Chiavari 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Chiavari: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Chiavari Cathedral

18th-century baroque cathedral with a striking marble facade and a calm interior. Free to enter and spend time in.

🕐 Daily 7:00-12:00, 15:30-19:00

Free entry

💡 Visit late afternoon when the light hits the columns inside. Quietest just after lunch.

Hotels near Chiavari Cathedral →
Afternoon
Piazza Roma and Arcades

Main square lined with distinctive porticoes typical of Chiavari. Great for people-watching and understanding local urban life.

🕐 Always open

Free entry

💡 Best for a coffee at a bar under the arcades. Local shops often have small windows with artisan goods — look for the pasticceria.

Hotels near Piazza Roma and Arcades →
Evening
Where to eat

Bar Rico · ££

Lord Nelson · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Chiavari

Morning
Chiavari Lungomare Promenade

Seaside walkway stretching about 1.5 km along the beach. Benches, palm trees, and open views of the Ligurian Sea.

🕐 Always open

💡 Early morning or sunset for fewer crowds. Free public beach access at the eastern end near Via delle Grotte.

Midday
Parco di Villa Rocca

Hilltop public park with views over the gulf and surrounding hills. Wooded paths and a small ruined castle inside.

🕐 Daily 8:00-20:00 (summer), 8:00-17:00 (winter)

💡 Steep uphill walk but worth it for the panorama. Bring water. Picnic benches at the top.

Evening
Dining tonight

La Cava

Al Cioso

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Museo Archeologico di Chiavari

Small archaeology museum with finds from local Ligurian and Roman sites, including Iron Age burials and amphorae. Entry fee is €3.

💡 Go on Sunday mornings when it's quieter and the curator sometimes gives personal tours. Cash only.

Final meal

Gran Cafè Defilla

I 4 Archi

Getting Around Chiavari

ATP Esercizio Bus 17 From €1.50 6 min

Catch bus 17 from outside the station towards Leivi. Get off at the 'Via Raggio / Ospedale Vecchio' stop. Single tickets work within the 75-minute validity window. Buy at tabacchi bars or the station kiosk.

Chiavari Local Taxi From €10 5 min

Taxis line up outside the station. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk straight down Via Vittorio Veneto if you prefer to skip the fare. For local trips around town, call Radio Taxi Chiavari on 0185 321300—they speak limited English but are reliable.

Genova Airport Taxi From €100 45 min

Book through the airport's official taxi desk to avoid haggling. The fare is fixed, and drivers will drop you right at the hotel door on Via E. Raggio.

Regionale Veloce to Chiavari From €5 38 min

Catch the bus from Genoa Airport to Brignole station (Volabus, €6). The train runs along the coast, so sit on the right for sea views. Buy tickets at the machine before boarding—validate them in the yellow box on the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Chiavari?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Chiavari Cathedral and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Chiavari?

See our full best time to visit Chiavari guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Lord Nelson, Ristorante Hotel dell'Orto, San Pietro. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.