I found my love in Portofino ……

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La Dolce Vita in Portofino, Portovenere, and Milan

A few months have passed, and I still owe you the continuation of “The Italian Riviera.” Time flies, “Life got in the way.”

But today, it is finally time for us to visit a few gems along the Ligurian coast. It’s another beautiful sunny day, so I thank the weather gods and depart once again by train from Brignole station. Our journey first takes us to Santa Margherita Ligure, and from there, we’ll walk to Portofino.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Upon arriving in this charming coastal town, I immediately feel at home. The stunning views along the coast to “La Spezia,” the cheerfully colored houses, and the cozy harbor feel unusually familiar.

From here, we’ll walk along the coast to Portofino. For those who prefer a more leisurely journey, a bus runs every 20 minutes from Santa M.L. to Portofino. It’s about 5 km, so quite doable on foot.

 

Portofino

When I round the last bend and catch my first glimpse of Portofino, I am momentarily speechless. It’s incredibly beautiful here! How to describe Portofino, this fairytale-like place where the jet set and royalty have loved to stay for centuries?

Imagine narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses surrounded by green hills, and an azure sea shimmering under the Mediterranean sun. And of course, the small harbor, now calm but bustling with luxury yachts in the summer.

I immediately think of the song “I found my love in Portofino.” This version sung by Andrea Bocelli gives a perfect impression of Portofino.

https://youtu.be/7-hMXhcc-tA?si=vZGeq0vrn2EBwSzX

Faro – Portofino

 

From the harbor in Portofino, a walking path climbs up to the lighthouse (Faro). It’s a bit of a climb, but absolutely worth it.

At the lighthouse, you’ll find a bar named “La Portofinese.” From here, you have a fantastic view over the “Golfo di Tigullio” and the entire coastline to “La Spezia.”

Try their locally brewed beer and the “Pannini” made with focaccia bread; they are simply irresistible.

Portovenere

Another hidden gem along the Italian Riviera. Perhaps not as famous as Portofino and Cinque Terre, but just as beautiful and, to me, a winner!

Portovenere boasts charm and picturesque beauty. As you approach Portovenere by bus, you are drawn in by the breathtaking coastal landscapes, and upon arrival in the center, you are treated to brightly colored houses that are a feast for the eyes.

Portovenere is also steeped in history. The church of St. Peter, perched on the edge of a high cliff, is a must-visit, especially for the spectacular views.

 

 

Near the church, you’ll also find the “Grotta Byron.” Lord Byron, the famous English poet, spent some time in Portovenere, and it is said that he always swam at this grotto, finding his inspiration here (1822).

 

This cozy town, with its narrow alleys, small boutiques, fantastic restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere, has stolen my heart. How I love this country!

Traveling to Portovenere

To visit Portovenere, it’s best to travel by train to La Spezia and then take the bus from Via Garibaldi to Portovenere. The bus ride takes about half an hour.

Unfortunately, it’s now time for me to leave the Italian Riviera and continue the journey to Milan. What a delight it has been!

Milan

We conclude this visit to Italy with a trip to Milan.

During this whirlwind visit, we discover the magic of Milan, where fashion, history, and pleasure come together. Time is limited, so we hurry past some of the hotspots of this immense city.

Firstly, Milan is a true fashion paradise with its many luxurious boutiques in the “Quadrilatero della moda.” This fashion district is one of the world’s most prestigious shopping areas, formed by four streets that create a quadrilateral, hence the name Quadrilatero (four-sided).

A walk through these elegant streets is an experience in itself, even for those (like myself) not planning to shop. And believe me, after seeing the prices in the shop windows, the urge to shop (for most of us🤗)  significantly decreases.

 

Duomo di Milano

We leave the shopping district and head towards the Duomo di Milano. I can assure you that this is quite a challenge today. I have rarely seen such crowds shuffling through a city. We are approaching Christmas, and I soon discover that there are Christmas markets all over the city. The atmosphere is fantastic, but the sheer number of people is overwhelming.

But the effort is rewarded! This magnificent and imposing cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece and absolutely worth a visit.

The most striking feature of the Duomo is its impressive marble façade. It took no less than six centuries to complete.

The interior is equally impressive, with beautiful stained-glass windows, sculptures, and frescoes.

Castello Sforzesco

About a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, you’ll find the “Castello Sforzesco.”

This enormous fortress/castle was built in the 15th century and served as a residence for the powerful Sforza family.

Today, the fortress/castle houses several museums filled with art, culture, and history. Naturally, my interest is immediately piqued by the sculptures of Michelangelo and the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci.

I’m convinced that the extensive gardens surrounding the fortress are usually an oasis of peace, but today, the fortress is encircled by a massive Christmas market. 

Arco della Pace

From the back of Castello Sforzesco, you can see the “Arco della Pace” in the distance. This structure is inspired by the classical Roman Triumphal Arch and symbolizes peace, prosperity, and cultural richness. Where have I seen something like this before? 😊

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala

There are two more wishes on my list for today. The first is to visit the oldest shopping gallery in Milan, “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,” which gives me another déjà vu… See my blog about Naples “Galleria Umberto

Lastly, we will briefly visit the world-famous theater “La Scala.” This renowned opera house opened its doors in 1778, and since then, many famous opera stars have performed here. Besides opera, there are also ballet performances and concerts, so there’s something for everyone.

For now, we bid farewell to Milan with an “A Presto,” as I hope to return here soon. But before that, I welcome you first with “Bienvenido a Valencia!”

 

This post is also available in: Nederlands (Dutch)