Porto Antico Estatespettacolo (1 July – 6 August)

One of the highlights of Genoa's summer calendar is the Porto Antico Estatespettacolo, a cultural festival with 250 live concerts and performances in Genoa's recently redeveloped Porto Antico. Three stages host concerts every night from 1 July to 6 August and this year's line-up includes Mika, Deep Purple and Suzanne Vega. One day prog and jazz festivals will also take place, as well as Italian theatre, musical and cabaret programmes and performances from the International Dance Festival.  www.portoantico.it/en

Summer Night Festival (14 July – 13 August)

Taking place throughout July and August, Genoa's Summer Night Festival returns for another year of al fresco performances. The festival, organised by Teatro Lunaria, offers evenings of music, theatre and dance performances in the beautiful setting of the medieval Piazza San Matteo, in the historical heart of Genoa, and on the terrace of Collegio Emiliani in Nervi with views overlooking the sea. www.visitgenoa.it/en/evento/summer-night-festival

International Ballet Festival (7 May – 24 July)

The International Ballet Festival is one of the biggest events of the year and will take place across 18 different locations in Genoa from 7 May until 24 July. The festival, organised by the Municipality of Genoa in collaboration with its main cultural institutions, will feature performances, shows, workshops and exhibitions showcasing the different expressions of the dance.

On 3 July visitors can admire internationally recognised ballet dancer Svetlana Zakharova performing and starring in the show 'Amore'. Genoa will also be paying a tribute to the sensual tango with the 17th International Tango Festival taking place on 23 June in the Palazzo Ducale, on 10 July at the Teatro Carlo Felice and on 22 July in the neighbourhood of Boccadasse.

Moving swiftly from classic to contemporary dance, the show 'Fuori Formato' will offer a demonstration of modern Ligurian dance in a show involving over 30 artists taking place in both the Palazzo Bianco and the Palazzo Ducale from 28 – 20 June.

Visitors should also remember to take a moment to enjoy the film and photography exhibition 'Serge Lido: Danza con me'. Put together by Serge Lido, one of the most famous dance photographers of the 20th century, the exhibition will be screened on a loop in the Sala Liguria in the Palazzo Ducale. www.visitgenoa.it/en/evento/international-dance-festival-2016

Enjoy a summer evening in Porto Antico or Boccadasse

Genoa's seaside promenade and Porto Antico, as well as the village of Boccadasse are perfect locations to enjoy a warm summer stroll or a cooling evening drink overlooking the sea.

Since being redesigned in 1992, Porto Antico has become a mecca for locals and tourists alike to enjoy an aperitivo, evening meal, shop and take a dip in the pool. The city's lighthouse at the end of the pier offers an impressive panorama of Genoa and its gulf, brightly coloured by day and lit up at night.  

www.visitgenoa.it/en/porto-antico-0

With its colourful houses, fishing boats and picturesque beach coves, Boccadasse, located on the east side of the Corso Italia stroll, is a classic representation of the Italian fishing village. Located 20 minutes from the Porto Antico, the neighbourhood is a popular spot for families to indulge in a dinner of fresh local seafood or to enjoy a refreshing drink overlooking the sea after a summer's day. www.visitgenoa.it/en/boccadasse

Spend a day strolling in the Parchi di Nervi

Nervi is a former fishing village located seven kilometres east of central Genoa and is home to the Parchi di Nervi, a park formed of several gardens that used to belong to the private villas of Villa Gropallo, Villa Serra Saluzzo and Villa Grimaldi Fassio. With its English lawns, palm trees, fountains and rose garden, the park has managed to retain the original layout of the three estates.

The grounds also slope towards the cliffs of Capolungo and overlook the stunning views of the Gulf of Genoa and Portofino. The Parchi di Nervi is opened daily from 8am until sunset and admission is free.  www.visitgenoa.it/en/parchi-di-nervi-gropallo-serra-grimaldi-and-luxoro-villas

Guided tours in Genoa

There are numerous guided tours available in Genoa to allow visitors to make the most of their stay including tours of the Palazzi dei Rolli, the historic centre, the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno and the Genoese Fortifications. Information on the various walking, cycle, audio and Segway tours available can be found here. 

Guided tour company Explora is offering a new range of walking tours around Genoa with a variety of themes, from the barbaric executions of the middle ages and urban ghost stories to a romantic journey through the city's alleyways or a path around the traditional shops in the old town. Tour prices start from €15 for adults www.exploratour.it.

Audio Guides are also available from the tourist information centre in seven languages. The Genoa 'Card Musei' grants free admission to 21 municipal, state, and privately-owned museums in the city, as well as up to 40 per cent off many of the city's attractions and tourist services. A 48 hour card is available from €20 and €25 including bus travel.

For more information on visiting Genoa, please visit www.visitgenoa.it.

-Ends-

For more information, please see here www.visitgenoa.it

For press enquiries contact Jules Ugo or Tim Thackray at Lotus on jules@wearelotus.co.uk / tim@wearelotus.co.uk / 0207 953 7470