Whale watching family holiday this Easter in Italy

Families looking for alternative Easter holiday ideas can head to the shores of the Italian region of Liguria for a whale watching short break. The protected Ligurian coastline which sits between France and Tuscany is one of the richest areas for marine life in the Mediterranean with frequent sightings of fin, pilot and sperm whales, as well turtles and dolphins. The Ligurian whale watching season starts in April, perfect timing for a nature break for the family over the Easter holidays. 

Families can base themselves in Liguria's capital Genoa, where the whale watching tours depart, each taking four or five hours. The tours are accompanied by a professional biologist who will point out the marine life and discuss each sighting. Tours cost £24 per adult and £13 per child and are available to book with whalewatchliguria.it or whalewatchgenova.it. Tours also available from other ports in Liguria such as from Imperia with whalewatchimperia.it.   

As well as the waters being rich in marine life, Genoa has the biggest aquarium (acquariodigenova.it/en/) in Europe with 6,000 animals and a biosphere with 150 plant species and reptiles. Families can also explore the historic centre, visit Christopher Columbus' childhood home and take the funicular up into the hills for panoramic views over the city. 

Getting there 

For a three night break from 10th-13th April, return flights from Stansted to Genoa with Ryanair (ryanair.com) cost from £70 return and overnight stays in the Best Western City Hotel Genoa (bwcityhotel-ge.it/en) cost from £112 per night in a family suite with a panoramic terrace.