Liguria

Come on a journey with me to Northern Italy’s charming region full of colorful and intricate details, stunning architecture and picturesque views.

Portofino is a comune located in the Italian Riviera in the Metropolitan City of Genoa. It’s characterised by its colourful charm and distinct designs commonly found in the region. Portofino is the gem of Liguria - a city with rich history and a frequented  location by some of Hollywood’s  most beloved stars throughout histrory. The Disney-Pixar film “Luca” is based on a re-imagined version of Portofino and caprures its charm beautifully. The Marina is full of lovely restaurants, bars and cafes where you can enjoy a drink or meal with the colorful view after shopping in the cute small shops surrounding the port.

Camogli is a fishing village and a short drive from Portofino in the region of Liguria. It is populated by a few thousand inhabitants and a popular location in the region to try fresh local fish. It is often visited by tourists  who come to see the  port, a beautiful and long strip surrounding the coast full of restaurants, bars cafes and small local shops. In Camogli, you can enjoy a drink overlooking the sea and in the warm months you can swim in the Bagni Lido - a beach club where you can spend the day reclining by the sea with a drink and a sunbed for a fair price. Be sure to try the fried fish sold at the port or in a restaurant as the catch is fresh and local!

Sestri Levante is a popular destination, especially for local Italians as it is representative of the classic style and architecture of the region. Once a quiet fishing village, it has slowly become a must-visit for tourists staying in the region who come to see the old and new town. Inhabitants of the town use the phrase "Sestri è scialla" to symbolize the quiet nature of the city and the slow pace of life. If you want a tranquil walk along the coast this is the place to visit. You must also try the famous local dish called “bagnun” a soup made with fresh anchovies, onions and basil that is widely celebrated in the town.

Rapallo is one of the bigger towns of Liguria, situated between Portofino and Chiavari. At the Marina you can take a walk along the coast and sit in any of the many restaurants to eat with the view of the Mediterranean Sea. You can sit at any of the Lidos (private beaches) where you can rent a sunbed and an umbrella. A longer walk will lead you to public beaches where you can enjoy a free swim. A stroll in the historic center can be relaxing,  which is only a minute’s walk from the port. You will find locals shopping or enjoying an aperitivo in the narrow but beautiful streets , experiencing the real magic of Liguria.

Chiavari is also a seaside town. It is one of the older towns and has buildings dating back to the 13th century including mansions, a castle and the nearby  Church of San Salvatore di Lavagna,  founded in the  1200’s. Chiavari is perfect for a stroll or a slow afternoon aperitivo, as the tranquil pace of  the town allows you to take in the beauty of Liguria and appreciate the old architecture and design of the town. It is a must to try the pesto pasta as it is the signature dish of the region and you will without a doubt find a delicious local version of it here. When I was here, a comic event was taking place, so make sure to check out any local events going on before you visit!

The region is known for being a tranquil spot where tourists come to relax, try local food and enjoy a swim. The best thing to do in Liguria is enjoy a stroll in the old towns, stopping along the way for a gelato, an aperitivo, an Aperol Spritz or a bite of fresh local pasta. Liguria is known for having the best pesto pasta in Italy so you must definitely try it while you’re here! In certain places, prices might be a bit high due to the popularity of the area, especially Portofino which is considered the star of Liguria, often frequented by celebrities and the elite, who sometimes host big evengs and weddings at the scenic locations of the region. don’t miss the opportunity to experience the ligurian way of life: slow, tranquil, peaceful.