When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Genoa?
The peak time for travel to Genoa is during the summer months, from July to August, and April. The city hosts a variety of festivals from May onwards, including a fish and seafood festival, an annual boat show and an international violin competition. The shoulder seasons in late spring, May or June, or autumn from September onwards, are when you’re more likely to find cheap flights to Genoa.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Genoa?
It’s best to book your return flight to Genoa around a month in advance to find the best deals, though you might want to book earlier if you plan to travel in the peak summer period. Using Netflights.com, you can compare prices and routes on direct flights and stopping services to find the best deal on flights to Genoa. It’s also worth checking regularly for airlines’ promotions and offers on Genoa flights, and you may be able to find last-minute flights if your dates are flexible. Remember to bring suitable clothing and footwear if you’re planning to go hiking in the nearby Cinque Terre region.
Flying to Genoa Airport GOA
Genoa Airport (GOA), or Genova Cristoforo Colombo Airport, is located seven kilometres from Genoa city centre. It operates domestic and international flights and serves the city of Genoa and the wider Liguria region of Italy, including popular destinations such as San Remo, Cinque Terre and Portofino on the Italian Riviera.
British Airways operates direct flights to Genoa Airport GOA from London Gatwick Airport. You can also fly with Air France, Alitalia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Lufthansa, which offer stopping services to Genoa from London Heathrow Airport and London City Airport, with stopovers in cities such as Munich and Rome. You can find flights to Genoa from other UK airports including Glasgow International Airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, Manchester Airport, Newcastle Airport and Bristol Airport.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Genoa Airport has one terminal building which serves both international and domestic Genoa flights. The terminal is divided into departures and arrivals zones. You will find baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall. Genoa Airport offers a range of useful services and amenities for travellers, including free Wi-Fi, baby-changing facilities, cash machines and currency exchange services in the main terminal building. There are also shops, car hire companies and a tourist information desk located in the arrivals hall. The taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall when you leave the terminal.
Getting to the City from Genoa Airport GOA
One way to get from Genoa Airport to Genoa is by taking the Volabus shuttle service. This service connects GOA with the city centre and departs from the bus stop next to the terminal building. The journey time is around half an hour, and it operates every day; you can purchase tickets either from the driver or at the ticket machine in the airport terminal. If you need to reach Genoa railway station, there is the I24 shuttle which runs between the airport terminal and the Sestri Ponente district. Taxis are available from the taxi rank outside the arrivals area of the terminal building and you’ll find car hire companies located in the arrivals hall.
Why visit Genoa?
Genoa, the capital of Italy’s Liguria region, is a seafront city with colourful, crumbling architecture rising up above the Mediterranean. It attracts British travellers for city breaks and holidays in nearby resorts on the Italian Riviera. Genoa’s old city dates back to medieval times and you can wander its narrow alleyways and streets, which are home to cafes, market stalls, museums and antique dealers. For lunch, try one of Genoa’s specialities: pesto alla Genovese, or chickpea pancakes.
The Musei di Strada Nuova, a set of historic palazzo located in Genoa’s Via Garibaldi, are a stunning throwback to the city’s glory days and contain masterpieces by the likes of Van Dyck, Veronese and Rubens. Discover Genoa’s longstanding maritime tradition at the Galata Museo del Mare, which features a reconstructed 17th century Genoese galley ship and over 6000 artefacts. Then head to the fishing area, Boccadasse, to eat some delicious, freshly-caught seafood.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to any country in the EU – you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You just need to make sure that your passport has at least six months validity left, on the day you travel. The local currency is the euro. You might find it useful to exchange some money in advance, especially if you plan to travel by public transport when you arrive. Bureau de change services and cash machines are available at GOA. Many Italian cities charge a tourist tax, which is taken by hotels. The amount varies depending on location and the star rating of the hotel; check with the local tourist information office for details.
