Gulf of Tigullio

The Gulf of Tigullio is the stretch of the Riviera di Levante that runs from the Portofino headland to Punta Manara, just past Sestri Levante. From west to east, there are Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Zoagli, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante: famous villages and towns that are lively year-round, connected by train and, in the summer, by boats. The name comes from the Liguri Tigullii, the ancient people who inhabited this coast.

• Where: The Riviera di Levante, between Genoa and the Cinque Terre, from Portofino to Sestri Levante
• Don’t miss: Portofino and San Fruttuoso, Villa Durazzo, Rapallo Castle, the arcades of Chiavari, and the Bay of Silence
• Beaches: sandy beaches in Lavagna and Sestri Levante; pebble beaches and small coves toward Portofino
• How to get around: Take the Genoa–La Spezia train to all towns except Portofino; take the ferry or bus 782 to Portofino
• Where to stay: Santa Margherita or Rapallo if you’re visiting Portofino without a car; Lavagna and Sestri if you’re looking for a beach
• Blue Flag 2026: Santa Margherita Ligure, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante

Hotels and Accommodations in Santa Margherita Ligure on Booking

The “Booking” buttons on this page are affiliate links: they don’t cost you anything extra and help support this guide.

Portofino and San Fruttuoso

Portofino marks the western end of the gulf: fewer than four hundred residents, the Piazzetta by the small harbor, and colorful houses. From the Church of San Giorgio, you can walk up to Castello Brown, an ancient Genoese fortress now owned by the municipality, and continue on to the Punta del Capo lighthouse. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the tour groups have left.

On the other side of the headland liesthe Abbey of San Fruttuoso, at the end of a bay with no roads: you can get there by boat or via the trail from Portofino, which is about 4 km and takes a good two hours. In the bay, underwater, stands the Christ of the Abyss, installed in 1954. Between Santa Margherita and Portofino lies Paraggi Bay, a small sandy beach almost entirely lined with beach resorts.

Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo

Santa Margherita Ligure is the most convenient base for visiting Portofino: it has a train station, a harbor, buses, and boats. Villa Durazzo, a 17th-century villa with a park of about three hectares overlooking the gulf, is worth a visit, as is the 16th-century castle overlooking the harbor, built to defend against pirates. On the road to Portofino lies the private Cervara Abbey, which offers guided tours on select Sundays from March through October, by reservation. Portofino is about 5 km away on foot: the entire route follows the promenade from Santa Margherita to Portofino.

Rapallo is the largest town in the gulf. It features a palm-lined promenade, a 16th-century castle overlooking the sea, and the Annibale Bridge, which is medieval despite its name. Above the town, at an elevation of 612 meters, stands the Montallegro Sanctuary, accessible by cable car or on foot. In early July, the July Festivals conclude with the burning of the castle and fireworks over the sea.

Zoagli, Chiavari, and Lavagna

Between Rapallo and Chiavari lies Zoagli, a small town with a train station, a promenade overlooking the cliffs built in the 1930s, and a long tradition of silk weaving, which is still carried on today by two workshops.

Chiavari is a real town, open year-round: about 5 km of arcades, the straight alleyway lined with historic shops and cafés, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Garden, and the Chiavari chair, which originated here in 1807. Every second weekend of the month, the town center comes alive with the antique market. Across the Entella River lies Lavagna, which gave its name to slate: a sandy beach more than three kilometers long, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean, and, on August 14, the Torta dei Fieschi. A few kilometers away, in San Salvatore di Cogorno, stands the 13th-century Basilica dei Fieschi.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante marks the eastern end of the gulf. The historic center sits on a narrow strip of land between two bays: to the west is Baia delle Favole, a long beach that is partly open to the public; to the east is Baia del Silenzio, a small bay dotted with fishermen’s boats. Hans Christian Andersen stayed here in 1833, and the Andersen Festival—which took place in early June 2026—is dedicated to him. The Punta Manara loop trail starts from the town and takes about two and a half hours to complete, winding through pine forests with views of the gulf.

In the summer of 2026, Baia del Silenzio had a visitor limit from July 1 through August 31, with a maximum of 450 people: admission was free and no reservation was required. Check the current rules before you go.

Beaches of Tigullio

The most convenient sandy beaches are to the east: in Lavagna, with over three kilometers of coastline between the harbor and Cavi, and in Sestri Levante, with the Baia delle Favole and the Baia del Silenzio. Chiavari has a beach with sand and small pebbles, along with a few public beaches equipped by the municipality.

Toward the west, the coast is rockier: in Rapallo and Santa Margherita, pebbles, beach clubs on platforms, and small bays are the norm, while Paraggi is a popular sandy cove. In July and August, arrive early or reserve your beach umbrella. For a comparison with the rest of the region, check out the guide to Liguria’s beaches.

How to Get Around in Tigullio

• By train: The Genoa–La Spezia line stops at Santa Margherita, Rapallo, Zoagli, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante; it takes just a few minutes to travel between each town. In 2026, from March 14 through November 1, some Cinque Terre Express trains were extended to Sestri Levante.
• To Portofino: There is no train station. Get off at Santa Margherita and take bus 782 (about 20 minutes) or the ferry. By car, there is only one narrow road, which is often congested in the summer.
• By boat: The Tigullio Maritime Service connects Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso year-round, with seasonal schedules and service only when sea conditions are favorable; In the summer, there are also trips from Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante to Portofino, the Cinque Terre, and Portovenere. Check the Tigullio Maritime Service website for schedules and prices.
• By car: Take the A12 Genoa–Livorno highway, with exits at Rapallo, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante. Parking is paid almost everywhere, and traffic is restricted in the historic centers.
• By plane: The nearest airport is Genoa, about 40–60 km away, depending on the town.

Where to Stay in Tigullio

If you want to explore Portofino without a car, stay in Santa Margherita or Rapallo: the train station, buses, and boats are just a short walk away. For a beach vacation with kids, Lavagna and Sestri Levante are more convenient, with sandy beaches near the train station. Chiavari is the best choice for those looking for a lively town even in the off-season and slightly lower prices. In Portofino, hotels are few and expensive: you’ll find your options on the “Where to Stay in Portofino” page.

• Accommodations in Santa Margherita Ligure
• Accommodations in Rapallo
• Accommodations in Chiavari
• Accommodations in Sestri Levante

If you’d like to explore the Gulf of the Poets, read the guide to the Riviera di Levante.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which towns are part of the Gulf of Tigullio?

From west to east: Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Zoagli, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante. The gulf stretches from the tip of Portofino to Punta Manara.

Where’s the best place to stay in Tigullio?

Santa Margherita or Rapallo if you want to visit Portofino and San Fruttuoso without a car; Lavagna or Sestri Levante for a beach vacation on sandy beaches; Chiavari for a town that’s lively all year round.

How do you get to Portofino without a car?

Take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then take bus 782 (about 20 minutes) or the ferry. The ferry to Portofino also departs from Rapallo and, in the summer, from Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante.

Where are the sandy beaches in Tigullio?

Especially in Lavagna and Sestri Levante (Baia delle Favole and Baia del Silenzio). Toward Portofino, pebble beaches and small coves predominate, with the exception of Paraggi.

Is there a capacity limit at the Bay of Silence?

In the summer of 2026, yes—from July 1 to August 31—with a maximum of 450 people and free admission without a reservation. The rules may change: check before you go.

How many days does it take to explore the Tigullio region?

In two or three days, you can visit Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Santa Margherita, and Sestri Levante. If you have a week, add Rapallo, Chiavari, Lavagna, the Montallegro Shrine, and a boat trip to the Cinque Terre.