📷 Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on UnsplashItalian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici
Portofino, Camogli, the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets on the Via Aurelia.
- Distance
- 107 km (67 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 29 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 5, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 107 km (67 mi) with 6 stops, from Genoa to Lerici. About 1 h 29 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy
Route description
From Genoa, the SS1 Via Aurelia follows the coast east to Camogli, a fishing town with tall painted houses above a pebble beach. The road down to the town is steep and parking is tight.
Beyond Santa Margherita Ligure, a narrow coastal road leads to Portofino, where painted houses surround a tiny harbour. Parking is limited, so arrive early or take the boat from Santa Margherita.
The Aurelia then heads inland via Sestri Levante and over the Bracco pass towards the Cinque Terre. Vernazza, with pastel houses stacked above a tiny harbour, is best reached by train: leave the car in La Spezia or Levanto, as the roads above the villages are narrow and parking is scarce.
From La Spezia, a naval port, the road crosses to the Gulf of Poets and Lerici, with its castle above the bay. The A12 motorway runs parallel to the coast if you need to cover distance quickly, but the Aurelia is slower and very twisty in places.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Genoa
Italy - 222 km
Camogli
Italy - 38 km
Portofino harbour
ViewsPortofino, ItalyPainted houses around a tiny harbour. Parking is limited: arrive early or take the boat from Santa Margherita.
- 453 km
Vernazza, Cinque Terre
ViewsVernazza, ItalyPastel houses stacked above a tiny harbour. Leave the car in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train.
- 515 km
La Spezia
Italy - 69 km
Lerici
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Genoa → Portofino harbour · 31 km · 0 h 25 minOn the way: Camogli.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Rapallo (6 km); Genova Est (14 km).
- Day 2: Portofino harbour → Vernazza, Cinque Terre · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOvernight nearby, for example: San Michele (6 km); Camping 5 Terre Levanto (6 km).
- Day 3: Vernazza, Cinque Terre → Lerici · 24 km · 0 h 20 minOn the way: La Spezia.Overnight nearby, for example: River (5 km); Parco vacanze Iron Gate Marina 3B (6 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Italian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici?
3-day road trip of about 107 km (67 mi) with 6 stops, from Genoa to Lerici. About 1 h 29 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Italian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 29 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Italian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici start and end?
It starts in Genoa and ends in Lerici.
Which countries does Italian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Italian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici?
OpenStreetMap lists 80 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Genova Est, Camping Villa Doria and Camping Castello dei Fieschi.
When is the best time for Italian Riviera: Genoa to Lerici?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
