Easter in Genoa: what to do, 2026 events and Easter Monday ideas

Easter is a great time to experience and explore Genoa. Longer days, milder weather and the events organised across the city make it the perfect weekend to enjoy a walk through the caruggi, along the sea and across the main squares. If you’re wondering what to do in Genoa at Easter, between events, traditions and ideas for Easter Monday in Genoa and the surrounding area, the options are more varied than you might expect.

In this guide, you’ll find a useful and up-to-date overview of the Easter 2026 events in Genoa, along with some ideas to help you plan your weekend. And if you’re thinking about staying a few days in the city, this is also the perfect time to book your stay in Genoa, choosing a convenient location to move easily between the historic centre and the main attractions, such as Hotel Algilà.

What to do in Genoa at Easter: experiences not to miss

Genoa at Easter is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, alternating cultural moments with time outdoors. There’s no need to fill your day with too many stops: just choose what to see carefully and follow the rhythm of the city, which becomes brighter and more enjoyable in spring.

Explore the historic centre and the caruggi

Genoa’s historic centre is one of the largest in Europe, and Easter is the ideal time to explore it without the summer heat. The caruggi – the typical narrow alleyways – are best discovered slowly, passing by historic shops, churches and unexpected views that suddenly open onto wider squares.

Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is almost a must-see: this is where you’ll find the Palazzi dei Rolli, a symbol of Genoa’s noble past. Not far away, Piazza De Ferrari marks the transition between the historic city and the more modern area, and it’s often one of the liveliest spots during the Easter period.

Our advice: there’s no need to over-plan your day. Genoa is also discovered by getting a little lost, following your curiosity into a detail or a quieter alley.

What to do in Genoa at Easter? Explore Via Garibaldi

Museums and attractions open at Easter

If the weather is uncertain or you want to alternate outdoor visits with something more structured, Genoa offers several interesting options even during public holidays. Many museums and major attractions remain open on both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, but we recommend always checking updated opening times in advance.

The Aquarium of Genoa is one of the most popular and appreciated attractions, especially if you’re travelling with children. Alternatively, the Galata Maritime Museum allows you to explore the city’s strong connection with the sea, with the possibility of visiting the Nazario Sauro submarine as well.

For a quieter experience, historic palaces such as Palazzo Reale or Palazzo Spinola offer a more intimate visit, perfect if you’re looking for a break from the busy streets.

Visit the Aquarium of Genoa

Walks between the sea and scenic views

Easter is also the perfect time to step outside the centre and enjoy the more open and panoramic side of Genoa. Boccadasse, with its colourful houses overlooking the sea, is ideal for a short, relaxed walk, especially at sunset.

If you have more time, the Nervi area offers one of the most beautiful walks in the city: the Anita Garibaldi promenade, suspended between cliffs and sea, with constant views over the blue horizon. Nearby, the Nervi Parks are perfect for a green break, especially on sunny days.

Explore the Nervi promenade

Easter 2026 events in Genoa

During the Easter weekend, Genoa is not just “nice to visit”: the city really comes alive, especially between the centre and the Porto Antico area. Between markets, outdoor initiatives and family-friendly events, it’s one of those times when something is always happening, without needing to search too hard.

Easter markets and food stalls

The heart of Easter events is undoubtedly Piazza De Ferrari, where from 21 March to 6 April 2026 the traditional Easter Market returns. It’s a long-standing event, with stalls selling crafts, local products and gift ideas, and over the years it has become a reference point for visitors during this period.

In addition, the Easter Festival and European Market will take place in the port and city centre area (particularly around Piazza Caricamento) from 27 March to 6 April 2026. Here the atmosphere shifts slightly, with food stalls, international specialities and a more cosmopolitan feel.

Events in the city centre: squares, shows and activities

Beyond the markets, Genoa’s centre fills with a variety of initiatives during Easter. From 3 to 6 April 2026, shows, concerts and cultural activities are scheduled across squares and public spaces, especially in popular areas such as the historic centre and Porto Antico.

These are not part of a single large event, but rather a series of smaller happenings that make the city feel more vibrant than usual. And that’s exactly the point: at Easter, Genoa isn’t rigidly organised, but offers many small opportunities to stop, listen to music, watch a performance or simply enjoy a different atmosphere.

Events for families and children

If you’re travelling with children, Easter is one of the easiest times to plan activities without too much effort. In addition to the markets (which are already engaging on their own), there are events specifically designed for younger visitors.

During Easter 2026, family-oriented activities are planned, including workshops, shows and interactive initiatives across Genoa and its surroundings. In Liguria, for example, you can often find Easter egg hunts, creative activities and entertainment events taking place between Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, often organised in natural settings or nearby villages.

Easter Monday in Genoa: what to do

If Easter in Genoa feels more relaxed and city-focused, Easter Monday is completely different. It’s the day for outings, outdoor lunches and last-minute plans depending on the weather. The good news is that around Genoa you have plenty of options, without needing to travel far.

Day trips near Genoa

If you feel like moving around, there are plenty of options. The eastern Riviera is the most immediate choice: Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino are perfect for a day by the sea, with walks and the chance to stop for lunch in one of the many seafront restaurants.

For something a bit more active, you can consider the hike to San Fruttuoso di Camogli, reachable on foot or by boat: it’s one of the most scenic excursions in the area and a very popular destination on Easter Monday.

What to do on Easter Monday near Genoa: visit Camogli

Parks and nature for an Easter Monday picnic

If you prefer to stay closer to the city, Genoa offers several green spaces perfect for a simple and relaxing Easter Monday. The Nervi Parks are among the best options: wide open spaces, sea views and the chance to alternate between relaxing on the grass and going for a walk.

A more structured alternative is Villa Durazzo Pallavicini in Pegli: a historic park with scenic pathways, ideal if you want to combine nature with a cultural visit.

If you’re willing to go a bit further, the Beigua Regional Park offers trails immersed in nature and open panoramic views, perfect for a more active day.

Visit Villa Durazzo Pallavicini Park

Villages to visit nearby

Easter Monday is also a great opportunity to discover quieter villages compared to the more famous destinations. Bogliasco, just a few minutes from Genoa, is an easy and always pleasant choice, with its small seaside centre. Perfect for a relaxing half day by the sea.

If you want to go a bit further, Noli and Finalborgo offer different atmospheres: the former more maritime, the latter more medieval, both ideal for a slow walk and a relaxed lunch.

Easter traditions in Genoa and Liguria

Unlike other areas of Italy, Genoa doesn’t have a single iconic Easter tradition, but rather a mix of rituals, flavours and habits that reflect the region in a more nuanced way. That’s exactly what makes it interesting: to truly understand Easter in Genoa, you need to look at Liguria as a whole.

During Holy Week, several Ligurian towns keep strong religious traditions alive, often linked to local confraternities. In Genoa, events are more discreet, spread across churches in the centre and neighbourhoods, with liturgical celebrations following the Easter calendar.

Traditional Ligurian Easter dishes

At the table, however, traditions are much more recognisable. The symbolic dish of Easter in Liguria is torta pasqualina, a savoury pie made with vegetables (usually chard or artichokes), ricotta and whole eggs, enclosed in a thin pastry. It’s one of those dishes that perfectly represents Ligurian cuisine: simple ingredients, but a refined preparation.

Alongside this, more classic dishes such as roast lamb are also common, while on the dessert side, colomba remains a staple on Easter tables, often accompanied by local or artisanal variations.

If you happen to stay in the city for Easter lunch, it’s worth choosing a restaurant that offers a traditional menu: it’s one of the most direct ways to fully experience the atmosphere of the season.