Discover the real Genoa by walking in the footsteps of one of its most famous sons: Christopher Columbus. The Columbus Trail is an urban circular hike designed for those who want to enjoy a cultural, historical, and food and wine experience in one of Italy's most fascinating cities.
Designed by Tigullio Trekking and BioTigullio5Terre, this guided route is about 4 km long and winds through the alleyways, squares, noble palaces, and iconic landmarks of Genoa's historic centre. Although symbolically divided into two stages, the Way is a single complete experience, structured to be experienced slowly and with curiosity, at the pace of an urban traveller.
The first part of the route starts from the Casa di Colombo, near Porta Soprana, and winds through Via di Ravecca, a street full of history, shops, and artisans. At number 51/r, you'll find BioTigullio5Terre, the starting and ending point of the experience: here you'll receive the legend of the walk with an official stamp and you can meet our guides.
The itinerary continues, touching on significant places: Piazza Sarzano, the Oratory of Sant'Antonio Abate, the Faculty of Architecture, and then Via Mura delle Grazie, San Giacomo della Marina, the Church of San Cosimo, and numerous votive shrines set in the walls. We'll cross the heart of the Old Port, admire the majestic Palazzo San Giorgio, and pass by the entrance to the Aquarium of Genoa.
The walk continues along Via del Campo, a street made famous by Fabrizio De André, and leads us to Piazza Don Gallo and the birthplace of Giuseppe Mazzini. Then a short but intense climb begins, leading us to the Spianata di Castelletto, one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in the city, where the gaze embraces all of Genoa, from the sea to the hinterland.
The second part of the loop starts with the descent aboard the evocative Castelletto Lift, mentioned by the poet Giorgio Caproni. Back in the lower part of the city, you'll cross Piazza Fontane Marose, take Via Garibaldi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic buildings), go up Via XXV Aprile and reach the scenic Piazza De Ferrari, the heart of modern Genoa.
The walk ends by returning to Porta Soprana, passing by the Palazzo Ducale, the Carlo Felice Theatre, and the Palazzo della Borsa, tracing a perfect loop between past and present.
At the end of the experience, you can relax at BioTigullio5Terre for an optional tasting: Genoese focaccia, mortar pesto, artisanal cured meats and cheeses, and local wines.
Your guides are part of the Tigullio Trekking and BioTigullio5Terre team, local experts, professionals, and enthusiasts of Liguria, culture, the environment, and good food.
The Columbus Trail is the perfect opportunity to rediscover Genoa away from the most crowded tourist circuits, through the eyes of those who experience it every day.
Check out the route on the interactive map https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=10dNdP1b1W3DitQF515*mfzlydeayI4Y
