The pretty seaside city just as good as Florence and Rome but without the crowds

A stunning Italian city offers all the achitectural splendour and beauty of Florence and Rome, but without the crowds of tourists.

Genoa, the capital of northwest Italy's Liguria region, is a popular seaside town with a wealth of local culture and celebrated eateries - making it the perfect authentic Italian getaway.

The port city also boasts a long strip of beaches along its coast. The ancient fishing village of Boccadasse is must visit for sunseekers, with pretty pastel-coloured houses, ice cream parlours and a small pebble beach.

Piazza de Ferrari and its grand fountain in the city centre is a great place to start a day of sightseeing, as it lies in middle of various main streets.

The city's stunning Cathedral of San Lorenzo is free to enter and has been compared to the Duomo in Florence.

Genoa also also has over 150 palaces, including Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, an opulent Venetian Gothic style palace built in 1340.

Close by you can find art exhibitions, the main salons, and a tower that was once used as a prison.

The city's most opulent estate is the Palazzo Reale, as known as the Royal Palace. Tours are available, giving visitors the opportunity to marvel at its lavish furnishings and host of artistic treasures.

Its rooftop offers incredible views of the city, and the dramatic beauty of the coast.

If you fancy a day trip, the nearby towns of Portofino and Cinque Terre are also close by if you're looking for sprawling sands, as per The Every Girl.

Rynair flights from London Stanstead to Genoa start from just £34, with the airport conveniently located Located just 7km west of the city centre.

British Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines fly direct to Genoa Airport (GOA) from London-Gatwick, while Ryanair fly from London-Stansted.

Flights are also available from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Belfast.