- The International Kitchen
- Italy
- Liguria
Liguria Cooking Vacations to Try in 2025
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Our Breathtaking Culinary Tours In Liguria, Italy
Enjoy Liguria, a region known for its mild climate, charming port towns, miles of hiking trails and fresh local cuisine during your cooking holiday. The narrow strip of land known as the Ligurian coast is home to such famed locales as Genova, Portofino, and the five linked towns called the “Cinque Terre,” a stunning national park free of vehicular traffic and perfect for romantic getaways or relaxing culinary tours. The regional cuisine of the Italian Riviera benefits from its extensive coastline and proximity to France, Piedmont and Tuscany, creating a gastronomy based on seafood and fresh vegetables and herbs, such as in the famous pesto alla Genovese. Come explore this land so rich in history, culture, and natural beauty during a cooking holiday and tour with The International Kitchen.
FAQ about Food Tours in Liguria, Italy
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What pasta is famous in Liguria?
Trofie is Liguria’s signature pasta shape – these small, hand-rolled twists are specifically designed to hold the region’s famous pesto Genovese. The short, twisted pasta is traditionally made with just flour and water, then rolled by hand to create their characteristic spiral shape. Another local pasta variety is Trenette, similar to linguine, which is also commonly served with pesto, green beans, and potatoes in the classic Ligurian style. The region also claims Pansotti, stuffed pasta filled with wild herbs and served with walnut sauce.
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What is the signature dish of Liguria?
Pesto alla Genovese is undoubtedly Liguria’s signature dish, a vibrant green sauce that captures the essence of the region in every spoonful. Made with locally grown Genovese basil (DOP protected), this famous sauce combines garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and salt – all traditionally hand-ground in a marble mortar with a wooden pestle. The region’s position between mountains and sea creates a unique microclimate perfect for growing the small-leafed, intensely aromatic basil that gives authentic pesto its distinctive flavor.
While pesto is most commonly served with Trofie or Trenette pasta (often accompanied by green beans and potatoes in true Ligurian style), it’s more than just a sauce — it’s a cultural symbol that represents Ligurian culinary expertise and the region’s deep connection to its land and traditions. Local legend says you can smell the basil in the air as you walk through the terraced hills where it’s grown, particularly in the prime growing area of Pra’.
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What is special about Liguria, Italy?
Liguria is uniquely special for its dramatic geography and the way it has shaped local life and cuisine. Known as the “Italian Riviera,” the region is a narrow crescent of land wedged between mountains and sea, creating a distinctive Mediterranean microclimate. This geography has influenced everything from architecture (with its famous colorful cliff-hanging villages of Cinque Terre) to agriculture (with its remarkable terraced farming traditions).
Recipes
Browse a variety of Italian recipes that use fresh, simple ingredients — perfect for home cooks who love coastal-inspired meals.
blog
Wander through Liguria’s top culinary destinations with our insider travel guides and tips on enjoying the region’s iconic cuisine.
