Genova the capital of travel with UlisseFest 2026

Following its prestigious recognition as the only Italian destination in the Best in Travel 2025 rankings, Genova reaffirms its status as the world capital of travel by hosting, from 10 to 12 July, the ninth edition of UlisseFest, the travel festival organised by Lonely Planet, which for years has been bringing voices, stories and inspiration from all over the world to the heart of the city. The 2026 edition, dedicated to the theme ‘In Praise of Escape’, invites the public to experience travel as an adventure of freedom, transformation and discovery, capable of breaking the boundaries of everyday life and transforming one’s view of the world. A concept deeply reflected in the identity of Genova, a city that has always looked outwards thanks to its maritime and commercial history, yet is at the same time deeply rooted in its cultural and landscape heritage, having lived for centuries on the border between rootedness and openness, between memory and movement. From UNESCO sites to natural landscapes shaped by a unique blend of sea and hills, Genova offers an ideal setting to reflect on travel as a driver of personal and collective growth, as highlighted by Mayor Silvia Salis and Councillor for Territorial Marketing and Tourism Tiziana Beghin.

The Festival’s headquarters, as well as the organisational secretariat, is housed in the Millo Smart Mobility Lab building, a concrete example of urban regeneration and innovation, whilst the entire event takes place across a wide area, involving some of the city’s most iconic venues, from the Porto Antico to the Giardini Luzzati, from the Palazzo Ducale to the Palazzo Tursi, and on to the Palazzi dei Rolli and the Palazzo Rosso. This approach strengthens the connection between cultural events, urban spaces and local development.

Over 40 events and more than 100 guests will bring to life a wide-ranging programme of talks, concerts, DJ sets, show cooking, workshops and courses, such as ‘Lonely Planet: how to become a travel writer’, for which registration is already open to all aspiring travel bloggers.

Through travel narratives, UlisseFest explores both major international destinations – from Antarctica to Japan, from Greenland to Argentina – and new forms of sustainable mobility and slow tourism – the so-called ‘slow travel’ – on foot or by bicycle, promoting a vision of travel that is mindful of local areas, communities and environmental impact. An approach that engages with Genova’s tourism development and attractiveness strategies, geared towards a model of sustainable, medium- to long-term growth.

Writers, journalists, photographers, artists and content creators who have travelled the world will discuss the meaning of setting out on a journey and discovering the world. Among the events already announced are an interview with Paolo Giordano at Palazzo Tursi on 30 June, Pablo Trincia’s monologue dedicated to Mumbai on 6 July, and Nicolò Guerrera’s (aka Pieroad) account of his round-the-world journey on 8 July at the Giardini Luzzati.

The official opening of the festival will be attended by the Mayor of Genova, Silvia Salis, and the former Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio. There will be no shortage of major musical events thanks to collaborations with key city events such as the Live in Genova Festival and the Altra Onda Festival: on 10 July, Francesco Gabbani will perform at the Arena del Mare, whilst on 11 July it will be Negramaro’s turn.

With UlisseFest 2026, Genova consolidates its role as a capital of travel, a cultural and creative platform capable of generating value, promoting the city and strengthening its appeal as an open, dynamic and globally competitive city.