Navigating Italy's most complex maritime city. From the claustrophobic labyrinth of the medieval Caruggi to the federal jurisdiction of the Mega-Port. A strategic briefing on Article 75 for expats and international transit.
Genoa's historic center is a dense, sunless maze of narrow alleyways known as the Caruggi. Foreigners often believe the labyrinthine layout and lack of visibility provide perfect cover. This is a fatal miscalculation.
Due to historic drug trade in the alleys, the area is heavily saturated with the Falchi (motorcycle anti-drug units) and plainclothes Squadra Mobile. They know the maze better than anyone and conduct rapid, aggressive stop-and-search operations on tourists exhibiting suspicious behavior in the shadows.
Genoa is the primary launchpad for ferries (GNV, Tirrenia) heading to Barcelona, Corsica, Sardinia, and North Africa. Many travelers attempt to bring personal supplies on board for their holidays.
The port is under federal jurisdiction. The Guardia di Finanza (GdF) deploys K-9 units directly at the vehicle staging areas and foot-passenger ramps. Attempting to board a ferry with cannabis instantly elevates the charge from a simple Article 75 administrative offense to International or Interstate Trafficking.
Like all of Italy, Genoa is flooded with shops and 24/7 vending machines selling "Cannabis Light" (CBD < 0.6% THC). This creates a massive visual illusion for tourists that real cannabis is decriminalized or tolerated.
It is not. Possessing real THC falls strictly under DPR 309/90 Article 75. If caught in Genoa, police will confiscate the substance, and you face the immediate suspension of your passport or driving license (especially critical if you are renting a car to drive the Italian Riviera), trapping you in a bureaucratic nightmare.
No. The Porto Antico, redesigned by Renzo Piano, is Genoa's main tourist hub (hosting the Aquarium). Because it draws massive crowds and families, it is heavily monitored by CCTV and foot patrols. Consuming openly here guarantees police intervention and a public search.
Boccadasse is a picturesque, historic fisherman's village within the city. During summer evenings, it is packed with locals and expats. While the vibe is relaxed, the Polizia Locale frequently patrols the small beach and surrounding rocks to curb public consumption among the youth.
Given the intense surveillance of the Caruggi and the port, premium services for yacht owners, expats, and high-net-worth tourists operate entirely off-street. Coordination is handled exclusively through encrypted communications (Telegram, Signal) with discreet, pre-arranged logistics to bypass public exposure entirely.