Blue, romantic and irresistible… This is not southern California… This is not southern France or Spain… This is Italy! Portofino, Liguria - Italy.
Welcome to the heart of the Italian Riviera! This fishing port is famous for the picturesque harbor and the high class visitors, like celebrities and artists.
The colourfully painted buildings that line the shore, will make you fall in love with Italy! Dalida was right: "I found my love in Portofino!”
Located 45' east of Genoa (35 km) and about 2 hours (173 km) south of Milan.
During the Roman times, the area was called Portus Delphini. This splendid A class sea resort has a bright Mediterranean personality!
The “Piazzetta,” meeting-up point for the international jet-set, is the symbol of Portofino, while the port is the icon and the pride of the locals for their centuries lasting maritime tradition! Stroll around Portofino’s alleys, visiting the designer and artisan workshops to find elegant patterns of bobbin lace.
The charm of the place, the fine Ligurian cuisine and the innumerable cultural and nature itineraries make this corner of Italy an ideal destination any time of year. Nonetheless, tourists most appreciate Portofino during the summer months, when the flora is at its most lush, and the warm seawater transports visitors beyond paradise…
Top attractions:
Portofino's Lighthouse (Il Faro). One km south of Portofino (20' walking). Situated on Punta del Capo (aka Punta Portofino), imposing itself over the entire bay. Don't miss the chance to enjoy cold and refreshing drinks at the lounge bar "La Portofinese”. The views here will remain unforgettable!
San Giorgio Church. 5 minutes walking from Portofino. Portofino’s Patron, a construction from the 12th Century; inside are relics brought back by sailors after the Crusades. The breathtaking panorama from the churchyard is ideal for photo shooting!
Castello Brown. 10 minutes walking from the harbor. The Brown Castle is a fortress in the middle of a hanging-garden. Characterized by partitions with lovely bas-relief, and architectonic embellishments in marble and slate.
Christ of the abyss (Il Cristo degli Abissi). Located between Camogli and Portofino, was placed underwater on August 1954.
Top beaches
Paraggi beach. 1,5 km north of Portofino.
Pedale beach (il molo). 3 km north of Portofino.
Rapallo
Rapallo is a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Genoa and has 30,000 inhabitants. This beautiful area is part of the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino. The first settlement dates from the 8th century BC, and is not yet clarified if it was Etruscan or Greek.
Friedrich Nietzsche wrote that the ideas for Zarathustra first came to him while walking on two roads surrounding Rapallo. During the 16th century it was attacked and sacked by the Ottomans and Barbary pirates. To help defend the village against such attacks a castle was built on the seafront.
Top Attractions
Basilica of San Gervasio e Protasio. Consecrated in 1118 and has a leaning bell tower.
Torre Civica. Marks the skylike of Rapallo.
Castello sul Mare (Castle-on-the-Sea). It was erected in 1551.
Every July, Rapallo holds a magnificent celebration! Besides offering delicious food based on Ligurian traditional and fish dishes, breathtaking views of the stunning Mediterranean sea while strolling along the "promenade", from July 1st to 3rd Rapallo also proposes unique religious traditions accompanied by secular folklore with spectacular fireworks.
Santa Margherita
The resort of Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most attractive and charming in the Riviera di Levante - the eastern half of the Ligurian coast in north-west Italy. Start your visit with a stroll along the promenade, pausing for a coffee or an ice-cream along the way. The seafront is the main attraction here, with its beach, and lively harbour.
Useful tips:
Do it like the Italians: rent a Fiat 500 convertible! Small, fast, stylish and convenient.
Prefer an accommodation in Rapallo. A cheaper alternative, while it's a fun and vibrant city!
Parking in Italy. In Portofino's main parking you will pay 11.50 EUR for 2 hours. In Rapallo there is a free zone parking at the marina. Otherwise, there are plenty of parking meters and private parking spaces.
Autostrada toll fees. Using the main motorways, means paying toll. From Genoa to Rapallo, the cost is about 13 EUR.
Where to eat:
Restaurants:
- Portofino: Trattoria Tripoli, Trattoria Concordia
- Paraggi: Capo Nord
- Rapallo: Oltremare, Sapore di Mare
- Santa Margherita: Ristorante Beppe Achilli
Portofino: a heaven to fall in love with!
Accommodation:
- Portofino: Hotel Nazionale 4*, Eight Hotel 5*
- Paraggi: Hotel Argentina 2*
- Rapallo: Hotel Astoria 4*, Grand Hotel Bristol 4*
- Santa Margherita: Hotel Minerva 3*
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