Our last stop in Italy, Portofino is a gorgeous little town on the Italian Riviera. Once a fishing village, it’s now a hot spot for celebrities, but its charm goes way back to Roman times. Imagine a tiny harbor surrounded by colorful buildings, all squeezed against beautiful cliffs. Portofino only has about 400 people living there year-round. E we loved the small town feel.
Our adventure started with a walking tour that showed us Portofino’s charm. We checked out the famous Church of San Martino, built way back in the 12th century. Our guide filled us in on the town’s history, from Roman settlements to medieval fishermen, all the way to the artists and writers who fell in love with Portofino in the 1800s.
Next, we hopped on a ferry to the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
There, we caught a bus that took us on a stunning coastal ride, with unbelievable views of the turquoise water and the cliffs that seemed to reach for the sky. They were just amazing!
The last stop on our journey was delightful: Nervi and Camogli. These charming little beach towns gave us a glimpse into a more local way of life. Following our noses (and the delicious smells), we ended up at a beautiful place called Bagni Lido. Here, we treated ourselves to a real Italian lunch. Warm focaccia bread, loaded with melted cheese, and a crisp glass of white wine all served table side.
Refueled and ready to explore more, we grabbed some gelato (chocolate, of course) and spent the afternoon wandering the colorful streets, checking out local shops and admiring the amazing Santa Maria basilica in Camogli.
Nestled on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, this beautiful basilica is a symbol of the town. Dating back to the 12th century, it was built on what used to be an ancient medieval island, the center of religious and political life for Camogli in its early days
As the day was coming to an end, we took a ferry back to Portofino. The ride home offered one last postcard-perfect view of the town, with its colorful houses nestled next to each other with the beautiful blue water as a backdrop. What a lovely painting that would be.
Portofino if definitely a plane we works like to return to. The town’s history, beauty, and amazing food left us wanting more. But for now, we’ll hold these memories close along with the taste of fresh focaccia.
Oh, and who knows? Maybe we’ll even see a celebrity! Portofino has always been a favorite getaway for famous people. From Hollywood legends like Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor, and Eddie Fisher to today’s stars like Denzel Washington and Ellen DeGeneres, this little piece of paradise has a way of attracting those looking for some Italian sunshine. Next stop Monaco.
May God Bless you always!
Chuck as Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 