Rapallo:
Situated in the innermost and protected part of the Gulf of Tigullio, Rapallo is the oldest area in the entire zone. It is a refined tourist spot well known for its marina, golf course, equestrian events, beaches and cultural events.
The city centre looks out over the Vittorio Veneto promenade adorned with palm trees and flowerbeds and with a wide and splendid view of the Gulf.
The castle built in 1550 to protect the town from invasions is one of the main attractions. Today it is used to hold exhibitions and tourists events.
According to legend, the history of Rapallo dates back to the era of Hannibal – a bridge in his name is testimony of this – and continues, through numerous historical events where it is more or less a voluntary protagonist, to the present day

 

Portofino:
This picturesque fishing village, set in an enchanting inlet of the promontory with the same name and surrounded by a natural setting of unrivalled beauty, has rightly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The area was already famous for its beauty in the Roman era and its virtues later aroused the enthusiasm of Petrarca.
A charming way to reach the coast of Monte di Portofino is by ferry, the best way to fully appreciate the thick green vegetation, bays and narrow gorges. When Guy de Maupassan arrived here by sea in 1889, he described it as “a small village surrounded by a woodland of intense and fresh greenery”.
Portus Delphini, or better, port of the dolphins as it was called by Pliny, is a simple fishing village with narrow and coloured buildings leaning against each other and crossed by numerous streets leading to the famous “Piazzetta”.

 

Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
Between Camogli and Portofino in an enchanting inlet easily reachable by ferry, rises a small fishing village famous for the spectacular Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a Medieval architectural jewel from Liguria set like a pearl to the rear of a bay in Monte di Portofino.
The Monastic complex, small paradise, was donated to the Italian Environmental Protection Foundation by the Doria family. It includes an 11th century church with octagonal bell tower, Romanesque cloister, a 13th century palazzo supported by sturdy arches with noble triple-lancet windows and the Doria family crypt.
Rent a characteristic fishing boat to admire the statue of the “Cristo degli abissi” lowered into the bay by locals on 29 August 1954 from an idea by the Genovese scuba diver Duilio Marcante.
The two and a half meter and 260 kilogram bronze statue is the work of Guido Galletti. To allow everyone to admire it even in bad sea conditions, a copy of the Christ statue was placed in the chapel adjoining the Church of San Fruttuoso in 1974.