Lerici Castle
San Giorgio Castle overlooks the Gulf of Poets: history, the Chapel of Santa Anastasia, the panoramic terrace, opening hours, tickets and getting there.
Riviera di Levante
Villa Marigola
The villa on the headland between Lerici and San Terenzo, with its Italian garden by the sea: history, famous guests and how to visit.
Abbey of San Fruttuoso
The Benedictine abbey hidden in a cove on the Portofino promontory, reachable only on foot or by boat.
Bogliasco
Fishing village on Genoa’s doorstep: medieval bridge, a beach among painted houses, a church on the rocks and Pontetto, 15 minutes by train.
Sestri Levante
The town of two seas: Bay of Silence and Bay of Fables, the headland with San Nicolò, old lanes, Punta Manara and easy trips to Portofino and Cinque Terre.
Tellaro
The cliff-top village on the Gulf of Poets: San Giorgio on the rocks, the bell-ringing octopus, alleys, coves and trails to Lerici.
Sarzana
Art town of the Ligurian Lunigiana: Firmafede and Sarzanello fortresses, a painted cross from 1138, antique shops and the beach at Marinella.
Recco
The home of cheese focaccia on the Golfo Paradiso: Blue Flag beach, Suffragio sanctuary, September fireworks, boats to San Fruttuoso and hiking trails.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Harbour, seafront and villas on the Tigullio: Villa Durazzo, Cervara Abbey, castle, Paraggi and the best car-free base for Portofino.
Rapallo
A castle in the sea, an Art Nouveau seafront, a cable car to Montallegro and boats to Portofino: Rapallo is the handiest base on the Tigullio.