Seaside Strolls on Sunday: Nervi, Santa Margherita, and Portofino

Motivated by the sunniest day we have had thus far, we started our adventures with some coffee and a breakfast on-the-go and headed for the Brignole train station. From there we traveled to the coastal town of Nervi, which is southeast of Genoa and is known for its expansive Mediterranean viewshed.

The vistas there boast rocky seaside cliffs the feed into the blue of the sea and sky. The village spots the mountainside and features specialty boutiques and local cafes. There is a pedestrian promenade that parallels the coastline, which we all enjoyed during our stop in Nervi. In addition to the shore, a handful of us visited a small museum tucked away in a neighborhood park, which showcased a small collection of exemplary Art Deco furniture sets, dishware, sculptures, prints, and paintings.

From Nervi, we caught a train to Santa Margherita, another port city even further southeast of Genoa. The city was landscaped and well-maintained, its colors and architecture equal competitors to the backdrop of the blue of the sea. Rather than stopping to explore the city right away, we walked as a group toward another town further along the coast, called Portofino. Along the way, we found a lovely place to picnic by the waves. Before being on our way again toward Portofino, we had the chance to search for sea-glass and terracotta bits among the wave-lapped rocks of the coast. Some of us were lucky enough to find some of these precious little treasures!

After about an hour’s walk along the coast, we arrived in Portofino, yet another port town. It was luscious feast for the eyes, every view more picturesque than the last. The town had a couple of trails, a harbor for yachts, and plenty of restaurants and shops. It was a prime location for hiking, people-watching, and relaxed meals seaside. Some of us sought out an historic lighthouse on a cliff, while others toured a medieval castle that topped the port, and many also visited two churches which have stood for hundreds of years. We strolled the streets and enjoyed the views until nearly sunset, before riding a bus back up the coast to Santa Margherita.

Once back in Santa Margherita, the group had free time during the golden hours of dusk. Many sipped cappuccinos and hot chocolates at small restaurants along alleyways. Others wandered through local shops, and still others took the time to find a bench fronting the Mediterranean to take in the landscape. It was a dreamy way to conclude such a full day of exploration!

After a train ride back to Genoa, we find ourselves all back at the villa, resting and reminiscing on our experiences. Tomorrow we will reconvene after breakfast for an excursion to Genoa’s local markets for yet another experience of the city’s culture!

Ciao for now!

Rachael Freels