Genoa (Genova) 4th - 7th

Officially the worst city we have ever been to. We thought been located near a Port would be great as its right on the ocean. Wrong. In fact you can barely see any water as there is a major highway, skyline and numerous factory buildings right on the water’s edge that prevent you from getting within 100m of the shore. So our first day was a flop as we tried to explore this noisy city, all the shops were shut in the afternoon as they were having a afternoon sleep, all that was left were the multicultural residents trying to flog you a fake Gucci bag and D&G Sunglasses. The only good thing was the ice cream parlor that we dropped in at on the way back to the hotel. So that night we decided to plan a day trip to get out of the city.

(Pirate ship in the Port)

(Lovely boats, the only thing worth looking at in Genova)

The following morning we ventured 30mins on the train to a town called ‘Camogli’ that is located on the steeper and more rugged western side of Portofino headland. The town stands out because of its lineup of colorfully decorated, multiple storied houses which face along the sea.

(Above: Coast line of Mount Portofino & Below: The town 'Camogli')

After a quick coffee we decided to catch a boat around to San Fruttuoso Bay. It really was very cute, with its crystalline green water and Genoese fortress ‘Castello Bonomi’ that was renovated in the eighteen hundreds.

(San Fruttuoso Bay)

From this bay we started our two hour trek up the arch hills that enclosed the Golfo and the promontory of Portofino, with spectacular views over the sea. Walking allowed us to discover the protected park of Portofino, with some areas up to 400-600metres high. The Mediterranean brushwood alongside the olive trees was cool and shady, an although there were some steep parts and rocky climbing sections the view was breath taking as we stood in complete silence.

(View above San Fruttuoso Bay)

(Sun shining through the clouds)

(Tired?? It was so steep!)

(Funny little car parked in one of the villages we passed by on our trek)

Once we reached the village Portofino we were again presented with a beautiful inlet that is shielded between the small peninsula that closes of the Gulf of Tigullio to the west, and Punta Carega which is to the south of the inlet of Paraggi. We were very ravenous from our adventure so we decided to treat ourselves with a nice lunch of spaghetti marinara which was fresh and delicious as expected as we sat by the ocean. You can see why this is a popular tourist destination as it is very pretty and filled with expensive designer boutiques that will satisfy the fussiest shoppers.

After a little look around we caught a bus to ‘Santa Margherita Ligure’ which was originally built in the 1300s and was extended in the 1800s. Upon entering his town you are immediately aware of the exclusive style a beauty of this town on the Riviera, with its hotels in Liberty style and its elegant villas. We decided to sit in a bar on the shore and enjoy a drink after our great day. I would highly recommend anyone to take up the opportunity of exploring the coast line as I really is easy on the eye!