Portofino is a small village that nowadays is very popular with jet setters. The tradition of fishing is almost lost, but the glamours ‘’Piazzetta’’ delimited by little Ligurian houses, with its shops, restaurants and luxurious yachts attracts people from all over the world.

Don’t miss ‘Divo Martino’ Church and ‘San Giorgio’ Church (Patron of the town), but also a walk to the ‘Brown Castle’ surrounded by a Mediterranean Garden with a charming view opening up the gulf. Continuing the walk along the path you can reach the astonishing Lighthouse where you can enjoy an amazing view of the coast.

Portofino’s mount is a Regional Park that stretches to the sea. The paths on the Mount have served the inhabitants for hundreds of years, and nowadays they have been improved and marked with red symbols. If you like walking excursions, there are many trails.

Camogli is a charming fishing village, with its multicoloured houses, a small harbour, and fishing boats. The best way to experience Camogli is enjoying the relaxing atmosphere while walking along the sea and enjoying fresh seafood dishes in the restaurants along the shore.

Camogli is a ‘’must’’ for all who are looking for the ancient atmosphere of an old Ligurian village. Don’t miss Santa Maria Assunta Church directly on the rocks facing the harbour and the cozy historical centre.

You can get to Camogli by Public Boat from Santa Margherita Ligure (during summer season) , by car approx 25 minutes drive from Santa Margherita Ligure, or by train. It takes approx 5 minutes to get there from Santa Margherita Train Station.

San Fruttuoso is nestled between Camogli and Portofino, a deep inlet along the coastline of the promontory of Portofino. You will find an ancient Benedictine monastery, and a small beach, reachable only on foot or by boat. The monastic complex with the cloisters and the Church can be visited. Just in front of the small bay there's a Christ statue called the ''Christ of the Abyss'' , submerged in water, over fifty feet under sea. A replica can be seen in the Church next to the Monastery.

San Fruttuoso is a ''must'' for all coming in this area.

As said there are local ferry boats from Santa Margherita and Portofino many times a day during high season. Consider also that there are some cozy restaurants on the rocks serving fish specialties.

Cinque terre, a little corner of Liguria, recognized by UNESCO ‘’Mankind’s World heritage’’, today is a national park and protected marine area. Held up by over 800 km of stone walls, built without any kind of cement, and cultivated as vineyards (the so-called ‘heroic vineyards’), the ‘Five Lands’ stretch into the sea.

Coming from Santa Margherita, the first village you will encounter is Monterosso al Mare. It’s the only one with a large Promenade and a large beach.Corniglia is the only village not on the sea, located on a rocky hill surrounded by vineyards while Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the most typical of the five.

The best way to discover the Cinque Terre is on foot, along the paths. To enter the park you have to buy tickets on its website.

On foot from Monterosso to Vernazza, travel time is approx 2 hrs.

From Vernazza to Corniglia, approx 1.30 hrs

From Corniglia to Manarola, approx 1 hour

From Manarola to Riomaggiore, 20 minutes

Considering that the paths are narrow, down and upwards, and there are many ‘’open spots’’ overlooking the ravines, suitable footwear is recommended for walking these paths.

Cinque Terre can be reached by boat (public ferry from Santa Margherita once / twice a week during high season) or by train from Santa Margherita Ligure; every village has its own railway station.

Genoa, the main Ligurian town, is a historical site really worth visiting. Do not miss Museo di Palazzo Reale, aristocratic residence of the noble families of the Balbi and Durazzo. Additionally, consider Palazzo del Principe, a villa built from Andrea Doria around 1530 that has preserved its cycle of frescoes and stucco works.

The inimitable museums of Galleria di Palazzo Spinola, Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Ducale and the San Lorenzo Cathedral are great visits.

Genoa has the biggest Historical centre in Europe with a real ‘’labyrinth’’ of small ‘caruggi’ , the pedestrian narrow roads in the center of town, and Europe’s largest aquarium.

Genoa can be easily reached by car approx 40 km or by train.