Ligurian love story
A SLICE OF ITALIAN RIVIERA
Famous for the Cinque Terre villages, there are many more picturesque Italian Riviera towns to visit on Italy's beautiful Ligurian coastline. The region is extremely picturesque with many colorful towns located on cliffs that overlook the Ligurian sea. A short drive from Genova, our Ligurian love story took us to the magical towns of Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino, all of which are reminiscent of old school style and charm associated with Italy.
Each is a slice of the Riviera from decades ago and remains an insider-tip favorites. The small Italian villages hold much of the old school Italian Riviera charm, with their seafronts rimmed with shades of faded pink, reds and yellow.
Camogli
STAY
Slumber at the classic Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi in the heart of Camogli. Their beautiful outside terrace, overlooking the coast and the town’s seaside promenade, is the ideal place for a drink before dinner. Located on the mount of Portofino in Camogli, the six-bedroom Villa Rosmarino is a stylish, intimate hotel that will have you falling in love.
See & Do
Take it easy and lay out in the sun at Camogli beach. If you are looking for something active and adventurous, walk up the cobblestone stairs to the magnificent Church of San Rocco. At the top you are met with a particularly striking view of the sea.
IA TIP: Just a short train or car ride away is the small village of Sori, nestled along the coastline. Here is where you will find the somewhat hidden, idyllic Bagni Sillo - a true Italian dream that’s almost too good to share. Arrive early and have our pick of sunbed spot and dive directly into the sea. For lunch feast on freshly caught fish and handmade pasta. Relax in the sun until the early evening, and end your day by sipping on a cocktail as you watch the sun go down, before returning home.
EAT & DRINK
Restaurants
There is a wide choice of restaurants and bars lining the enchanting seaside promenade. Popular classics for delicious Italian food include La Camogliese and La Rotonda, each perfectly position to take in the amazing sunsets at dinner. Hidden behind via Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Michelin-starred Da Paola serves up specialities like spaghetti ai totanetti and taglierini neri. Perched above the marina, Restaurant Sâ is known for its updated Ligurian classics.
Focaccia
In Camogli, you will find Focaccia like you’ve never tasted it before. Our favorite is served at Focacceria Revello, a local institution, serving delicious dough-treats such as the Camogli version with onion and sage, with cheese or San Fruttuoso style with anchovies, fresh tomatoes and olives.
Aperitivo
After strolling the the promenade, sit outside and grab a drink or two at the charming La Mancina or Il Barcollo. Both are great for a pre- and post-dinner drink.
SANTA MARGHERITA
&
Portofino
Stay
In Santa Margherita, stay at the Hotel Blu di Te or the classic Grand Hotel Miramare.
In Portofino, stay at the Belmond Hotel Splendido or Splendido Mare.
See & Do
Santa Margherita and Portofino are located right next to each other and are about a 10 minute drive apart. You can get to Portofino by car, however, we recommend hopping on the bus or taking a boat to Portofino, as parking is limited.
Beaches
There are multiple beaches along Santa Margherita’s seafront. In our eyes, however, the pearl of beaches is Baia di Paraggi which lies between Santa Margherita and Portofino.
Culture
Go to the area around the Santa Margherita d’Antiochia church, which is a lovely small church surrounded by tiny pedestrian streets with many restaurants and shops.
EAT & DRINK
For lunch, we recommend heading to Punta Chiappa (by foot or boat), for a magical dip in the sea, followed by fresh spaghetti al pesto at Trattoria do Spadin.
Santa Margherita offers delicious laid-back options for dinner, such as Angolo 48 (try their Frutti di Mare pasta) or L’Altro Eden, a modern restaurant with a view of the port.
Treat yourself to a dinner at the iconic Hotel Splendido, a former 16th-century monastery overlooking Portofino’s bay. Ask for a table along the edge of the terrace for an unobstructed view of the bay.
In Portofino’s harbor, Da Puny and Taverna del Marinaio are perfect for taking in the endlessly fascinating harborside scene and offer great fresh fish. Order the salt-baked branzino at Da Puny and try Taverna’s pappardelle with pesto “corto”.
Ristorante da i gemelli is another great spot for your fix of fresh local seafood and Ligurian specialities, while Caffe Excelsior is a great choice for a casual lunch or dinner with a side of people watching, as is Bar Morena.
