Now that we’ve made it to summer, I found myself in Italy, Liguria—near Portofino – where floral notes meet the fresh scent of lemons and the calming blue sea. Got to explore Camogli, swam in San Fruttuoso, and enjoyed a morning coastal walk from Camogli to nearby Recco, and a sunset one from Levanto to Bonassola.
Beautiful dilemma
Once again, I had a dilemma on how to celebrate my birthday, and hardly a surprise, drawn by the sea, I chose again la Riviera Italiana. Walked new paths along familiar roads. The rush of excitement while planning this journey? Still very much present. The difference? This year the itinerary was made with AI / Chat GPT.
In the peninsula of Portofino, Camogli is peaceful, picturesque, and easy to explore at your own pace. Only a train stop away from Santa Margherita Ligure, with a very good transport system. According to thisisliguria.com, Camogli has a long history, and the “etymology of its name: a ‘house of wives’ who waited at home for their husbands returning from long voyage across the oceans.”
Started each day in Liguria with espresso, a savory focaccia and a fresh chocolate brioche cornnetto from a bakery like Revello or Focacceria Camogli. Enjoyed a short morning hike from Camogli to nearby town Recco— a scenic walk with panoramic sea views. Followed by a swim back in Camogli at the spacious pebbles Spiaggia di Ponente beach, admiring from the water the pastel colored houses.
For lunch or snack try the focaccia camoglina or al formaggio (cheese focaccia) typical of the nearby Recco area, or Ligurian pasta (like trofie al pesto) with a view. Left room also for a “Camogliesi” pastry, traditional local dessert.
Next, an afternoon 30 minutes boat trip on Saturday to explore San Fruttuoso. We took a boat to visit the secluded abbey from the 10th century, and to swim at the pebble beach in front. The boat stops first in Punta Chiappa in the Portofino Natural Park, loved by locals.
On the way back, stay at the local harbor for the fish market and artisan shops for small souvenirs or a cartolina (postcard). Finish with limone e basilico gelato – one of the best in Liguria.
Before dinner, visit the small Castello della Dragonara and beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Sunset plus simple fresh seafood at La Camogliese for a local Ligurian experience, with serene sea views and a soft light.
These have been a few days in a pastel palette and seaside symmetry, very Wes Anderson. Last day I even returned to Cinque Terre just to walk newly opened Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola. Grateful for the gift of traveling, for each new journey, the company and freedom to move.
Last Italy stories
Ligurian cuisine and a coastal walk from Santa Margerita Ligure to Portofino
Travel Journal 
Such a beautiful and vivid glimpse of Liguria! Your descriptions make me want to pack my bags and stroll those seaside paths, savoring focaccia and gelato. Thanks for sharing this charming, peaceful escape!
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Thank you! I am glad to hear, it was indeed a peaceful short trip to Italy because sometimes is all we need :). Have a great day
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That’s so true, sometimes a short, peaceful trip is just what we need to recharge. Thanks again for sharing your lovely experience, Aida. Wishing you many more wonderful getaways ahead and you have a great day too!
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