Car Rental Genoa - Exploring Genoa

For a spectacular drive and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head for the hinterlands north of Genoa. Take the A7 motorway north for about 25kms and exit on the SS226 east leading on to the SS45. Take in the charming medieval hill-fortresses and villages of Casella, Torriglia, Monte Bruno and Fontanigorda. Alternatively, the mountains of the Parco Naturale dell'Antola have popular hiking trails.

Turin lies to the northwest of Genoa and is one of Italy's most opulent cities, famed for its associations with Fiat; its fin de siècle cafés; and a lovely Baroque centre of ordered, elegant streets. Highlights include the important Museo Egizio, second only to the museum in Cairo; and the Galleria Sabauda, an art museum which contains the magnificent collections of the Savoy family.

The Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia Motor Museum houses an important collection of classic Italian and foreign cars. Two sights lie outside the city — the Baroque Basilica di Superga, Juvarra's masterpiece; and the magnificent rococo hunting lodge, the Villa Reale di Stupinigi. The main attraction of the city is, of course, the Shroud of Turin, which is housed in the Duomo.

About 100kms to the southwest along the coast is La Spezia, a region not to be missed, with its wonderful natural harbour and the surrounding hills dotted with old Genoese castles. Rebuilt in the 17th century, the 14th century church of Santa Maria is the only ancient building that survived WWII bombs.

Also of note is the Naval Museum, which contains objects from the 16th century. Alternatively, the Municipal Museum houses ancient Ligurian artefacts. Back near Genoa and very popular among tourists and locals alike for their lush parks and peaceful promenades, are Nervi and Pegli, which lie east and west of the city respectively.