One of Livorno's Canals
Overview:
Livorno
is an often overlooked port of call simply because it is
the gateway for Florence and Pisa. Most cruisers simply
get off the ship, board a motor coach and head to
Florence and / or Pisa for the day. Livorno would be a
wonderful port if this were not the case. It offers
great shopping, wonderful markets and a very pleasant
experience. Livorno's weather is classic Mediterranean
and the local currency is the euro. Most people speak at
least some English and any attempt to speak a bit of
Italian really helps.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Docked in the Inner
Harbor
Ships
dock either in the industrial harbor (larger ships) or
right in the inner harbor at the foot of Livorno's main
street. Ships that are docked in the inner harbor have a
huge advantage over those docked in the commercial
harbor. One can simply get off the ship and walk
5-minutes into the downtown area of Livorno. This is a
huge advantage when spending the night or departing late
at night.
Docked in the
Commercial Harbor
Ships
docked in the commercial harbor must take motor coaches
through the port and are deposited one block north of
Livorno's main square and shopping area. This makes
staying later in the evening a major chore since the
shuttle will certainly have regulated hours of
operation. To get to the main square and center of town,
simply walk one block to the south from where the
shuttle will drop you. You will see public
transportation there, such as taxis and buses.
Exploring on Your Own:
Livorno Harbor and Fort
Livorno
is easily visited on your own. Everything is within easy
walking distance and the bus system is very easy to use
and understand. Also, see the "On Your Own" options
listed below if you want to head to Florence, Pisa,
Lucca or Cinque Terre.
Shopping Tips:
Livorno's Shopping
District
Many
visitors are surprised to find so many high quality
stores in Livorno.
More Shopping
Opportunities
Prices
in Livorno are much lower than at other ports of call
simply because the stores serve the local population and
are basically overlooked by the cruise passengers who
drive right by them on their way to Florence.
Livorno's Public Market
Livorno
features a fabulous old public market building that is
bursting with local color. The building itself is
something to see, as are the various vendor booths.
Livorno's Outdoor
Market
Surrounding the public market are several street markets
that operate daily. Fruits, vegetables, flowers and
other organic products are found in the farmer's market
area.
Livorno's Outdoor Maket
The
outdoor market is the authentic thing. People are
yelling and singing, laundry is hanging out of the
windows of apartments above the market and the overall
experience is like something out of an Italian movie.
The Livorno Flea Market
Also of
interest for shoppers is the Livorno Flea Market.
Located outside the public market, the flea market
offers everything imaginable.
The Livorno Fish Market
A few
blocks away on the inner harbor, local fishermen unload
and sell their wares next to their boats on the docks.
Fish is not going to get any fresher than this.
The Livorno Meat Market
Also
adjacent to the public market is the meat market. This
is one-stop shopping for all sorts of meats and treats.
Port
Highlights:
Livornos Town Square
One
should start their exploration of Livorno from this
corner adjacent to the town square. The street right in
front of you is the main shopping street and stores can
be found to the right and the left and also straight
ahead of you.
Livorno Harbor.
By
walking to the right past the blocks of shopping and
across the harbor front street, you reach the inner
harbor.
The Livorno Fort
The
harbor is impressive and the fort that dominates the
inner harbor dates back centuries and accentuates the
harbor with a flavor that is distinctively Livorno's.
Livorno Fishing Boat
The inner
harbor is an active fishing port and the activity never
stops.
Livorno's Harbor Statue
Livorno's busy streets and sense of community will
capture your interest in this overlooked port of call.
If you have been to Livorno before and simply bypassed
its charm, I would suggest that you spend at least a
couple of hours exploring her treasures.
Off the
Beaten Path:
Livorno
is the gateway to some incredible sightseeing. Be sure
to read the "On Your Own" reviews that appear below for
more information on off the beaten path ideas.
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
I had a
GREAT fish lunch at the restaurant right on the bridge
of the main street in the inner harbor. I would
definitely recommend it to anyone wanting local fare.
Must Do
List:
Another of Livorno's
Fabulous Canals
I would
give exploring Livorno's treasures as defined above a
"must do" for folks that have already been to Florence.
Even then, Livorno is very much worth exploration when
you return from your adventure to Florence.
On Your Own
Reviews
(How to Venture On
Your Own with Detailed Information)
Cinque Terre - On Your Own
By Tom Ogg:
Here is how to visit
the fabulous and popular area of Cinque Terre on your own and at
your own pace. There are tons of pictures and detailed
information on how to do it from Livorno.
Florence and Pisa On-Your-Own By
Tom Ogg: Everyone goes to Florence on
their first visit to Livorno and they make the mistake
of taking one of the ship's shore excursions thinking
that it will be more efficient. Here is how to visit
Florence and Pisa On-Your-Own and not only save money,
but see more too.
Reader
ePortReviews
(Please Click the Review you'd like to read)
