LITTLE ITALY
Italian city with ‘frozen in time’ fishing village has direct UK flights
Plus, we reveal everything you need to know before visiting Italy
WHILE holidays to Rome, Florence and Venice remain popular, a destination in Italy seems to have flown under the radar.
Boccadasse, a former fishing village, lies on the Italian Riviera.
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The village, which seems 'frozen in time', sits just outside the city of Genoa.
Its pastel-coloured houses built atop cliffs and colourful fishing boats still attract visitors looking to escape the madness of the city.
According to legend, the small village was founded over 1,000 years ago after a group of fishermen sought refuge in the rocky inlet.
Strolling along its waterfront still remains one of the most prominent pastimes in Boccadasse.
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For more panoramic views of the Italian coastline, walk along Corso Italia which connects Boccadasse to Genoa, making it accessible for Brits heading to the city for a weekend break.
The former fishing village is also connected to Genoa by a cycling path called Piazza De Ferrari.
To really soak up the views in the former fishing village, head to Piazza Nettuno, which sits directly in front of the coast.
Other attractions include the Church of Sant’Antonio di Boccadasse, a small church located right on the waterfront.
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There's also Turke Castle - a 20th century castle that sits at the top of the Italian village.
Boccadasse is also home to several charming independent restaurants where Ligurian specialities like focaccia and pesto-based pasta dishes are served.
The pretty Italian region with world-famous lakes and mountain hikes
The former Italian fishing village is an hour's walk from the centre of Genoa.
Direct flights to Genoa operate from London and Manchester, with return fares from as little as £38.
Brits who want to visit the Cinque Terre, a group of five Italian villages to the north of Genoa, might want to explore them via train.
Most holidaymakers to the Cinque Terre are daytrippers from nearby Genoa and La Spezia attempting to pack all five villages into just one day.
The route can start in either direction, but most holidaymakers begin their journey in Riomaggiore, with the Italian train stopping at each of the stations, before arriving in Monterosso.
It takes roughly five minutes to travel between each of the stations in the Cinque Terre.
Holidaymakers who've managed to nab a window seat can expect seaside views overlooking crystal-clear waters and ragged cliffs.
Other views include glimpses of the Cinque Terre's colourful buildings and green fields where farmers grow olives, grapes, and basil.
The short Italian train route has been dubbed one of Europe's most scenic by Interrail, who included the route in a round-up of the continent's best scenic train journeys.
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Everything you need to know about visiting Italy
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in 180 days.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Holidaymakers may also need to show proof of insurance.
- Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Italy from the UK take between 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination.
The five towns that form the Cinque Terre also inspired the landscapes and settings in the hit Disney film Luca.
We've rounded up all the easy tourist mistakes that can get you into big trouble in Italy.
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