Italian Riviera


The Italian Riviera is located in the Northwest corner of Italy, in the region of Liguria. It extends along the Ligurian Sea from the Italian-French border to the border with Tuscany. Dotted along the coast there are pristine beaches, panoramic views and brightly coloured houses tucked in the hillsides, all steeped in incredible history and tradition. ‘’La Dolce Vita’’ lovers, artists, writers, celebrities and even Royalty have flocked to this destination since the 1800’s. They have been drawn to the area for its beauty and luxury. There is something for everyone here: Cinque Terre, Portofino, Santa Margherita and so many opportunities to taste great food.
Portofino
Pine trees and olive groves surround this tiny resort, founded by Romans. Portofino retains the charm of the original fishing village despite its jet-set reputation.
Portofino is such an iconic place with its rows of painted houses curving around its famous Piazzetta. This part of the Mediterranean is one of the most renown tourist resorts in the world today. Every year Portofino attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is a bustling little town located on a glamorous bay, surrounded by lush hills filled with grand villas that have terraced gardens overlooking the sea. In the 17th Century many Genovese families built their summer homes here. The port of Santa Margherita Ligure draws in tourism for fishing and boating activities, but also all around you can find beautiful shops and delightful cafes all accessible by foot. It makes it a perfect base for a wonderful holiday with its beautiful hotels and popular restaurants.
Camogli & San Fruttuoso
Camogli is small and charming fishing village where the protagonist is the sea. Camogli is famous for its pastel-coloured houses and for its large pebbled beach (those same pebbles are used for the traditional black and white Risseu in the church yard.) Camogli’s ancient castle The Dragonara is right on the sea and was built during the period of the Saracen Pirate invasions to defend the port. San Fruttuoso is a small and secluded bay with a Medieval Abbey accessible only by boat or by foot, with the most breathtaking sights to see.
Cinque Terre
An absolute must see place, the Cinque Terre encompasses five charming little sea villages, each nestled in the rocky coastline of Liguria, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The breathtaking coast, the five villages, the famous interconnecting hiking trails and the surrounding hills are all part of The Cinque Terre National Park, they are all listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be stunned by the astonishing beauty of the sea, the colourful houses and the rocky coast that all contrasts with the terraces full of olive groves and vineyards.
Rapallo
Discovered in the 1800’s by poets and travelers for its climate, Rapallo’s proximity to the coast make for mild winters, so people can enjoy easy strolls along the sunny seafront and golfers get to enjoy one of the oldest 18 holes course++9y in Italy. Take the cable car up to the Montallegro Sanctuary, you are in for a real treat with its breathtaking view overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio.
Chiavari
Chiavari is situated in the heart of the Riviera coastline between Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Walk through Chiavari’s old town and its distinctive arched covered walk ways, exploring all the shops, curated wine bars and restaurants serving local treats such as Farinata which is a flatbread of sorts, made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil and a bit of salt, all cooked in a big round cooper tray in a wood fire oven.
Sestri Levante
A very quaint seaside fishing village, that was once an island with a peninsula that has since been connected to the main land. It has a colourful promenade and little winding streets filled with cute shops and intriguing restaurants. The Bay of Silence (La Baia di Silenzio) is a must see with its sandy beach and hidden allure.
Genoa
Genoa was one of the four maritime republics that dominated the Mediterranean Sea for three centuries form the Middle Ages, so it’s packed with history. Genoa has the largest Italian commercial port, the historic centre of the city is made up of intricate labyrinth of alleys (caruggi) that unexpectedly open onto small squares. The soul of the city is here, where smells, flavours and cultures have been combined throughout history. Places you absolutely must visit are the Rolli Palaces, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palazzo Ducale, the Aquarium and the Old Port, all the while walking through Genoa’s distinct alley ways.
Itineraries


If you are thinking about your next vacation in Italy, contact our local experts at info@experiencemyportofino.com
We do our utmost to customise your trip; the first step is a conversation: we want to make sure we understand exactly what you are looking for.


If you want to get an idea of how to organise your stay, we have prepared two complete itineraries with ideas and activities that you can do if you stay two or three nights on the Riviera.


We look forward to helping you build your private collection of Italian Experiences
Experience MY Portofino
A brand of Gabilatour
Via Delpino Teramo 26 A
16038 Santa Margherita Ligure - Italy
Tel. +39 0185 286493
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Mail: info@experiencemyportofino.com
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