I am in the Southern part of Italy exploring the Italian Riviera in three days. I was awed and gasped for the heavenly and paradise-like place of the Ligurian Coast. I’m not particularly eager to leave this part of the world the moment my feet step into it.
Day 1 of Exploring the Italian Riviera
I stayed in Genova for easier access to the ferry and train. My hotel was just a two-minute walk from the train station.
My first-day schedule in exploring the Italian Riviera is to do an independent walking tour of the city, Genova. I visited the city center and got amazed by the impressive street views and architectural buildings.
Genova is a great place to explore, it’s the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and one of the gateways to the Italian Riviera.
I reached the Piazza Ferrari, where the famous fountain is located. Situated in the piazza are the modern and old architectural buildings like The Palace of the Doges, the former Palazzo Italia di Navigazione, Palace of the Ligurian Academy of Arts, the structure of the Stock Exchange, The Palace of the Duke Galliera, and Raffaele De Ferrari to whom the piazza was named after.
From the long walks on the streets, I came to the Nouvo Strade, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I went in and visited the Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Doria Tursi, and Palazzo Bianco. I was mesmerized by the interior designs and the grandiosity of the palaces.
A day to navigate these palaces is not enough as there are so many things to see, learn, and check.
From Nouvo Strade, I walk further to reach the Spianetta Castelletto- a 360 degrees viewpoint where you can witness a magnificent sight of the Old Town of Genova.
I ride the historical Art Nouveau lift to experience how did Giorgio Caproni felt when he says, ” When I decide to go to heaven, I’ll go in the elevator of Castelletto.”
After Spianetta Castelletto, it’s time to visit and have a glimpse of the coastline of Genova, stroll at the boardwalk, and, of course, buy a ferry ticket going to Portofino for tomorrow.
Day 1 was over but the excitement continues.
Day 2 of Exploring the Italian Riviera
On the 2nd day of exploring The Italian Riviera, I took the ferry from Genova to Portofino.
The trip has to dock on different ports, and it’s your choice which port you are going to go down and explore. The journey is only for a day, so you need to pick and choose the best ones. I want Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure as my stop, but I had chosen Portofino. So here I am, cruising the Italian Riviera bound to Portofino.
As I travel along the Italian Riviera, the coastline is full of houses in different pastel colors, with some hanging on the cliffs.
The first stop was at San Fruotosso, where the secluded coastal blue beach cove resort was packed with people having fun at the water.
The place is famous for the Benedictine Monastery and to have a historic dive to see Christ of the Abyss submerged in the water.
Before reaching Portofino, my eyes have spectacular views of the Ligurian Coast or the so-called Italian Riviera.
Upon entering Portofino, everybody was excited, and as soon as the boat docks, everyone was rushing to step onto the harbor as the beautiful coastal town is buzzing with lots of tourists and visitors. It was a great and hot day, so I picked up my pistachio gelato before heading to take lots of pictures for my memories.
While the elite locals and people are immersing themselves in the beautiful place and weather, some are enjoying and having a good time on their yacht and boat.
I went to the Church of San Giorgio up in the hill, where I had a panoramic view of the Portofino marina. I followed the 1.5 km path to the Passegiata Dei Baci or Walk of the Kisses. From there, I walked back down to the beach and let my feet kiss the warm water of the Italian Riviera.
The seawater is a typical Mediterranean turquoise color, so pure and pristine, and the beach has a lot of pebbles, rocks, and stones.
It’s heartbreaking to say goodbye, but I will be back in the molto Bella Portofino. I have to line up going to the ferry and back to Porto Antico di Genova to end the day.
Before the destination, the boat has one more stop at Camogli to drop some passengers coming from Santa Margherita Liguria and Portofino and picked up those who will go back to Genova. The port of Camogli looks stunning with its colorful and picturesque ambiance.
Upon reaching the port of Genova, I hung out at the square for quite some time and had my dinner at Eataly Genova.
Porto Antico di Genova is one of a kind port for shopping, lifestyle, and many top things to do. It’s always crowded as it’s one of the main ports for big cruises.
Day 2 is so short and fast but otherwise, I had the chance to spend a very memorable day. Tonight, I need to sleep and rest properly for my last day tomorrow to explore The Italian Riviera.
Day 3 of Exploring the Italian Riviera
I need a lot of energy, stamina, and endurance as I will be going to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s my 3rd and last day exploring the Italian Riviera.
From Genova, I have to get up early to take the train to La Spezia. I will have two options to explore the coastal towns, either by boat or on foot. I choose to do the ferry boat as I will see the villages from a water perspective plus I don’t have ample time to hike the park.
I explored La Spezia a little bit before heading to the dock. There are a lot of retail stores to shop with beautiful Italian-style dresses and Italian accessories.
It’s quite a walk, so I was exhausted before reaching the port for embarkation. I have my iPhone to check my steps, but I don’t have the gadget to check my heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. However, I’m super excited to be in Cinque Terre, so my health watch was kept aside as I know that I am fit enough for all the excursions. I have proper footwear as I expected that exploring this part of the Italian Riviera requires a lot of walking and hiking. I have my water bottle and a good backpack with snacks. I wish I have a drone to capture the captivating aerial scenic view of Cinque Terre.
As we cruise along the harbor of La Spezia, or the “Gulf of Poets,” hundreds of boats and yachts are in the marina, a symbol of marine prosperity. La Spezia is the main naval base and arsenal of Italy.
Our first stop is Porto Venere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Cinque Terre.
It’s a very colorful fishing coastal town and its one of the gateways to Cinque Terre.
And without a doubt, I had trek going to the church on the top of the hill, the Church of St. Peter. I was so dead tired and was gasping for air as I reached and explored the site. It was so sunny and scorching hot. But all my effort was worth it as the view was beyond words. Seeing the Meditteranean Sea, the mountains, the panoramic view, and the people having fun at the water were priceless.
I have two hours to run, check, and explore this lovely village of Porto Venere before the next boat comes for passengers pick- up.
As we left Porto Venere, we continue cruising bound to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Passengers can get down and check the 1st village of Cinque Terre, the Riomaggiore. The town is as colorful as the other villages in Italy. The Ligurian Coast or Italian Riviera is famous for fishing activities.
The next town is Manarola, the same as the other villages; the houses are very colorful and on the cliffs.
Corniglia is the third village of Cinque Terre, its famous for its winding stairs from the beach area going up to the town.
The fourth one is Vernazza, a site that is very famous for diving.
And the last but not the least is Monterosso Al Mare, my port for disembarkation.
This village is full of life, the beaches, food, and real Italian culture. An excellent Italian lifestyle teaches people from all walks of life on how to enjoy life and be family-oriented.
I went up to the Capuchin Monastery, I had my refreshing pineapple drink at the Torre Aurora Mare Cucina and Cocktails and continue to hike up more to see the Church of San Francesco. Saint Francis of Assisi had a monument with his dog on his feet located on the top of the hill overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
I went to the piazza and had some gelato and tasted the Monterosso anchovies pizza, which was very tasty and delicious. After finishing my Monterosso food delights, I had energy again to walk on the pebble beach of Monterosso Al Mare and ended it on my way to the train station.
With the all-day boating, walking, hiking, trekking, strolling, and sunny weather, my body was like dead meat when I reached back by train to Genova. I snooze like a baby in the hotel due to exhaustion.
But overall, I love The Italian Riviera; it’s one of the experiences that was crossed out in my bucket list. I shall return.
Where to go next?
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