Best Time To Visit: Genoa is pleasant all year round, but the hottest months are July to September. During September the Genoa International Boat Show showcases the latest developments and finest luxury yachts.

Key Cruising Areas: The Ligurian Coast is filled with attractive harbours and anchorages. Sail along steep, green-hilled coastlines lined with buildings in pastel shades, to discover unique ports, golden beaches, and sheltered anchorages around the Archipelago of Portovenere.

Don’t Miss: Genoa boasts Europe’s largest aquarium – take a fascinating journey below the waves and discover some of the secrets of the 15,000 animals housed here.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Genoese cuisine has stayed true to its simple roots, boasting fresh food with fragrant wild herbs, unadulterated by imported flavours. Head to Il Genovese for elegantly prepared versions of Ligurian street food, or for a culinary adventure head into the hills to La Brinca.

Best Local Dish: Italians love their sweets! For a light, option try a sweet, fluffy zabaglione. Head to Café Klainguti and order a shot of ice-cold limoncello to compliment your dessert.

Local Culture: Visit the historic covered market to shop alongside the locals, and soak up the history of the area as it is set in the cloisters of an 18th-century church.

Best Beach:  For a short trip out of the city visit Boccadasse, a charming little bay where colourful Ligurian houses sit on the white-grey sand.

IYC recommends: For a stunning afternoon walk visit Camogli where a panoramic walk through vineyards and shrubland will lead you to a beautiful monastery – the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso – sunk into the sand of the quiet beach.