Santa Margherita offers a pleasant combination: uncontaminated landscapes and characteristic buildings, the work of men who knew how to add something unmistakable to an already perfect picture. The forms, the colours and the layout of the houses, the beautiful villas and the great hotels that surround the gulf provide magical reflections.

Life in Santa Margherita is concentrated around its port: parties, local holidays, folklore and lots of sport: sailing naturally, but also water-skiing and rowing. The influence of the baroque movement is also evident here, the most evident example of which being the Villa Centurione.

On the road to Portofino, a cove hidden amongst the verdant greenery unexpectedly appears, and in it a Castle perched on a rocky promontory that juts out over the sea. This is typical of the atmosphere of Paraggi.

Whether you choose to arrive by boat or whether you choose it as a destination for a pleasant moonlit stroll, Portofino seduces its visitors with its striking scenery and an amazing atmosphere created by the sea that acts as a mirror for its pink, ochre and yellow pastel-coloured houses. On the promontory the Castel of San Giorgio – once a medieval fortress – stands out. The first glance at the little harbour is sublime: boats and yachts are moored on either side. The famous Piazzetta di Portofino acts as a backdrop, displaying all its charm. Behind this we catch a glimpse of the Church of San Martino. The Benedictine Abby of San Fruttuoso rises in the bay of the same name where at a depth of 17 meters the famous Cristo degli Abissi statue is to be found.

Close to Recco (famous for its focaccia) we find Camogli, which has conserved all the charm of an urban layout modelled on the progression of the coast. Here you should visit the Basilica of St. Maria Assunta. Before leaving this enchanting town don’t forget to take a walk down via Garibaldi, from where you can enjoy the splendid panorama of the Paradiso Gulf and Monte Portofino.