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<p>Portofino is on one of the most attractive sections of the <a href="http://www.world66.com/europe/italy/liguria/italianriviera" rel="nofollow">Italian Riviera</a> southeast of <a href="http://www.world66.com/europe/italy/liguria/genoa" rel="nofollow">Genoa</a>. It has mountains, clear bays, thick evergreen forests, a National Park and divine villas. Several weeks could be spent exploring this charming area and the Italian Riviera in general. Rather than staying in Portofino (overnight) however we recommend nearly <a href="http://www.world66.com/europe/italy/liguria/italianriviera/paradisegulf/santamargheritaligure" rel="nofollow">Santa Margherita Ligure</a> - a favorite of wealthy yachters - or <a href="http://www.world66.com/europe/italy/liguria/italianriviera/tigullio/rapallo" rel="nofollow">Rapallo</a> as Portofino’s bay is so small and the access road to town is very narrow. <br />In the summertime expect lots of people waiting in line to find a spot to park their cars. Nevertheless we recommend spending a whole day in Portofino and enjoy its favourable natural position that already attracted very early human settlement. <br />As we learned from Pliny, "Portus Delphini" was already known in Roman times.<br />City guide of Portofino – city map of Portofino - travel guide to Tigullio gulf - access way to Portofino - how to reach Tigullio gulf</p>
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<p><span data-mce-mark="1">The Tigullio Gulf is easy to reach thanks to a convenient rail and road network and its proximity to two international airports.</span></p>
<p><span data-mce-mark="1">Narrators, poets or simple travellers have been delighted by the Tigullio gulf, where fun and nature are all together. Portofino, the hiding place for VIPs; the park and the protected natural area with its tracks; the Mediterranean scrub, the deep sea bottom and the incontaminated nature are part of Lavagna, CHiavari, Zoagli, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure.Those are places typical of the ligurian landscapes because of their culture, cooking and folklore.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\';" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>By car: <br />From Rome or Florence</strong> take the A11 Firenze-mare motorway, then take the A12 towards Genoa. <strong>From Milan</strong> take the A7 Milan-Genoa motorway and continue along the A12 towards La Spezia. <strong>From Venice or Bologna</strong> take the A1 Bologna-Milan motorway to Parma, then take the A15 to La Spezia and continue along the A12 towards Genoa. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\';" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>By train</strong>: <br />The Tigullio Gulf is on the Genoa-La Spezia rail line, with numerous trains running daily. Trains leave from Genoas Piazza Principe station. There are several direct trains from Turin, Milan and Rome. From Florence, change at Pisa. All coastal towns can be accessed by rail, with the exception of <strong>Portofino</strong>, which can be reached by shuttle bus service from Santa Margherita. For timetables and information see <a href="http://www.trenitalia.it/" rel="nofollow">www.trenitalia.it</a>. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\';" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>By air: <br /></strong>The nearest airports to Tigullio and the Cinque Terre are Pisa Galilei and Genoa C. Colombo. Both operate national and international flights run by traditional and low cost airlines. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\';" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>By sea: <br /></strong>A tourist sea service runs between Portofino and the Cinque Terre from April to September, with extra passages in August. A unique opportunity to savour the maritime villages and the beauties of the coastline.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>PORTOFINO <br /></strong><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1">In a tiny creek, out of sight and almost inaccessible, is hidden an ancient fishing village, that has become an internationally renowned symbol. Until the 19th century, Portofino was a fishing village, the bay was a well-known safe haven for ships, and the promontory served as an outpost for coastal sightings. At the end of the 19th century, all over Europe, the middle classes and aristocracy began to choose this beautiful place to build their summer residences. Now, since the 1950s, Portofino has received big Hollywood names, great artists, politicians and entrepreneurs, making it famous all over the world. </span><span style="color: #18377c;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>•</strong> </span><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>Places to see</strong>: the town square, symbol of Portofino, with its coloured houses and the marina with its fairytale yachts. The church of Saint Martin in the town centre is also worth a visit. Going up towards the promontory you come to the church and castle of <strong>Saint George</strong>, and further along the way you can see <strong>Brown Castle</strong>, immersed in magnificent gardens. All around, dozens of dream villas are dotted among the olive trees. For nature lovers, the ideal excursion is through the <strong>Portofino Natural Park</strong>, which provides a network of paths heading towards the mountain or halfway down the coast, with breathtaking views from the promontory. For scuba divers, the reef is a natural paradise. This is the heart of the <strong>Protected Marine Area of Portofino</strong>, with its underwater cliffs and Posidonia beds. The park is the territory of red coral, which has found ideal conditions to develop. Scuba divers can also visit the wreckage of the Mohawk Deer and the Genova. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>SAN FRUTTUOSO <br /></strong>Set in a cove in Capodimonte Bay, at the centre of the Protected Marine Area of Portofino lies one of the most beautiful and renowned corners of Italy. A tiny fishing village flanked by the ancient <strong>San Fruttuoso Abbey</strong> and the Doria tower. Construction of the abbey dates back to the 1013th centuries, but before that, a hermitage had stood there, built by Spanish monks from Tarragona, who had brought the relics of the martyr bishop, San Fruttuoso. For centuries, San Fruttuoso belonged to the Princes of Doria, who built splendid family tombs there in the 13th century. </span><span style="color: #18377c;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>•</strong> </span><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>Visit</strong> the monastery complex of the 10-11th century with its cloisters, chapter house, church and Doria tombs. San Fruttuoso can only be reached by boat from Camogli and all Tigullio towns, or on foot from Portofino and Camogli. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>CAMOGLI <br /></strong>A charming townlet rising west of Mount Portofino. The famous ancient port is one of the best-loved scenes in Italy, with its brightly coloured houses standing tall around the docks. In the centre, amid the port, the beach and the alleyways you can hear the hum of restaurants and shops. Camoglis wealth long pre-dates tourism. For centuries the town enjoyed seasons of great wealth thanks to its famous shipowners and artisans. Camogli was home to one of the most renowned creators of velvet and brocade, exported all over the Mediterranean. Sumptuous houses bear witness to this ancient splendour, some rising as high as six floors, with trompe-l'oeil facades. Camogli is also famous for its <strong><a href="http://www.travelplan.it/portofino_guide_tigullio_gulf_events.htm" rel="nofollow">fish festival</a>. </strong></span><span style="color: #18377c;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>•</strong> </span><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>Places to see</strong>: Let yourself wander through the old "carruggi" (alleys) of the town centre, right up to the promontory and the church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its baroque interior, and Dragonara Castle. Camogli marks the western border of the <strong>Portofino Natural Park</strong>, which offers numerous panoramic paths between the mountain and the sea. Also: don’t miss <strong>San Fruttuoso Abbey</strong>. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE <br /></strong>One of the most important towns of the Levante Riviera is Santa Margherita, an elegant international tourist destination with a unique atmosphere. Nestling around the port, its special charm lies in the unusual mix of nautical and Belle Epoque styles. The town had already developed by the Middle Ages, but only began to thrive in the 17th century, when the Genoese nobility built beautiful villas there. In the 19th century it began to attract visitors from all over Europe. Today the town has many hotels and seaside facilities. There is a wide variety of sports on offer, with numerous boat-hiring facilities, a sailing club and several diving centres. </span><span style="color: #18377c;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>•</strong> </span><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>Places to see</strong>: Don't miss <strong>Villa Durazzo Centurione</strong>, built at the end of the 16th century and surrounded by spectacular Italian gardens. The baroque Santa Margherita di Antiochia Basilica is also worth a visit, which houses numerous works of Genoese artists. We recommend a trip to the <strong>Bay of Paraggi</strong>, with the only sandy beach in the area, and a spectacular variety of sea fauna and a wreck dating back to 1917. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>RAPALLO <br /></strong>Rapallo is the largest town on the Levante Riviera, although it is not as well-known as nearby Portofino and Santa Margherita. The town has the typical aristocratic quality of the Riviera, seen in the villas and large hotels built from the 19th century. The oldest part of the centre has held on to its characteristic maritime feel, with steep narrow alleys buzzing with shops and cafes. <strong>Today Rapallo</strong> is an international tourist centre, with beautiful beaches, stylish hotels, conference centres, two leisure ports, an 18-hole golf course and numerous sports facilities. </span><span style="color: #18377c;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>•</strong> </span><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>Places to see</strong>: The <strong>Castle</strong> overlooking the sea, built by the Genoese in 1550 is definitely worth a visit, so too are the churches of San Gervasio and San Protasio. Renowned for its lace, Rapallo has opened the <strong>Museum of Lace</strong> with over 1400 pieces of rare and precious antique lacework on display. From Rapallo, we recommend a trip to the <strong>Montallegro Sanctuary</strong>, an important place of prayer. The sanctuary stands 600 metres above the sea and provides a magnificent view of the Gulf. Rapallo can be reached by cable car or on foot (1 hour hike). </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>CHIAVARI </strong><br />During the Middle Ages it was an important stronghold for the Genoese against the powerful Fieschi fiefdom, based in nearby Lavagna. Chiavari is today an elegant but modest town that lives off trade and craftwork (its chairs are renowned) and becomes a thriving holiday destination in summer, thanks also to its modern leisure port. </span><span style="color: #18377c;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>•</strong> </span><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>Places to see</strong>: The ancient centre distinguishes itself from others in the Tigullio area for its neoclassical and 18th century architecture. <br /><strong>The heart of Chiavari</strong> is Via Martiri della Liberazione (the straight "carruggio", or alley) with its porticos and host of shops. Don't miss the 17th century cathedral of Nostra Signora dell'Orto, with plenty of works of art. Wander among the beautiful palazzos and churches in the centre to Palazzo Rocca, home to the <strong>Chiavari botanical park</strong>. The park is divided into different areas and has been enhanced with caves, lakes and bridges. A slight detour will take you to Cogorno and the <strong>Fieschi Basilica</strong>. It is one of the most important medieval monuments in Liguria, built in the 13th century by request of Pope Innocent IV, a member of the Fieschi family. Near the basilica are the medieval palazzo of the Earls of Fieschi and the remains of a 16th century house. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><span style="font-family: 1Trebuchet MS\'; font-size: x-small;" data-mce-mark="1"><strong>SESTRI LEVANTE<br /></strong>One of the most photographed views of the Riviera: two bays separated by an isthmus bearing the ancient town of Sestri. Not much is left to testify to Sestris ancient history, but the town certainly merits a visit by anyone willing to be enchanted by the poetry of its setting and its two bays: the <strong>Bay of Fables</strong>, with modern seaside facilities, and the smaller <strong>Bay of Silence</strong>, so named by the famous fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. On the neck of land that separates the two bays rises the 12th century church of Saint Nicholas, while other historical villas around the town have been converted into hotels. A great number of <strong>water sports</strong> can be enjoyed on Sestri's beaches, from sailing to windsurfing, swimming to diving. The inland is great for hiking or mountain bike excursions. </span></span></p>
<p><span data-mce-mark="1"><span data-mce-mark="1"><strong style="font-family: '\'Trebuchet MS\''; font-size: x-small;">MONEGLIA<br /></strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS�'; font-size: xx-small;">A tiny town set between two promontories, suspended between the intense blue of the sea and the lush green mountains. The atmosphere is peaceful and perfect for quiet contemplation of the wondrous landscape. The village is flanked on either side by two castles: the 12th century </span><strong style="font-family: '\'Trebuchet MS\''; font-size: x-small;">fortress of Monleone</strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS�'; font-size: xx-small;"> and the renaissance </span><strong style="font-family: '\'Trebuchet MS\''; font-size: x-small;">Villafranca Castle</strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS�'; font-size: xx-small;">, open to the public. In the middle lies the characteristic marine village, with its narrow streets and slate roofs. You can browse around Santa Croce church, which dates back to the 11th century. Moneglia has a </span><strong style="font-family: '\'Trebuchet MS\''; font-size: x-small;">beautiful beach</strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS�'; font-size: xx-small;"> with various facilities where it is also possible to hire boats. A diving centre is also available for immersions along the beautiful cliffs.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hotel-discount.it/booking/italiano/italia/liguria_hotel_booking_prenotazione_albergo_regione_liguria.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS�'; font-size: xx-small;">Liguria hotel booking riviera italiana Genoa 5 lands 5 Terre hotel booking prenotazione albergo regione Liguria. Destinazioni top Genoa Monterosso al Mare La Spezia Riomaggiore Vernazza Santa Margherita Ligure Rapallo Sanremo Levanto Manarola Portofino Savona.</span></a><br /><br /></span></span></p>
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