Overview
The jewels of the Riviera di Levante
Among the places that encapsulate their history and unquestionable beauty in their name, we have Golfo Paradiso (Paradise Gulf). This stretch of coastline between Genoa and Monte di Portofino, featuring a succession of small inlets, quaint villages and hills overlooking the blue sea of Liguria, is a must-see for anyone visiting the Riviera di Levante.
You can explore the Golfo Paradiso by following the Via Aurelia, an ancient road traversing the whole of Liguria. It starts in Nervi, a suburb of Genoa that is a true “middle ground” between the city and the Riviera. You then reach Bogliasco, an old sailor’s village with a Roman bridge that offers splendid views of the two banks of the Rio Poggio river. In Pieve Ligure, you can get lost in the narrow creuze (road of steps), immersed in the aroma of mimosas, to which a local festival is dedicated. You will come to Sori, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso’s ancestors, before stopping in Recco to try traditional cheese focaccia.
Finally, you will reach Camogli, the undisputed pearl of the gulf. This village, among the most beautiful in Liguria, will make you fall in love with its pastel-coloured houses, Dragonara Castle and picturesque little harbour. If you’re feeling energetic, you can don comfortable shoes and walk to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, nestled in a cove between Punta Chiappa and Portofino.
