Sightseeing Tours of Genoa Italian Riviera

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Camogli

Camogli - Trompe L'oeil detail
Camogli - HarbourCamogli - Santa Maria Assunta BasilicaCamogli - Spiaggia

Camogli is a tiny fisherman village located on the Golfo Paradiso in the Italian Riviera. The town is part of the Portofino Marine Protected Area.

During the Middle Ages the village was an important seaport. Camogli was also known as the “city of a thousand white sails” thanks to the presence of a fleet of Tall Ships.

At the end of the 18th century the city felt under the Napoleon dominion for a short period of time. Here in 1798 Napoleon gathered a big part of his fleet that later was destroyed in Egypt by Admiral Nelson.

Camogli soon became very popular among ship captains that chose to retire in this lovely and peaceful village.

After the town was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy a very important Naval College, The Cristoforo Colombo, was opened here.

Today the main industry is tourism. Camogli and the other enchanting Italian Riviera Villages every years are chosen as relaxing destinations by hundreds of holidaymakers.

Its distinctive colourful houses, the stunning views from its harbour, mild climate and good food.. Camogli is the perfect location for a unforgettable holiday!

Things to see

While discovering this little gem tourists can enjoy the visit of gorgeous Churches and few lovely buildings. Start your tour with the stunning Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta, built in the Ionic Style during the 12th century; the Basilica has a lovely double facade that faces directly the harbour. Beautiful is also the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Wood erected where once, the legend says, the Madonna appeared at the beginning of the 16th century. Also the Church of San Rocco of Camogli and the Millenaria Church are worth a visit.

During the Middle Ages the Dragonara Castle was erected in order to protect the town and the coast from pirates and other invaders.

While wondering around the village take a closer look to some of the houses, you will notice very soon the frequent use of the trompe l’oeil technique. Many buildings in fact have painted facades; architectonic elements like shutters, cornices and pedestals are painted on to the walls of the houses in order to make them look more elaborate or simply to add an element of decor!

Portofino

Portofino - Harbor
Portofino - Night ViewPortofino - VillagePortofino - Day View

The lovely fisherman village of Portofino is well known around the world for its unique harbour and its popularity among famous visitors! It is one of the symbols of the gorgeous Italian Riviera.

Portofino was built around a very small harbour; coming from the sea visitors can immediately recognized it by the brightly painted buildings.

The name Portofino came from the latin Portus Delphini, Port of the Dolphins, due to the presence in the area of many dolphins!

After the end of the Roman Empire the village was annexed to the Republic of Genoa. It was later sold to the Republic of Florence, however after a very short period it went back to Genoa. At the beginning of the 19th century passed under the Kingdom of Sardinia first and in 1861 became part of the newly born Italian Kingdom.

It was after the unification of Italy that the town started to became very popular among the European aristocracy. Tourism started to flourish and many rich visitors decided to build here their luxurious villas. By 1950 tourism had became the most important industry of the village; local fishermen became restaurateurs, numerous cafes and restaurants were opened!

Things to see

Famous is the Statue of Christ of the Abyss, put underwater in 1954 in order to protect fishermen and scuba divers. Visiting this lovely town it is possible to discover few little gems like the medieval Church of St. Martin, the Church of St. George or the gothic Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta.

Today Portofino is still very popular among the jet setters all around the world! Spending your holidays here it will be possible to spot many famous actors, singers and fashion designers!

Rapallo

Rapallo - Golfo di Rapallo
Rapallo - PanoramaRapallo - LungomareRapallo - Castle

Rapallo is a lovely village located on the charming Ligurian Sea coast, close to the famous town of Portofino.

Rapallo was founded around the 8th century BC; it is still uncertain if the first settlement was Greek or Etruscan. After the Roman domination the city passed under the Republic of Genoa.

Unfortunately during the 16th century Rapallo was attacked and devastated many times from the sea. In order to protect the village and its inhabitants the Castello sul Mare, Castle on the Sea, was built.

in 1815 Rapallo became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia; in 1861 it was annexed to the newly born Italian Kingdom.

Thanks to its lovely location and its mild climate the town became very popular among the rich Europeans. Many gorgeous Villas where built in the hills located right behind the village. Artists and writers from all over the world decided to spend here their winters or to retire in this little paradise!

One of the first Italian Golf Courses opened here in 1930.

Things to see

After enjoying the breathtaking panoramas and lovely streets and buildings, tourists can visit many interesting historical sites.

Rapallo can counts on two charming castles, the Castello sul Mare and the Castello di Punta Pagana, both built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Interesting are also the Tower of the Fieschi and the Torre Civica, both erected during the 15th century, or the beautiful Porta delle Saline, the only gate that survived from the roman fortification. There are also several delightful churches worth a visit!