Inside Liguria: a local guide to Italy’s coastal living and property market

From hidden coastal villages to elegant homes, discover why buyers are drawn to Liguria’s lifestyle and real estate

Ellie Pryor

05 August 2026

2 mins read

Inside Liguria: a local guide to Italy’s coastal living and property market — Portofino, on the Italian Riviera © Feng Wei Photography

Knight Frank partner Portofino Property is a women-led company based in Liguria, specialising in high-end residential properties across Liguria and southern Piedmont. From Cinque Terre to Genoa to Sanremo, whether seeking a panoramic penthouse or a character-filled townhouse, their team is experienced in helping clients find their dream property.

Here, CEO and founder Chiara Lagomarsino Picasso shares her passion for the region, offering insight into what makes Liguria’s food, culture and lifestyle so distinctive, from its rich culinary traditions to its understated coastal elegance and strong sense of community.

Sanremo, Liguria

Villa, 7.41 acres

Enchanting sea view estate including a swimming pool, vineyards, olive groves, and several outbuildings

Asking Price €4.800.000

View Property

How would you describe the lifestyle and community in Liguria to someone discovering the region for the first time?

Life in Liguria is defined by authenticity and tranquillity, where a slower pace of life welcomes long, unhurried days by the coast, sunset walks and connecting with nature. From Genoa, the region’s heritage-rich capital, to its string of pastel-hued villages and elegant seaside towns, the region offers a refined yet understated escape.

Are there any neighbourhoods locals love that visitors often overlook?

Beyond renowned, glamorous destinations such as Paraggi and Portofino, Liguria also offers a quieter, more intimate side. Seaside villages like Zoagli and Tellaro, along with the evocative Gulf of Poets, offer a sense of seclusion and natural beauty. This stretch of coastline has long inspired creativity, drawing literary figures such as Lord Byron and Mary Shelley, and continues to captivate visitors with its dramatic landscapes.

Which of Liguria's traditions truly capture local life?

Food is central to Ligurian life, and the region’s culinary culture is both deeply rooted and richly varied. Local markets and family-run trattorias can be found in almost every town, celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. In Genoa, the renowned MOG market showcases exceptional regional produce and farm-to-table delicacies, while nearby Recco is internationally famed for its distinctive cheese-filled focaccia. Classic dishes such as trofie al pesto and farinata are staples, served alongside fresh seafood, Ligurian olive oil and local wines. Along the coast, refined waterfront restaurants and Michelin-starred dining experiences add a contemporary layer to this vibrant gastronomic scene.

Why are international buyers drawn to Liguria?

For property buyers, Liguria presents a compelling combination of natural beauty, lifestyle quality and long-term appeal. The region benefits from a mild climate throughout the year, with lively communities that remain active beyond the summer season. Connectivity is another advantage; travelling from one end of Liguria to the other typically takes less than three hours by car or train, making it both accessible and practical. Ongoing infrastructure developments, including the Terzo Valico high-capacity rail line, are set to further strengthen connections between Ligurian ports, Northern Italy and wider Europe, enhancing both convenience and future value.

What types of homes define the area?

The property landscape is equally diverse. Architect-designed villas, including notable residences in areas like the Pineta di Arenzano by celebrated architects such as Zanuso and Magistretti, sit alongside contemporary waterfront homes and newly developed beachfront residences. At the same time, historic properties with traditional Ligurian character offer opportunities for thoughtful restoration and bespoke interior design, allowing buyers to preserve original features while creating personalised living spaces that reflect both heritage and modern comfort.

Inside Liguria: a local guide to Italy’s coastal living and property market

Sanremo, Liguria

How would you describe the lifestyle and community in Liguria to someone discovering the region for the first time?

Are there any neighbourhoods locals love that visitors often overlook?

Which of Liguria's traditions truly capture local life?

Why are international buyers drawn to Liguria?

What types of homes define the area?

Explore homes for sale in Liguria

Similar articles

The View Newsletter

Your privacy