Genova, Italy – more than focaccia and pesto
I think it would be fair to say that Genova isn’t on Italy’s Top10 cities to visit, mostly because people know very little about it. I was delighted to be invited to speak at a recent travel blogging conference and have the chance to revisit a city that has definitely grown on me. You may or may not know that delicacies like focaccia or pesto are originally from the Liguria region – I promise some yummy pictures later on!
View from the rooftop of the Grande Hotel Savoia, where I stayed and the lovely MSC Splendida, which happened to be in town
I went to Genova earlier this year, when I was onboard MSC Splendida. Genoa is one of Italy’s busiest ports, and I did have a chance to see a bit of this city. I loved the old town, but felt that there was something missing. I decided to get lost around the myriad of streets by the port and in the city center, and have good things to report back. There was something about this place – it really grows on you after a while!
Via Garibaldi in Old Town Genova
A nice surprise behind a little arch in the Old Town of Genova
Genova City Centre
The first time I visited, I didn’t find any shops – so I definitely thought there was something missing. Of course this has been corrected on this recent trip, and I can confirm that the shopping district does not disappoint! The nicest part? The locals. They do make the city come to life and it is really nice to be somewhere that most people aren’t indeed tourists. Genova felt very real and comfortable.
Now let’s talk about food and drink. Prosecco, check. Lovely red wine, check. Spritz (Aperol, Prosecco and Soda, originally from Veneto), check. I must confess I had no idea that focaccia and pesto were originally from this part of Italy. It was lovely to find little focaccerias on every corner and very hard to resist trying them all. €1 buys you a slice not smaller than a slice of pizza and as I keep saying, life is all about the simple things.
Are you feeling hungry?
Cheese and tomato focaccia
My absolute favourite focaccia - cheese, parma ham and rocket. This is foodie heaven
One other thing worth mentioning, is that Genova has its own Eataly. Not sure if everyone is acquainted with this project – basically, someone very clever came up with this concept, which showcases the best of Italian ingredients – you can buy them to take home, or you can eat them right there. I first came across Eataly (fab name) in New York, and after a bit of investigation, managed to find out that the concept is now being rolled out in key Italian and international cities. I have visited the first one, in Turin and now Genova. I could totally use this as an excuse to travel around the world. If you are curious and want to find out more about Eataly, just click here.
Eataly in Genoa – located by the Port, it also has amazing views
I had a great time in Genova and would certainly recommend a visit. You can now fly direct from some European cities, but I chose to use nearby Milan Malpensa airport. Why? Because I would spend a fab day in Milan! I promise to share our Milanese adventure very soon.
Ciao!
xo
Mrs. O
PS. I would like to thank Michele from Travel Blogger Elevator for inviting me to take part in this conference - it was my first speaking engagement and a lot of fun. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Savoia, which was lovely too. Grazie!
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I’ve got a thing for port cities, and Sampdoria are “my” football team in Italy so Genoa has long been on my wish-list. How long is the train journey from Milan?
I drove at it was under 90min. I’d guess something similar – 2h, tops? Interesting place indeed!
Genoa surprised me a lot. I never felt I should visit it but now after attending TBE I am glad I did as the city has a lot to offer.
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..Sexy and fun at TBE
I know, it was a nice surprise!!
lovely. that focaccia is the same as yours YUM. what a great trip with awesome bennies!! jealous
lola recently posted..where to party in Europe
it was lovely! and the weather, perfect!
I have never heard of Genova, but I have heard about Eataly. I hope they come up with one in Chicago. Genova looks very interesting and very cool you got to speak there.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Traveling Ted to turn 21
They may do, Ted! Genova is an interesting place
Wait…so there’s more to Genoa than salami? Who knew?….
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Hotel Duval Tallahassee – Check-In Florida
Had some lovely salami too!!
While I knew pesto came from this area I had no idea foccacia did, I thought it was from southern Italy! I have never been to Genoa, only to Cinque Terre and Portovenere but I long to go back and I could visit Genoa while in the area.. I bet it’s a spectacular train journey…. now there’s a thought!
Kathryn recently posted..Roman pizza and peaches in red wine
I am very tempted to start travelling by Train.. that could be a lovely itinerary!
Looks like you had a fab time! See you tonight!
Becky Padmore recently posted..12 gruesome things to do this Halloween 2012
I did indeed!
love the picture of via garibaldi! also that focaccia looks to die for. please send?
thelazytravelers recently posted..jetsetters: @InNatsShoes
It was lovely! It doesn’t travel well, I am afraid!
God I miss Ligurian cuisine. I never liked focaccia until I went. And pesto with trofie pasta.. YUM!
Kieu recently posted..Food Battle: Shabu Shabu vs Sukiyaki
Different from the stuff we get at restaurants, isn’t it?
Looks like we need to give Genova a second chance.
A Cook Not Mad (Nat) recently posted..Hungarian Stuffed Peppers (or are they Turkish?)
I know. I remember when we first spoke and you were there and I had really had nothing to recommend. This time around I do indeed!
Eataly in Italy? Colour me jealous.
John recently posted..Designs They Are A Changin’
There is one in NYC – go next time you are in town!
It has never occurred to me to go to Genoa. That may need re-visiting!!!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..A Historical Landmark Welcomes Me in Washington, D.C.
I would suggest tying it up with a wine tasting tour in Barolo
totally up your street!
I’d have a hard time saying no to any Italian city, and getting lost around old town streets… Thanks for shedding some light on Genoa for us! That focaccia looks delicious indeed.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..My ten favorite things about the USA
It was delicious! Something tells me you’d love it. And very jealous about your San Diego trip!
You have certainly summed up the highlights of Genova Mrs O
It was great to meet you in person too!
j
Jayne recently posted..Bargains Abroad: San Telmo Vintage Satchel
Thank you, Jayne
It was lovely to meet you too at last! Would kill for some of that food too!
Great pictures! My grandmother was born in Italy, and I’ve been to Rome and Venice, but now I will add Genova to my list as well.
The World Wanderer recently posted..Cape Cross Seal Colony Photo Essay.
You won’t regret it! A nice surprise indeed, Erin!
It may be more than just focaccia and pesto, but honestly, focaccia and pesto is enough for me!
Emily in Chile recently posted..Trinidad: a colonial gem
Totally with you!
As a lover of all things Italy, I truly enjoyed this. I have not been to Liguria – yet. Now I feel I must go so I can have some pesto in the place where it was born!
Francesca recently posted..Harvest Tour 2012: Day 3
I love the “yet” bit
it is a nice part of the world, the Italian riviera.. and next to Portofino.. and Monaco, and the Cote d’Azur. A great trip!
Great post and beautiful pictures. When I was a kid, I spent many summers in Genova getting lost in the myraid of streets and eating tons of focaccia formaggio. Your post has brought back the memories – must make a visit back!
cuminseeds recently posted..Gluten Free Lemon Sugar Pancakes
Oh thank you! Sadly I didn’t get a chance to visit the coast this time around. Portofino etc – so lovely!
It really is one of the best kept secrets. The best basil in the world comes from just outside Genova – pesto heaven. One of my fav places in Italy.
I will need to try that pesto someday, Liz!! Let me know where it is!
What a lovely post. It looks like you really got a chance to experience Genova this time. I can’t wait to hear about the conference and hope to go next year. By the way, that parma ham looks fantastic!
Leah Travels recently posted..Eight Great Hours in Miami
I think you would have liked it too. The food was incredible!
I agree it’s a grower! Really didn’t think too much of it until we hit the nightlife in earnest….but boy did it hit back!
Jools Stone recently posted..Catch the Eastern & Oriental Express to Bangkok
No pain, no gain as they say! I loved getting lost with Lynsey on Saturday – we found lovely parts of the town. Totally worth it! And thank you for stopping by!
I passed through Genoa on my way to “La bella Toscana”, I was really impressed by the port. It is huge!! We stopped and walk around the old town witch is Unesco world heritage, i think! Quite nice! I didn´t try a focaccia but i had a marvelous pizza:))
It is indeed – and that was the bit I knew. I loved the other part of town (I was very worried that there were no decent shops!). They were all there, ufff!
Carissima Ana, what a lovely report, it reminded me of my short 1-day visit to Genoa before departure on a Med. cruise some years back. There is SOMETHING about Genoa that needs to be discovered!! About your favourie focaccia – cheese, parma ham and rocket….what is rocket? The way you presented Genoa makes me yearn on return.:-)
I know exactly what you mean. Behind the port, which is what I had visited I was so impressed with the rest. Rocket is arugula
You are very welcome, carissima
very glad you liked Genova!
I did indeed