Liguria a pearl of the Italian Riviera

Liguria, a narrow, winding coastal region in north-west Italy, is a region full of contrasts: from steep mountains and Mediterranean forests to bustling port towns and idyllic fishing ports. Bordered by France to the west and Toscana to the east, the region offers a climate that is among the mildest in Italy.

Liguria boasts a rich cultural history - it was home to ancient Greek and Roman civilisations, and later a powerful maritime republic in the Middle Ages. You can still see this heritage in its architecture, gastronomy and local lifestyle. The famous pesto alla genovese, focaccia and fresh fish from the Ligurian sea are just a few culinary highlights.

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Photo Liguria 2 scaled

Quality of life and lifestyle

Liguria's appeal lies in more than just the view of the sea:

  • Mediterranean lifestyle: relaxed pace, healthy cuisine, and lots of outdoor living.
  • Climate: mild winters and warm summers without the extreme heat of more southern regions.
  • Nature: of the steep cliffs of the Cinque Terre to green valleys and hiking trails in the Apennines.
  • Access: good train connections to northern Italy and France, an airport in Genova (with direct flights to Schiphol Airport) and relatively short drives to major airports such as Nice or Milan. And easily accessible by car from the Netherlands.

The combination of culture, nature and quality of life attracts not only tourists but also buyers who want to live permanently or use a second home as a resting place or holiday home.

Liguria's real estate market - figures and trends

The well-known and fashionable coastal resorts of Portofino, Santa Margherita and the Cinque Terre are known as expensive property markets in Italy - largely thanks to the narrow, sought-after coastal strip and the limited arable land available between mountains and sea. However, property prices are a lot lower if we go a little more inland or look near lesser-known coastal towns such as Moneglia and Sori.  

Average property prices

According to recent property data, the average sale price of residential properties in Liguria is around €2,700-€3,200 per square metre for residential property in 2026, slightly higher than the Italian national average.

On the coast, this average price is higher:

  • Premium coastal locations such as Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and luxury villas around the Riviera can see prices well above €4,000-€10,000+ per m² - in exceptional cases even towards the €15,000-€20,000 per m² for highly exclusive homes.
  • In more accessible coastal resorts such as Rapallo, Sestri Levante or Alassio, prices are usually between €3,000 and €8,000 per m² for quality homes with sea views.
  • Urban areas such as Genoa themselves have more variety: from €1,500-€4,000 per m² for flats in different neighbourhoods, to higher values for renovated properties with sea views.

By comparison, for Italy as a whole, the average house price is around €2.631/m² ± (depending on year and region), keeping Liguria slightly above the national average.

Inland vs. coastal

The big difference, of course, is between the expensive coast and the domestic countryside:

  • In charming, quiet mountain villages in the Ligurian hills - such as Triora, Perinaldo, Dolceacqua or Montalto Ligure - you will find houses with prices often well below the coast price, sometimes around or even below the €1,000-€2,000 per m² For properties to be renovated.
  • These distinctive villages are very attractive for those looking to integrate into authentic Italian life, and also offer a price level much lower than on the sun-drenched coast.

Why real estate in Liguria can be a good investment

Liguria offers several reasons why investing in property here can make wise financial choices:

  1. Scarcity and geographical constraints

The region simply has little building space - mountains on one side and sea on the other - which means new construction is rare and because scarce commodity remains. This supports the value of existing homes, especially on the coast, where demand always remains high.

  1. Strong tourist attraction

Liguria attracts millions of tourists every year, and popular areas such as the Cinque Terre, Portofino, Sanremo and the Riviera dei Fiori are legendary. Holiday homes are often rented out during the tourist season, giving owners potential returns through holiday rentals.

  1. International demand

Buyers from surrounding countries such as Switzerland, Germany, France and even the UK and the US see Liguria as an interesting investment - not just for holiday homes, but as a quality-of-life destination.

  1. Stable market with value retention

Data up to early 2026 show that Liguria has a regional average that remains stable and even rises slightly, despite temporary fluctuations. It is a robust market where supply and demand are relatively balanced.

  1. Various offers

From luxury villas on the coast to authentic ruins in the hinterland, Liguria offers a wide spectrum of properties. This makes it interesting for many types of investors - from those looking for lifestyle properties to those looking for renovation projects with profit potential.

  1. Easy to reach - by plane and also by car

Genova, in the heart of Liguria, has its own airport, Cristoforo Colombo. There are direct flights from Schiphol Airport to Genova Airport. But flying to Milan (150 km above Liguria) or Pisa (80 km below Liguria) is also an option.

Liguria is also easy to reach by car (Utrecht - Genova = 1270 km).

Photo Liguria 1 scaled

Liguria as more than just real estate

Liguria has much more to offer than real estate. It is a region where culture, gastronomy, nature and a relaxed lifestyle come together. Importantly, the cost of living is also low. A lunch on the beach with a plate of troffie al pesto, a glass of red wine, a tiramisu and an espresso, can be had in Liguria for less than EUR 20.

For those who dream of a Mediterranean lifestyle, Liguria offers not only a beautiful setting - but also an investment with potential.

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