Geocaching in Liguria: treasure hunt on the coast and in villages

Discover geocaching in Liguria: how it works and which places to explore including villages, panoramic paths and hidden corners with a sea view.

In Liguria, the coast and sea is not the only possible adventure. With “carruggi”, cliff-side paths and villages suspended in time, geocaching transforms the area into a great open-air treasure hunt, from the Flower Riviera to the Palms Riviera, via Genoa and surrondings to the picturesque Gulf of Poets. An original way to explore the region, discover lesser-known corners and experience the journey with a curious eye, smartphone in hand and a spirit of exploration.

How geocaching works

Geocaching is a modern treasure hunt that uses smartphone GPS to find small containers hidden in public places, called ‘caches’. To get started, simply download a dedicated app, such as the official Geocachingapp, create a free profile and consult the map: each marked point corresponds to a cache with precise coordinates and useful clues for locating it.

Once you reach the indicated location, you look for the container, which can be a small box camouflaged among the rocks, a jar hidden in a historical centre or a small magnetic container near a viewpoint. Inside is a logbook where you can write your name and the date of the discovery; the find is then recorded on the app, possibly sharing a comment or photo without revealing the hiding place.

Caches can be simple, perfect for a stroll through the city, or they can be transformed into routes with riddles and multiple stages related to the history, nature or traditions of the place. It is a free activity suitable for all ages, combining technology and movement outdoors to become a real walk along scenic trails and forests. Those who become familiar with the game can also create their own cache: simply choose a suitable public place, prepare a container with logbook and clues, enter GPS coordinates and publish everything on the app to invite other explorers to discover that special corner of the area.

What to see in Liguria by geocaching

Geocaching in Liguria allows you to explore iconic places and hidden corners with a different outlook, turning every walk into a small adventure among the sea, villages and panoramic paths. Ready to hunt? Here are some places where you can find caches that are popular and also suitable for beginners, perfect for getting started; but the beauty of the game is to put yourself to the test, to try out new routes and to let your curiosity guide you to lesser-known corners of the territory.

Imperia

The hills of Imperia Oneglia hide two panoramic caches that are also perfect for tourists: the Cappella di Sant’Anna and the Santuario di Santa Maria Maggiore. Easy to reach with a difficulty of 1.5, they offer spectacular views of Oneglia, the harbour and on clear days even Corsica. A small itinerary amidst nature, silence and history: remember to bring a pen.

Sanremo

In Sanremo two uniquely fascinating caches await you during the Festival: lhe Russian Orthodox Church, a surprising exotic corner in the Mediterranean heart of the city, and La Pigna, the ancient village with narrow streets woven like the scales of a pine cone. The former, built in the early 20th century by wealthy Russians who spent their winters here, creates a striking contrast between oriental domes and Ligurian palm trees; the latter tells the city’s medieval history with Gothic arches and fortified alleys. Two stages with a difficulty of 2, perfect for those seeking views and an authentic atmosphere in the centre of Sanremo.

Savona

With the smell of freshly baked farinata bianca and the breeze coming in from the sea, Savona holds two easy caches that are full of stories: in Piazza Marconi, known as Piazza del Pesce, we find the fountain “Lotta tra l’uomo e lo squalo” by Renata Cuneo, also inspired by the sportsman Cesare Marinangeli. In the district of Villetta, amidst elegant Art Nouveau villas, a scenic stop-off awaits you near the Bishop’s Seminary in Savona, overlooking the hill behind the centre. Two stops of ranked with difficulties of 1 and 1.5 perfect for discovering the most authentic soul of the city.

Genova

After tasting pesto and focaccia among the caruggi, take a stroll to discover Genoa through three caches of history and memory: in Piazza della Vittoria the Arco della Vittoria, a monumental symbol of the 1930s, is the dominating presence, while at the Porto Antico you can board the submarine museum Nazario Sauro.. From the remembrance of Via Madre di Dio to the Centre of the Ligurians, these stages with a difficulty of 1.5 and 2 tell the story of a city that changes but does not forget its roots.

Recco

Before you lose yourself along the coast and hills, stop at Belvedere di Recco and look for an easy, panoramic cache, perfect for tourists too. Recco, an ancient Roman Recina and today the gastronomic capital of the region, combines history, traditions such as the famous Sagra del Fuoco and iconic flavours such as the Focaccia col Formaggio IGP. Bring something to write with you and enjoy the view from above over a city that has been reborn. 

Portofino

A stroll amidst panorama, art and timeless beauty: in the bay of turquoise waters and among the colourful houses facing the famous piazzetta, Portofino is a true heritage of Ligurian and Mediterranean tourism, an iconic place where even Andrea Bocelli has sung. With the cache “The Dream of Portofino” (difficulty 2) you explore the village in an active and engaging way, up to Castello Brown overlooking the gulf and the evocative Park Museum, a sculpture garden overlooking the harbour. An experience that combines discovery, play and wonder.

La Spezia

With its sea and military history, La Spezia offers two panoramic caches perfect for a tourist excursion: in the Parco delle Mura you can walk among restored ramparts and spectacular views of the city, while on the island of Palmaria tthe evocative Batteria Antiaerea Ammiraglio Albiniawaits you, overlooking the Golfo dei Poeti.. Two stages of difficulty 1.5 combining nature, memory and unique views between La Spezia and Porto Venere.

After the first panoramic stages, you can continue with the more challenging caches and turn the route into a real journey through villages, paths and hidden corners of Liguria. A different way, slow and curious, of exploring the territory, which becomes experiential tourism and rediscovery of one’s roots. Stage after stage, the map fills up with places, stories and sights to remember.

For more information: https://www.geocaching.com/