The beautiful Italian city that's the country's 'treasured secret' with flights for under £20
According to Lonely Planet, Genoa is one of the world's best cities to visit in 2025 and one of Italy 's best hidden gems.
A port metropolis on Italy's northwest coast, Genoa was the 26th most visited city in Italy in 2017 with far fewer tourists than the likes of Venice and Rome.
Lonely Planet reveals: 'Few places in Italy are "undiscovered", but Genoa feels like a treasured secret.
'With a new high-speed-train connection in the works, now is the time to seek out this stately city with superlative culinary chops, a stunning seaside and a well-earned reputation as one of Italy's most historically and culturally vibrant cities.'
Genoa has one of the world's largest medieval town centres. Within its depths, tourists will discover a labyrinth of caruggi (alleyways) packed with historic monuments.
Cathedral San Lorenzo was built in 1098 and is said to hold the ashes of Genoa's patron saint, St John the Baptist.
The city's caruggi are also packed with independent shops, some of which date as far as back as the 1600s.
Romanengo 1780 is Italy's oldest sweet shop and many of its colourful creations are still made by hand.
Tourists seeking the coast can head to tiny Boccadasse, a former fishing village, which Lonely Planet describes as having 'Cinque Terre vibes'.
Buses run to the small colourful village which is one of Genoa's prettiest places to enjoy a gelato. It also has a picturesque pebble beach with easy access to beach bars.
Children will love the Aquarium of Genoa, which is the city's best-rated attraction on Tripadvisor. It's home to dolphins, sharks and hundreds of other species.
When it comes to eating, Genoa is the home of one of the UK's most beloved pasta sauces.
Pesto originates from Genoa and is traditionally served on trofie pasta or focaccia. Genoa's indoor food court, the Mercato Orientale, is one of the best places to try the city's fresh produce.
When to go to Genoa
Genoa is warmest in July and August when temperatures can reach as high as 28 degrees. Unlike southern Italy, the city doesn't tend to suffer from heatwaves in the summer.
The city has a fairly busy cruise port and the season tends to run from April to October.
How to get to Genoa
Ryanair operates direct flights from London Stansted to Genoa, with one way fares currently available from £18.99 in August.
Alternatively, tourists could fly to Milan and then take a direct train to Genoa. easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair are among the airlines to offer direct flights to Milan.
Day trip destinations from Genoa
If you'd like to combine your trip to Genoa with a visit to destination, it takes around an hour and a half to get to the Cinque Terre from the city.
Milan is under two hours away by train while tourists can also cross the border into France and reach Nice in around three hours by rail.
Both Pisa and Lucca are also around two hours away on the train.
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Daily Mirror
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea's 6ft 9ins Conference League winner on Duolingo and preparing for Barcelona
Lucas Bergstrom spent six years learning his trade with Chelsea and has now set out to make his name at RCD Mallorca and spoke to Mirror Football ahead of the start of the La Liga season In July, people head in their droves to Mallorca. Airports are rammed with holidaygoers in search of sun, sea and sand as millions fly out for relaxation. This year, among their number was Lucas Bergstrom, the Mediterranean heat almost an alien concept to a life lived in Finland and west London. While tourists took to the beaches sweating to top up the tans, Bergstrom arrived to brush off his own beads of perspiration having joined the pressure cooker heat of RCD Mallorca. "It's been something to adapt to for sure," the former Chelsea goalkeeper told Mirror Football. "The first few days I felt like I was almost dying outside. It was so warm. It was getting manageable and now this week again, it's been a little bit hotter, so it's close to 35 degrees. I'm slowly adapting and it's just drinking a lot of water and trying to survive basically." It was a different kind of island life growing up in Pargas, Finland and until recently Bergstrom had never even visited Mallorca. But at the end of the season, the 22-year-old's contract with Chelsea expired after six-and-a-half years spent at Stamford Bridge and Cobham. Bergstrom was a free agent and after being able to quickly put himself in the shop window during the under-21s Euros, Mallorca proved to be the standout candidate. "Among the options I had, it's the top division in Spain and it's a good club," he said. "I saw that they really, really wanted me here and I think it's a very good place for me to come to develop and it's a good step in my career to come here." Now, Bergstrom's life is lived on Duolingo and adjusting to a new environment as quickly as possible. Bergstrom has fast become endeared to a 'very, very relaxed place' and plans to explore the reaches of his new home as the tourist numbers filter out in the coming weeks. But first, the 6ft 9ins goalkeeper must implement what he learned at Chelsea to challenge his new team-mates Leo Roman and Pichu Cuelllar. Bergstrom learned a lot growing up with the Blues, and while he never made a senior competitive appearance, the Finnish shotstopper spent a lot of time around the first team and had mixed feelings around his exit. "It was time for me to go from there," he said. "Obviously I enjoyed my time at Chelsea. I was there six-and-a-half years but I didn't see a path to progress anymore because for the last three seasons or so I I went on loan, I came back. "There wasn't any way for me to progress and the only way would have been to go on another loan and gambled and see what happens. So I think it was the the right time for me to go. And I think also, the people I spoke with the club really agreed that it was time for me to move on." Bergstrom found some success in a first team environment when on loan at Peterborough United in 2022/23, but ultimately that sparked some of the goalkeeper's greatest frustration too. "You felt really good because you were playing twice a week, all of the time and then you come back to Chelsea and it's like, 'okay, yes you go with the first team'. "So there is some step forward but then you sort of stagnate there and and you feel like, 'well, I've done really well for six months, but it didn't bring me anything'. I think that's the thing that probably annoyed me the most. It felt like I'd done really well, but didn't help me to progress in any way." Nevertheless, Bergstrom's time at the club was able to end on a high as he received a medal as part of Chelsea's Conference League success. The young goalkeeper was a regular in the Blues travelling squads and was able to learn from his team-mates - something he'd attempted to do from the outset of his time with the Premier League side. "The first year I was there it was Edou and Kepa who was there. Two different goalkeepers, two different characters, good people. I learnt a lot from them. For example, like Edou Mendy his mental stability after mistakes was something I've never seen before. It's like nothing happened. It doesn't matter because it's gone. Then also like during the last season with Rob [Sanchez] and Filip [Jorgensen] and [Marcus Bettinelli], I saw a lot of like from Filip playing with his feet and watching Rob Sanchez and the saves he makes and his positioning in terms of defending the space. I tried to learn from everyone." But Bergstrom is clearly more excited about the future and can't hide his smile at the prospect of the season starting. The determined figure 'isn't too fond' of big end of season targets and prefers to focus on giving everything to the next game. "Whenever my opportunity comes, I'm going to be ready," he says. And as far as first games go, few will be as tough as Barcelona visiting the Son Moix. And the pace does not let-up for Los Piratas. "The first five games we play Barcelona, Real and Atletico," Bergstrom remarks. "So it's going to be a good test for us and it's going to be important we start the season very well, because there's some big games. For me it's just one game at this time and then you see what comes from focus on that. The end of the season, it will tell us how good we are." And taking on 'probably the best team in the league' has whet Bergstrom's appetite to see Son Moix in action. "I think it's going to be a great atmosphere for the first game. It's a very important one." While long term targets on not usually on Bergstrom's agenda, it is impossible to avoid the potential of a World Cup call-up. The goalkeeper has previously been capped for Finland, and the nation currently lead their qualifying group for the United States. But with the country having never made the trip to the finals before, Bergstrom is quick to point out it is a moment bigger than him. "I want to be with the national team and if I get the call up, when I'm there it's going to be the biggest focus because It's very important for for the team and it will be very great to qualify for it. "It means a lot to the players but also to the Finnish nation because you can see how well the fans reacted for example, when we qualified for the under-21 Euros. And even when we played there we had 2000 fans turn up to a small town in Slovakia. So it's very important and obviously it's the only aim to try to qualify for the World Cup." 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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
I'm an etiquette expert and here are the mistakes you're making on holiday that make you look common and like a 'low class guest'
We all dream of the perfect holiday, sipping cocktails by the pool, effortlessly blending in with the locals, but your behaviour might be saying something else entirely. Jo Hayes, etiquette expert and founder of highlighted the common mistakes holiday makers make abroad that make them look 'classless' and 'common' and revealed how to avoid doing them. From playing phone audio out loud to inappropriate fashion choices and cultural faux pas, some holiday habits don't just turn heads- they scream tacky tourist. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she explained: 'Self-awareness, courtesy towards others and a decent level of humility, are three foundational pillars to living a life of substance and class. 'Falling short in any one of these three foundational character traits paves the way for behaviour that is not only potentially rude and disrespectful, but also makes one appear common and classless. 'Unfortunately, many people do drop the ball in one - or, perhaps, all - of these pillars, especially when on holiday, when they're perhaps in a more relaxed mode, feeling they 'deserve' to chill out and focus on themselves for a while. 'But, if you'd prefer to preserve your personal dignity, and avoid being highlighted as the 'low class guest', a few tips and advice as to what not to do when on holiday.' Obnoxiously loud conversations 'We get it. You're on holiday with your friends (or family), and you want to let your hair down and have enjoy yourself. Great. But, so does everyone else. And part of said enjoyment means not being exposed to obnoxiously loud chatter from fellow tourists/ holidaymakers. 'This applies to sun loungers by the pool in resorts, dining in restaurants, travelling on planes and public transport, waiting in queues at tourist attractions and all other places where one is in close proximity with other humans. 'Carrying on a loud conversation, so as to be easily heard by, and a distraction for, those around you demonstrates a distinct lack of self-awareness, disrespect for others, and general level of commonness. 'I can assure you, those around you aren't impressed by your verbosity or 'gift of the gab'. They'd rather enjoy their morning coffee and paper in quiet.' Disrespect to hotel/restaurant staff 'A well-mannered person treats everyone with respect- from a pauper to a Prime Minister. 'Clicking your fingers for the restaurant waitstaff, making demands, and failing to smile, say please and thank you doesn't come across as high-class. 'In fact, the opposite. It looks like you haven't been taught manners (and possibly haven't). Kindness, charity and respect, at all times, in all things.' Playing phone audio on loudspeaker 'I cringe speaking this aloud. I honestly cannot believe that a portion of the human population actually does this. 'In what world are you living, dear people? No one around you wants to hear your music, your phone conversation, your social media audio, or your general phone notification dings/pings/rings. 'Especially when they're on holiday and trying to unplug/switch off from technology. 'It's supremely disrespectful, discourteous and dare I say, supremely selfish. It sends a clear message to the world that one hasn't been taught the ins an outs of digital/phone etiquette. (And, again, a great level of self-awareness is at play here). 'Earbuds. This is what they're made for you. Your audio is for your ears and your ears only. 'This applies for humans of every age. Parents, if you have children with an ipad, they must, must, must have headphones. And, no, low volume doesn't cut it. 'Any level of loudspeaker audio is annoying for those around you. 'Phones on silent - those dings and pings are super-irritating for those around you, and send cortisol levels spiking for many people - including for the person making the noise. 'But, unfortunately, the lack of self-awareness means they're often not even plugged into what a cortisol spike feels like). Audio on headphones when around other people. Period.' Ignorance of local customs and traditions 'This is a big one, anywhere in the world, but especially for tourists travelling throughout Europe. 'Churches and other religious sites, demand a certain level of decency and decorum, out of respect of the sacredness of the site. 'Modest dress (covered shoulders, long skirts/pants, enclosed shoes), quiet conversation (or silence), and discrete behaviour (no running, no shoving, no photos/use of phones) demonstrates respect for the place you're visiting and the people who live/work there. 'The modest dress standards, and discrete/respectful behaviour also applies generally across many European towns and cities - not just in the Churches and religious sites. 'Nothing shouts 'low class tourist' more than someone who brazenly trots around these places in inappropriate clothing, cleavage showing, midriff, spaghetti strap tops, short shorts or miniskirts, snapping selfies, shooting a video for their TikTok reels in a place where they most definitely shouldn't. 'Also, caveat - these churches will likely turn you away if you try to enter with inappropriate attire. Appropriate clothing/modesty at all times 'Of course - churches and religious sites demand modest, respectful clothing. But immodest clothing in other places - cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, when lounging in or walking through the resort lobby or in resort corridors, is inappropriate and 'bogan'/ low class. 'Respect for oneself and others means covering up, and dressing for the occasion. 'Sure, a bathing suit with your towel around your waist is fine for the beach/pool. 'It's not okay for approaching the resort front desk, lounging in the lobby, or taking your seat at the restaurant for lunch. 'Cover up- a flowy dress, a long shirt, shorts, appropriate shoes (no flip flops outside the beach/pool area!).' Intoxication 'While some may be tempted by the open-bar Mimosas available from 8am at their all inclusive resort, I offer a stark word of warning. Don't. (Or, be very, very careful). 'I would personally suggest avoiding any alcohol before midday, as a general 'life rule'. 'But if/when you do decide to partake in an alcohol beverage - be it midday, 6pm cocktails, or a wine at dinner- go easy, moderation, and stay far, far away from 'drunk'. 'Do you really want to be seen as a booze-head? One wants to avoid, at all costs, being the guest who's stumbling through the lobby, talking/laughing too loudly (and disrupting other guests), and just generally being obnoxious.' Taking excessive photos/ videos 'Of course, you're on holiday, visiting amazing places, seeing cool things - all of which add up to many insta-worthy stories and reels. 'Good for you - take a few pics, shoot a few vids, but don't turn the resort's pool area into the set of 'Sally's Greece Adventure'. 'I can assure you, your fellow guests, and staff, won't be impressed. Too much personal preening, overdoing the pics, videos, 'presenting to cameras' comes across as rather vulgar and vain. 'No-one really cares if you're an 'influencer' with 50K followers - the other guests just want to enjoy their book, watch their children swim, and have a relaxing chat with their friends - without being subject to Sally doing ten takes of 'Day 3 of the Adventure' on the lounger next to them. Blasting loud music 'This is closely tied in with number three, but deserves a separate mention. 'Blasting music - on your phone, a speaker/amplifier - at a level that can be heard by others is not ok. 'It will quickly have you labelled 'guest from hell' - among hotel staff and fellow guests. 'Dear human, what planet are you on? Do you really think the families enjoying a relaxing morning on the pool deck want to listen to the latest release from your favourite artist? I can tell you, they don't. 'In Australia, we have a term for such behaviour: Bogan. It means 'common'. 'I'm astounded that anyone would think this is ok - and yet, it happens on a fairly regular basis, all around the world. 'This also applies to hotel rooms - ensure your music/TV/any audio is at a moderate level, and not able to be heard by those in rooms adjacent to yours. 'And for anyone subject to noisy guests nearby, don't hesitate to alert hotel staff to tell them to turn the music down/off.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Dua Lipa sizzles as she strips down to barely-there bikini for sun-soaked Ibiza holiday with pals ahead of milestone 30th birthday
Dua Lipa left fans hot under the collar on Friday as she stripped down to a sizzling bikini while sharing snaps of her Ibiza holiday. The Houdini singer, 29, took to Instagram to share her sun-soaked trip with pals to her whopping 88million followers on the platform. In one snap, Dua posed on a luxury yacht with a pal as she showed off her slim and bronzed physique as the sun shone down on them both. She donned a daring burgundy and blue two-piece bikini that left little to the imagination for the boat day on the Spanish island with her close friends. The quirky two-piece looked like she was wearing one bikini on top of the other. While enjoying the getaway, the hitmaker also took time to look after her health, as she performed a handstand on a paddle board while working on her core strength in the crystal-clear water. She captioned her pictures: 'So far - so good - sun, sea, the bestest of bestfriends, dancing til 6am, long long dinners, flamenco, BIG HUGS and a METEOR SHOWER!!!!!!! ☄️ feeling v lucky n loved.' Another snap from her summer getaway showed Dua in a white vest top paired with a sheer white skirt, which she wore as evening wear. Dua also rocked a black bikini for her sun-drenched trip, with the popstar treating fans to a variety of poses. The wholesome trip also saw Dua and her pals host a movie night under the stars, while they also enjoyed group hugs and a large sit-down dinner as the sunset. Her trip away comes ahead of her milestone 30th birthday celebrations. The latest holiday pictures come after Dua embraced a wave of nostalgia on Wednesday as she shared a sweet throwback-inspired post with her sister Rina. Posting to her Instagram Stories, Dua recreated a treasured childhood photo in which she and her sister sat back-to-back, grinning at the camera. In the updated version, the siblings struck the same pose - only this time with years of memories between them. Dua also turned up the heat as she shared a sizzling set of holiday snaps with her fiancé, Callum Turner earlier in the week. While enjoying the getaway, the hitmaker also took time to look after her health, as she performed a handstand on a paddle board while working on her core strength in the crystal-clear water She wowed in a daring custom Jacquemus knit dress that clung to her toned figure and teased glimpses of skin with its racy cut-outs. From the front, the boatneck number exuded elegance with its delicate knit shimmering with white reflective sequins. But from the back and sides, the dress set pulses racing - revealing generous flashes of skin that left little to the imagination. Callum looked every bit the leading man beside her in a crisp blue-and-white shirt and beige trousers. The pair later swapped the poolside backdrop for a beach club, where Dua continued to share loved-up moments. Alongside the carousel of snaps, she penned: 'Early birthday celebrations on my favourite island with my favourite people wearing the most gorgeous dress Simon made for me... I can't bloody wait for 30!!!!' In June, Dua publicly confirmed rumours she was engaged to Callum Turner as she shared her excitement over the actor getting down on one knee. The singer also enjoyed a feat with her friends as the Spanish sunset behind them, with a view looking out to Ibiza and beyond Dua Lipa embraced a wave of nostalgia on Wednesday as she shared a sweet throwback-inspired post with her sister Rina The hitmaker posed for the front cover of British Vogue where she looked stunning in a pale pink bra that highlighted her jaw-dropping figure In the interview, Dua discussed her family plans, saying she's concerned how having children will fit in with her career as a pop star. 'I'd love to have kids one day,' she said. 'But it's like the constant question of when would there ever be a good time – how it would fit in with my job and how it would work if I went on tour, and how much time out I'd have to take. 'I think it's just one of those things that's going to happen when it happens. I love kids, but I think there's so much more to raising a child than just loving children.'
