Chiavari Holidays

Chiavari is a quintessentially Ligurian town. Set on the seafront south-east of Genoa, its houses are decorated in the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that you’ll see all along the coast here. Stroll through the streets and you’ll stumble across a series of beautiful buildings – elegant palazzi, a grand cathedral, a crenellated courthouse. In the medieval centre, look out for the 12th-century palazzo edged by portici; it’s one of Chiavari’s most atmospheric sights. As for the beaches, the main event is a wide stretch of sand and shingle, while a short way out of town you’ll come across some pretty, tucked-away coves.

Chiavari is well connected by train and boat to other Ligurian gems – head north for Rapallo and glitzy Portofino, or south for the quaint Cinque Terre villages.

a woman standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

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Call us on 01293 765055

Handpicked Hotels in Chiavari

Discover the real Chiavari while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Liguria, Chiavari

Hotel Monte Rosa

Family run property in a central location

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Things to do in Chiavari

Things to doCinque TerreCinque Terre (Five Lands) is the collective name for five of Italy’s most picturesque coastal villages.Find out more about Cinque Terre Liguria

Things to doLiguria's BeachesLiguria has more Blue Flag beaches than any other region in Italy, so prepare to be dazzled by the many spectacular sandy spots dotting this famously pretty coastline.Find out more about liguria's beaches

Things to doPortofinoPortofino is often compared to the villages of the Cinque Terre, but this seaside stunner was earmarked for fame decades before the Cinque Terre gained renown.Find out more about Portofino

Flight Information

Most flights to Liguria arrive into Pisa airport (PSA) although visitors to the west of the Riviera can also fly into Nice (please call our Italy Experts to book flights to Nice). Direct flights to Pisa are available from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and London Stansted and take approximately 2 hours and 10min.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.

On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.

On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Liguria Specialities Farinata, which can be dated to Roman times, is a real Ligurian favourite, a little like an unleavened pancake. It’s made from a combination of chickpea flour, olive oil, water and seasoning and there are some regional variations. You might find, for example, some with rosemary or sliced onions. Whatever the recipe simply spread it on a hot griddle and cook until crispy on the outside leaving it soft in the middle. It’s occasionally served in a sandwich, but more often on its own.

Liguria Specialities

The Torta di Patata, a humble tart, is constructed using potatoes with bacon, parmesan, nutmeg and other ingredients. It’s a versatile dish and can be served alongside fish or sausages.

Tradition of course extends to the wine making parts of Liguria. Cinque Terre, which is on the itinerary of most visitors to the region, produces a lovely sweet wine called Sciacchetrà. Amber in colour with suggestions of honey, apricots and figs, this delightful drink is made from Vermentino, and Bosco grapes which add most of the flavour. It’s created using a meticulous fermentation process, with aging taking around 18th months. It’s the perfect accompaniment to cheese or a generous slice of Torta di Patata.