From Portofino to Pinocchio: Exploring Italy’s Enchanting Liguria
- Trip And Zip
- Jul 20, 2009
- 3 min read
The Ligurian Coast of Italy is a very special place from many points of view: enchanting landscapes, places full of history and Renaissance art, a perfect destination for exclusive shopping and Italian-style entertainment... This is the area where the famous Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Lerici, Portovenere, and Cinque Terre are located... Each of these destinations, even when taken individually, can easily capture at least a few days of your vacation.
Portofino, with its picturesque harbor framed by pastel-colored houses, is the epitome of luxury and charm, drawing in celebrities and travelers seeking elegance. Santa Margherita Ligure offers a blend of relaxed coastal vibes and vibrant nightlife, along with palm-lined promenades perfect for an evening stroll. In Camogli, the brightly painted houses along the waterfront create a postcard-perfect view, while its historic fishing tradition lends authenticity to its charming atmosphere. Rapallo, known for its lively markets and scenic cable car rides to the sanctuary of Montallegro, provides a more dynamic exploration of the region.
Sestri Levante, the "City of Two Bays," enchants with its narrow streets and the contrasting beauty of its serene Silence Bay and lively Fairy Tales Bay. Lerici stands out with its commanding castle perched above the sea, a testament to its medieval significance, and its quaint beaches and coves. Portovenere captivates visitors with its dramatic cliffs, the iconic Church of St. Peter overlooking the sea, and its links to legendary poets who found inspiration there.
The Cinque Terre, a cluster of five centuries-old fishing villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—offers an unforgettable experience. Here, colorful homes cling to cliffs, and terraced vineyards tell stories of perseverance. The region’s hiking trails, connecting these villages, provide breathtaking views and an authentic encounter with nature’s raw beauty.
I had a major dilemma when it came to dividing time among so many destinations... A leisurely cappuccino at one of the terraces around the luxurious yachts in Portofino, followed by some “browsing” in the boutiques of famous designers along the nearby streets... A short boat trip to San Fruttuoso (otherwise inaccessible) to admire the abbey complex built with the support of the renowned Doria family... A day spent in Camogli marveling at the brightly colored houses rising directly from the shore... The restaurants, bars, beach, and nightlife of Santa Margherita Ligure... Then, contemplation in front of the imposing fortresses of Lerici and Portovenere, reflecting on the bygone power of the medieval commercial republics of Italy...
A stop in the Gulf of Poets, walking in the footsteps of Byron and meditating on the descriptions of Dante and Petrarch... and the fascinating cruise to step back in time and get to know the famous “Cinque Terre,” places where history has remained for hundreds of years, disturbed only by the noisy crowds of tourists who relentlessly explore every alley in an imaginary search for Geppetto and his Pinocchio.
I’m not sure if the nuances captured by the camera can accurately convey this Italy painted in shades of ochre and reddish brick, but also in green, red, and yellow—colors that shine undiminished by the sun and heat around them.
The Ligurian Coast is practically an inexhaustible area of attractions for a tourist willing to “run”... One can also visit Genoa, where the labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets in the old town leads to wide squares, boulevards, and palaces worthy of the great ruling families from the city’s glory days.
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