Helen Keller

International

Portofino/Santa Margherita Ligure (Italy)

Italy exudes romance and the charms of European life, but no other coastal town nails this down better than Portofino. After the incredible Cinque Terre, this may well be the most well-known spot in the Ligure region. An infamous stomping ground for the well-to-do and famous, here is where they park their superyachts and folic under the Mediterranean sun. But for those who long for something a bit less pretentious, Portofino offers all of her other riches to us in spades. The olive groves among lush hills of Cypress trees create an inviting backdrop if you venture out of town. And who can deny the appeal of multi-colored buildings pressed right up against the water’s edge, with the bustle of the marina? What is really wonderful about Portofino is that the old blends seamlessly with the new. Get past the decadent waterfront with those yachts, trendy restaurants, and high-end boutiques, and start to really explore old Portofino in the way of ancient cobblestone streets and exquisite churches built into the cliffs above the port. But no matter where you look, the scene will resemble the finest picture postcard and will beg you to explore on foot. Likewise, the town just before Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, it seems, has more authenticity, and is a little less showy – with an array of great restaurants, local boutiques, and the lovely Villa Durazzo on a hill overlooking the sea. Read More