Home › Events › Euroflora Genova
Floriculture · Landscape Design · Green Architecture

Every five years · Genoa · Waterfront di Levante

Euroflora Genova

Every five years, Genoa becomes the garden of Europe. If you are lucky enough to be there, Rapallo is the most convenient base: just minutes by train, with the Tigullio coast at your fingertips for the rest of your stay.

Plan with LigurIA Get the free guide

What Euroflora is and why it is a rare occasion

Five years is a long time. You cannot easily say "I'll leave it for next time," because a great deal changes between editions — trends in landscape design shift, the designers shaping green spaces evolve, materials and ideas about what a garden means move on. Euroflora captures all of this in ten days of exhibition at the heart of Genoa's harbour.

The first edition was held in 1966 — when the concept of "green architecture" as an aesthetic discipline was still pioneering in Italy. Since then, every fifth spring, horticulturists, landscape designers, nurserymen and enthusiasts from across the continent converge on Genoa. It is not just a trade fair: it is a survey of how the world interprets the relationship between plants, spaces and people at that precise moment in history.

The 2025 edition had the distinction of inaugurating a permanent venue of extraordinary architectural quality: the Waterfront di Levante, the redevelopment project for the former Genoa Trade Fair designed by Renzo Piano. A building conceived to open towards the sea, with pavilions and spaces that — during Euroflora — fill with ephemeral gardens, plant installations and sensory trails of scent and colour.

If you are fortunate enough to visit it — and some luck is required, since it only comes around every five years — the visual experience is worth the journey from anywhere in Italy. And Liguria, with its horticultural tradition stretching from the Riviera dei Fiori in the west to the glasshouses of the Tigullio, is the most coherent natural setting imaginable for a show of this kind.

First edition 1966 — over 60 years of European horticultural and landscape design history.
Five-yearly Only every 5 years: a rare occasion that cannot be deferred to "next year."
Venue Waterfront di Levante, former Genoa Trade Fair — Renzo Piano architecture overlooking the port.
Scale One of Europe's most important horticultural shows, with exhibitors from across the world.

What to expect in practice

Themed gardens to explore at a leisurely pace, surprise floral installations, international floristry competitions, national and regional pavilions where each territory brings its own botanical identity. This is not an event you rush through: those with energy and curiosity spend a full day there. Those who want to go deeper come back more than once.

The Waterfront venue adds another dimension: the architecture itself is part of the experience. Open spaces facing the sea, transparent pavilions, the contrast between Renzo Piano's steel and glass and the greenery of the floral compositions creates images that are hard to forget. It is a space built to capture light — and Ligurian spring light is exceptionally favourable.

Getting there

Rapallo to Genoa: about 35 minutes by train

No car needed. The train is the most comfortable and stress-free way to reach the Waterfront di Levante, avoiding Genoa's traffic and parking costs entirely.

Departure
Rapallo Station

Genoa–Sestri Levante line. Regional trains run frequently throughout the day. The station is walkable from Rapallo's centre.

~35 min
Regional train

Trenitalia Regionale, direct or stopping at Recco and Nervi. Very comfortable, no changes required, cheap return ticket.

Arrival
Genova Brignole

Brignole station is the eastern gateway to Genoa city centre. From here the Waterfront is reachable by bus, taxi or on foot along the seafront (about 20 minutes).

Destination
Waterfront di Levante

The Euroflora exhibition site — former Genoa Trade Fair, Renzo Piano project — is well signed during the event. Buses and shuttles connect the station to the venue.

Timetables and frequencies change: always check trenitalia.com. During Euroflora, Genoa is extremely busy — arriving in the morning on weekdays avoids the longest queues. Parking near the Genoa trade fair area is limited and expensive: the train from Rapallo is by far the smarter and cheaper choice.

The smart choice

Why use Rapallo as your base for Euroflora

Rapallo is 35 minutes by train yet offers what Genoa cannot during a major event: peace, better prices and a real Tigullio coast holiday.

1

Genoa fills up during events

Euroflora draws tens of thousands of visitors to the city. Central Genoa accommodation sells out quickly and prices spike. Rapallo is a comfortable and convenient alternative without the noise of the city.

2

Not just Euroflora — the Riviera too

April and May on the Tigullio are among the finest months of the year: vivid colours, manageable crowds, the sea already inviting. Visit Euroflora by day and enjoy the Riviera by evening — two experiences in one trip.

3

The Tigullio coast at your fingertips

Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, Camogli, Recco, Chiavari: from Rapallo the entire Eastern Riviera is yours on the days you are not at Euroflora.

4

Better prices and more space

A holiday home in Rapallo during Euroflora often costs less than a hotel in central Genoa, offers far more space, a full kitchen and a completely different quality of life.

5

Ligurian spring is perfect

The Euroflora season — April and May — is when all of Liguria is in bloom. Portofino, the gardens of Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita, the Genoese caruggi: the botanical context is itself part of the journey.

6

Flexibility around the show

Five years separate Euroflora editions. Those who plan ahead can build a tailored stay: the show, art cities, hiking in the Portofino Natural Park. Rapallo is the ideal logistics hub for all of this.

Rapallo Smart Home

Your base: convenient, smart, steps from the station.

Two double bedrooms, full kitchen, integrated home automation and a strategic position to explore the entire Riviera. Currently in pre-launch phase: sign up for first availability.

4 guestsTwo double bedrooms — ideal for couples, friends or families
Station nearbyGenoa, Camogli, Recco and the Riviera without a car
Smart homeLights, blinds, video intercom, automated front door
Full kitchenTotal independence, no reliance on restaurants
Plan with LigurIA Notify me at launch

🏨 Hotels in the area peak season: typically €150–250/night, no kitchen. RSH: full home for 4, direct booking with zero OTA fees (Airbnb +15%, Booking +20%).

Rapallo and surroundings in spring

What to do before and after your visit to Euroflora.

April and May are extraordinary months on the Riviera. Some concrete ideas to make the most of your stay beyond the show.

Morning

Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita

A few minutes by train from Rapallo, the Villa Durazzo gardens in spring are a botanical spectacle — a natural complement to Euroflora. Park admission is free or very affordable.

Evening

Aperitivo at Rapallo harbour

Returning from Genoa and strolling down to Rapallo's harbour — moored boats, the castle on the sea, the evening light: a perfect way to wind down a day of flowers and architecture.

Day off

Portofino in spring

The Portofino headland in April–May is at its most beautiful: lush vegetation, clear water, crowds still manageable. From Santa Margherita a boat trip takes just 15 minutes.

Culture

Genoa's historic centre

Before or after Euroflora, a walk through the Rolli Palaces (UNESCO) and the medieval caruggi completes the experience. Genoa in spring, before the summer crowds, is a city that genuinely surprises.

Pair it with other events

Euroflora is one of Genoa's great events. The Tigullio and Liguria have much more to offer throughout the year.

Genoa for Rolli Days and Festival della ScienzaOctober

Rolli Days & Festival della Scienza

October in Genoa: UNESCO palaces open to the public and 200,000+ visitors for science communication. 35 minutes from Rapallo by train.

Explore →
Genoa International Boat ShowOctober

Genoa International Boat Show

The Mediterranean's largest boat show, every October in Genoa harbour. Yachts, marine technology and life on the water — 35 minutes from Rapallo.

Explore →
Camogli and the Golfo Paradiso for the Festival della ComunicazioneSeptember

Camogli Communication Festival

September in Camogli: 100+ speakers, open-air talks in the piazzas, culture under the sky in the most beautiful village of the Golfo Paradiso.

Explore →

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Euroflora.

Practical answers to help you plan your stay for Genoa's great flower show.

Does it make sense to stay in Rapallo to visit Euroflora in Genoa?

Yes — and it is often the smartest choice. During Euroflora, accommodation in central Genoa fills up rapidly and prices spike. Rapallo is about 35 minutes by train, offers quality stays at better rates, and lets you combine the show with a real Tigullio coast holiday: Portofino, Camogli, coastal walks — all within reach without changing base each day.

How often does Euroflora take place?

Euroflora is held every five years. The first edition was in 1966. The 2025 edition ran from 24 April to 4 May at the Waterfront di Levante. The next edition is provisionally expected around 2030 — always check the official dates at euroflora.genova.it well in advance, as accommodation across Liguria sells out months before the event.

How long is the train journey from Rapallo to Euroflora?

About 30–40 minutes on the regional train along the Genoa–Sestri Levante line. Genova Brignole is the main arrival station, from which the Waterfront di Levante is reachable in a few minutes by public transport or on foot along the seafront. Check up-to-date timetables at trenitalia.com.

Where exactly is the Waterfront di Levante?

The Waterfront di Levante is the former Genoa Trade Fair site, in the eastern part of the city overlooking the port. It is the Renzo Piano architectural redevelopment project. During Euroflora it is well signposted and reachable from Genova Brignole by shuttle or city bus.

Is it worth planning the trip well in advance?

Absolutely — and well in advance. Euroflora is a five-yearly event that draws tens of thousands of visitors over just a few days from across Italy and Europe. Both Genoese and Ligurian accommodation sells out months ahead. Anyone wanting a comfortable, stress-free stay should book at least six months before the opening weekend.

Is Euroflora suitable for families with children?

Yes, it is a very family-friendly event. The themed gardens and floral installations are accessible to all ages, with sensory trails that engage children's curiosity. The visit is flexible in duration: a quick tour takes 2–3 hours, while a thorough visit can fill a whole day.

What else is there to see in Genoa beyond Euroflora?

Spring Genoa is extraordinary: Europe's largest medieval city centre, the UNESCO Rolli Palaces, the Old Port with the Aquarium, Boccadasse — the charming fishing village a short walk from the centre. A full day at Euroflora combined with a half-day in the historic centre makes for a very satisfying trip.

Is Rapallo Smart Home bookable for the Euroflora period?

The home is in pre-launch phase and is not yet bookable online. Leave your email to receive updates on first availability, the free guide to Rapallo and surroundings, and practical information on planning your stay around major Genoese and Ligurian events.

Plan your stay for Euroflora.

LigurIA builds a tailored mini-itinerary: the show, the Riviera and Ligurian cuisine in one practical, realistic plan.

Create mini-guide with LigurIA Free guide