Liguria is a city well known for its great food, gorgeous beaches, and cute little towns located on the coast of northern Italy. The region also has plenty of educational and entertaining attractions that are good for the whole family to truly capture Italian culture and experience. From fascinating museums to relaxing beaches to picturesque tours, Liguria has something for everyone to truly experience all that Italy has to offer.

• Acquario di Genova

Start your travel experience off with some culture at the world-famous Acquario di Genova, which translates to “Aquarium of Genoa.” Home to the largest aquarium in Italy, the Acquario di Genova features several underwater ecosystems, including coral reefs from the Red Sea, tropical rainforest pools from the Amazon River basin, and more. The aquarium is just part of several animal exhibits, which include sharks, seals, dolphins, sting rays, and various other underwater creatures. The aquarium always has a show going on and plenty of activities for the kids throughout the day, such as dolphin swims and 3-D movies about ocean life.

• Varigotti and Baia dei Saraceni (Saracen Bay)

The beach in the beautiful town of Varigotti is perhaps most notable for its gorgeous turquoise and emerald colored water that crashes against a white, sandy shore. The bay is also surrounded by mountainous landscapes, plenty of beautiful rocks, and several woodland areas on hilly surfaces in the distance. The area truly is an island getaway for you and your family, and the warm shallow water makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling with the kids.
Ferrovia Genova-Casella
To get a great view of the city, the Ferrivia Genova-Casella tour is a great way to learn all of the history and culture of various regions of Liguria. The tour includes a comfortable train that travels from Genova to the small village of Casella located in the Scrivia Valley. A ride on this train is perfect for a leisurely weekend morning and provides everyone on board with a great view of the famous “salt road,” nearby forests, fields, old forts, medieval bridges, and gorgeous landscapes. With the train’s colorful carriages and fully stocked bar, you can’t say no to this wonderful tour with the whole family.

• Punta Martin

If you’re looking for extra outdoor fun in Liguria, Italy, you’ll love exploring the Punta Martin, which is a breathtaking mountain that reaches over 1,000 meters high. The mountain can be accessed by the rocky ridge and offers a beautiful view of the western riviera as you climb. The most magical part of the experience is the foggy weather that is a trademark of the region and makes the experience truly inspiring.

• Castello Brown

Take full advantage of Italian culture a history with a visit at the lovely Castello Brown, which was built in the 15th century to keep invading armies away from the territory. The castle also acted as the home to the English consul to Genoa. The area is so picturesque; a movie was even filmed at the exact location in 1992. With its gorgeous architecture and rich history, you can’t miss out on a visit to Castello Brown. Although the castle itself is an experience, families can also enjoy a fun walk along the harbor, which offers postcard-perfect views and lush gardens all over.

Author Bio: Diane Johnson graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in political science. When she’s not traveling she enjoys writing articles about Colorado Technical University, reading books and shopping.

Thanks to Solo Jam for the photo from Flickr!