Summer Holidays in Liguria
Liguria is one of the smallest regions in Italy, but it’s loaded with charm.
It faces the coast and it is protected by the Mountains at its back
no surprise that some of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines are here: the Cinque Terre, Portofino, and San Remo.
You can find fishing towns, stone villages, and the port city of Genoa, one of Italy’s most important commercial ports.
I love its characteristic terraced hillsides rich in flowers and olive trees and vines and the cliffs and coves.
I am lucky enough to spend every summer since I was a child in a house facing Portofino and I can’t wait to show you all my favorite places!
Have breakfast in Portofino
Even if you are on holiday, set your alarm early just for once, get your Vespa and reach “la Piazzetta di Portofino” before 8 am.
At this time you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view of this unique place almost alone and in silence!
At 8.30 am It’s finally time to go to Bar Mariuccia for the best Cappuccino and Croissant: the best way to start the day!
Having focaccia at punta manara
Sestri Levante is a jewel of Liguria with its “two seas”, the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales, separated by a peninsula.
The best view of the two seas is from the promontory of Punta Manara. Take with you some focaccia and watch beautiful sunsets!
HAVE LUNCH IN VERNAZZA
The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vernazza is my favorite one and it seems not just mine!
This small village is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, with the Church of Santa Maria d’Antiochia and a sea to die for!
If you are in town you can’t miss Ristorante Belforte for the best lunch with the best view!
What’s unique about the restaurant is that there are tables at different levels and they capture the views differently from different angles. Given its high location in the city, the outlook is precious particularly in the evenings before sunset. The staff is very nice and the food is amazing!
Have a walk from Santa Margherita to Paraggi
Walk for 20 minutes from Santa Margherita to Paraggi.
It’s an easy walk without many inclines and it is mostly in the tree’s shade.
When you are close to Paraggi you will be so pleased you made the effort.
The water is so green and the properties are clinging to the cliff. There is a small hidden beach that thanks to the sandy bottom the water shows amazing emerald colors that make it unique.
Better still in wintertime with no noisy crowd around.
rent a ” Gozzo” and find your perfect spot
For a comfortable excursion, you will find it very charming to spend a day on these beautiful traditional boats, named GOZZO.
This type of boat, which was the favorite by Ligurian sailors in the past, is very safe and sustainable.
You will have the opportunity to dive into the sea in the small bays (coves), in caves, and under waterfalls… up to aperitifs on board (my fav moment!)
Get fresh fruit, focaccia, and a bottle of white wine for the best sundown experience!
This is what summer means to me: great food, beautiful places, old friends, family, and food, of course!
Here you will find a collage of the best of my summer so far. I wish you the best for yours!
Raffaella
