Out of Office: Notes from Liguria
Find out what Liguria’s like from our Italy experts, Margherita and Saffo. Plus, get a look at gorgeous Villa Barbara and discover a great lunch spot: Ristorante Belforte in Vernazza.
How do we get our incredible travel tips? Through these posts. As our experts are out visiting the destinations featured in our portfolio, they share with us the best activities, newest attractions, and their favorite villas, supplying us (and you) with an up-to-date account of the area.
Destination: Liguria, Italy
What We Saw:
Halfway between Pisa and Genoa sits Cinque Terre, the enchanting national park of Liguria. On our visit there, we hired a Boston Whaler from Marina di Carrara and went north, cruising along the coast to admire the five hamlets: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
We docked in Vernazza, the fourth village from the south, and probably the coziest. We strolled along the town’s narrow streets and visited the Castello dei Doria – a watchtower built in the 1300s to protect the village from pirates. Now, it’s a great spot to enjoy a breathtaking view: 360 degrees of gorgeous landscape – the open sea on one side, the village and mountains on the other.
On our way back, we stopped the Whaler at different sites to experience some great swimming and snorkeling spots (Canneto and Tino Island, a tiny military island, were our favorites). But, if time allows, don’t miss stopping in Porto Venere too.
Where We Stayed: Villa Barbara
Set on the hills of the famous Portofino Bay, Villa Barbara embraces the quintessential coastal life. While the amenities are luxurious, the main feature of this home is the landscape. From the swimming pool and the dinner table, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the bay. And, if you’re seeking a more verdant escape, there’s a gorgeous park on the grounds.
For lunch, try Ristorante Belforte in Vernazza, located in an old tower by the water. The view is absolutely gorgeous and the food is exquisite. The menu consists of simple Ligurian dishes made only of local ingredients, including of course the daily catch from the sea. Our favorite dish here was the mix of anchovies – some fried, some with lemon and olive oil, some with tomatoes and capers – which were all accompanied by a chilled glass of Vermentino, a local crisp white wine.
Until next time,
Margherita & Saffo
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