Discover the Local Area: What to See and Do Near Portofino, Italy

Staying in Portofino, Rapallo, or Santa Margherita Ligure means having some of Liguria’s most beautiful and fascinating destinations right on your doorstep. Here’s a guide to the must-see places and experiences in the surrounding area — from medieval villages to natural parks, from culture to gastronomy.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Genoa – History, Culture, and the Largest Aquarium in Europe

Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a lively port city filled with history and culture. Walking through the narrow medieval alleys known as carruggi, you’ll discover churches, castles, museums, art galleries, and impressive architectural treasures.

One of Genoa’s top attractions is the Aquarium, the largest in Europe, home to over 12,000 animals in 70 recreated environments, including a hummingbird forest, shark tanks, penguins, and rays you can interact with.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the aquarium, you’ll find the Galata Sea Museum, a vast maritime museum that tells the story of man and the sea, with exhibitions ranging from ancient galleys to modern ocean liners.

For families, Città dei Bambini is an interactive science and technology centre with games and educational activities for children aged 2 to 14 — a perfect day out.

To reach Genoa from the Portofino area, take a direct train to Genova Station, then hop on the underground to San Giorgio, or use bus lines 12 and 13.

Portofino – The World-Famous Village

Just a short walk, boat ride, or bus trip from Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino is known for its charming harbour, pastel-coloured houses, and chic boutiques. Despite its fame as a luxury destination, Portofino has retained the atmosphere of a small fishing village, with a lively little port where yachts and fishing boats share the water.

From Via Roma, the village’s main street filled with shops and cafés, you can head to the Piazzetta, where tables line the waterfront — a perfect place for a drink while watching the boats. If you prefer nature, Portofino is also an ideal starting point for coastal walks, offering stunning views over the sea.

Paraggi – A Hidden Jewel Between Portofino and Santa Margherita

Paraggi is a small sandy bay nestled between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Surrounded by elegant villas, it’s an ideal spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the sun. In summer, Paraggi comes alive with an open-air beach disco, and a castle overlooks one end of the bay.

Santa Margherita Ligure – Elegant Seaside Charm

Just a short walk or drive from Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is an elegant coastal town known for its beautiful promenade, palm-lined streets, and lively harbour. You’ll find a mix of boutique shops, cafés, and seafood restaurants, as well as colourful houses facing the sea.

The town is perfect for a relaxed stroll along the waterfront or a coffee in one of the many outdoor cafés. Don’t miss a visit to the Villa Durazzo, a stunning 17th-century villa surrounded by gardens with panoramic views over the gulf. Santa Margherita is also a great base for boat trips to Portofino and San Fruttuoso.

Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure

Camogli – A Maritime Gem on the Riviera

Known as the “Village of a Thousand White Sailing Ships”, Camogli has a deep connection to the sea, with a beautiful harbour filled with colourful boats and tall, brightly painted houses that helped fishermen find their way home. Along the promenade, you’ll find excellent restaurants and cafés offering local Ligurian cuisine.

Every May, Camogli hosts the famous Fish Festival (Sagra del Pesce), where the community cooks fish in huge frying pans along the seafront and shares it with everyone — a celebration of gratitude to the sea and a great start to the summer season.

Recco – Where Focaccia Was Born

Just a short drive from Portofino, Recco is considered Liguria’s gastronomic capital. Legend says focaccia was invented here in the 15th century, and today it’s home to the renowned Focaccia Festival, held every fourth Sunday in May. Visitors can sample every variety of focaccia — plain, stuffed with cheese, topped with onions or ham.

Recco also offers beaches, a seaside promenade, and a seawater Olympic swimming pool. For those seeking more active pursuits, there are tennis courts, hiking trails, sailing, cycling, and even golf.

San Michele di Pagana – A Peaceful Seaside Village

San Michele di Pagana is a charming village right on the sea, known for its small beach and peaceful atmosphere. Art lovers should visit the Church of San Michele, which houses an altarpiece by Anthony van Dyck.

San Michele di Pagana
San Michele di Pagana

Rapallo – Castles, Views, and Culture

Rapallo, one of the largest towns in the Gulf of Tigullio, offers a beautiful seafront promenade and a historic castle set in the sea, once used to defend the town from pirate attacks and now hosting art exhibitions.

Every July, Rapallo lights up with a spectacular fireworks display over the bay to celebrate Our Lady of Montallegro, whose sanctuary on the hill behind the town offers panoramic views. Rapallo is also home to the International Golf Club, one of Italy’s most famous courses.

San Fruttuoso – The Abbey by the Sea

San Fruttuoso di Camogli is a magical place, accessible only by boat or on foot. Set in a small cove surrounded by cliffs, its ancient abbey, founded in 1200 by Benedictine monks, is now a beautifully restored monument of great historical importance.

Boats run regularly from Genoa, Recco, Camogli, Sestri Levante, Chiavari, Rapallo, Santa Margherita, and Portofino. For those who prefer hiking, there are scenic trails from Camogli and Portofino, offering stunning views along the way.

San Fruttuoso di Camogli
San Fruttuoso di Camogli

Cinque Terre – The Famous Clifftop Villages

Just an hour away by train, Cinque Terre is a group of five iconic villages perched on steep cliffs, overlooking the sea. Now part of a protected national park, Cinque Terre offers some of Italy’s most spectacular coastal walks and preserved medieval charm. Each village is connected by trails running through vineyards and olive groves, and returning by train at sunset offers breathtaking views.

Lorsica – The Town of Silk and Damask

For a unique inland experience, visit Lorsica, one of Liguria’s historic silk-producing towns. Here, the De Martini family continues a centuries-old tradition, weaving precious silk and damask fabrics on historic looms. Their workshop is open to visitors who want to discover this delicate and fascinating craft.

For more information: Tessitura Figli di De Martini, Via Scaletta 78, Lorsica — italia-sumisura.it