta Soprana and Christopher Columbus House
Explore Porta Soprana, an ancient city gate, and the nearby Christopher Columbus House, offering insights into the explorer’s early life.
5. Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Marvel at the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a Gothic masterpiece with a striking black and white façade and intricate religious sculptures.
6. Explore the Carruggi
Wander through the Carruggi, Genoa’s narrow medieval alleyways filled with artisan shops, cafes, and hidden squares, reflecting the city’s rich maritime history.
7. Old Port (Porto Antico) and Lighthouse of Genoa
Visit Porto Antico, now a vibrant cultural hub with museums, restaurants, and the Aquarium of Genoa. Don’t miss the historic Lighthouse of Genoa, offering panoramic city views.
8. Chiesa del Gesù
Step into Chiesa del Gesù, a Baroque church with a stunning interior decorated with polychrome marble, showcasing Genoa’s artistic heritage.
9. Lunch at Pestobene
Savor local flavors at Pestobene, known for its delicious pesto dishes like trofie al pesto, offering an authentic taste of Genoese cuisine.
10. Arco della Vittoria
Admire the Arco della Vittoria, a monumental arch in Piazza della Vittoria, commemorating the Genoese soldiers who fell during World War I.
