Gulf of Tigullio

The Gulf of Tigullio stretches along the Levant Riviera in the Ligurian Sea. It is bordered by the regional natural park of Portofino to the North and Punta Manara in Sestri Levante to the South. Along the Gulf Coast lies the beautiful Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Chiavari, and Sestri Levante.

Uscio is located 32 km away from the Gulf of Tigullio.

From Anita B&B the towns of the Gulf can be reached by car or by trains which depart from Recco and Camogli. During the summer you can take the ferries from Recco and Camogli to Punta Chiappa and San Fruttuoso. From Punta Chiappa and San Fruttuoso you can take the ferries to Santa Margherita and Rapallo. From both cities depart on reservation the ferry boats to the Five Lands.

Portofino

A dream, an inspiration, so much charm, and beauty steeped in the crystal-clear Ligurian sea. The beautiful Piazzetta is shaped like a moon arch, with colored houses once inhabited by fishermen, sailors, and lace-makers. The magical bay opens up like an embrace, with luxury yachts and fishing boats moored in the harbor. Tourists take selfies or enjoy an aperitif in the dock bar, taste fresh ice cream, buy souvenirs, or enjoy shopping around. The choice is yours, but a walk to the lighthouse is a must, where you can admire the vastness of the sea and the infinite horizon, or enjoy the most beautiful red sunset on a summer evening.

And if you want to experience the inspiration, the taste for beauty and the sense of wonder of Portofino’s first travelers, you cannot miss visiting  Castello  Brown and its  beautiful Mediterranean garden. Here  you can smell  wisteria and acacia and enjoy the beautiful  view over the endless sea.  The two-century-old pine trees planted in the garden by Count Brown on his wedding day are a witness to the passing of time and enduring charm. That kind of charm which inspired artists, poets, writers, Hollywood actors, historians, and politicians, where each of us can try to find a bit of art and poetry, magic, and enchantment. Such a beautiful place could only have the two patrons saints, Saint George and Saint Martin, where you can admire works of art, history, and culture in their respective churches.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Wandering on the streets of Santa Margherita, you will find yourself in Piazza Caprera between luxury shops, charming little streets  and narrow alleyways. You will be struck by the mix of modernity and antique that flows through the beautifully decorated and painted windows, ancient facades  and wooden doors. Every morning, a small market takes place in Piazza Caprera. Here you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, local artwork, and handmade souvenirs. To the north of the square, you will find the Basilica di Santa Margherita and Nostra Signora della Rossa. Since the Middle Ages the church has been home  to a Madonna image, an  wooden statue depicting the Virgin enthroned with a child and a rose in her hand,  that was discovered in the sea by fisherman.   During the church’s renovation in 1672, a basin of rose-perfumed water was discovered under the altar, and the Virgin has been invoked ever since, particularly for children’s health.

Along the seaside  promenade which stretches from Santa to Paraggi and Portofino, you can admire the beautiful coastline, it’s coves and beaches, the port with the luxury yachts, the fishing boats and the Mediterranean vegetation.
Santa Margherita the patron saint of the city, protector of women, sailors and fisherman, greets and blesses people from the square by the sea. On July 20th a celebration is held on her honor featuring a procession in traditional costumes and fireworks. In the evening in a magical atmosphere, lit candles are placed in the sea, embroidering the calm waters of the summer beach like stars.

During the summer, on dedicated days the “Il bello delle donne Liguri” market exhibition is held at the Giardini a Mare. Here you can also find a small of white lace jewelry stand and  alongside, the bobbin lace with pins and bobbins. This way the elegant Santa Margherita does not lose its white embroidery and the city keeps part of its history embroidered by the hand of thousands of lace-makers for centuries.

Rapallo

“All great thoughts are conceived while walking” -Nietzsche
It was along the path between Rapallo and Zoagli, immersed in the solitude of the green hills of Rapallo while  marveling at the immense prairie of the sea, the blue sky and the sweet warmth of the Ligurian sun, where the deepest imagination of Nietzsche, encountered “Zarathustra” in a magical dimension that can be perceived even today by walking the path.
The  city of Rapallo has always been  blessed with the mild climate and crystal clear waters, the port that transports  goods of all kinds and cultures and roads that connect travelers and sailors, products of the sea and lands 

The sea brings richness but also  danger and the old Castle bear witness. Built in 1550 after the pirate’s Dragut assault, it became a historical symbol of times of struggles, raids and piracy.
Today the Castle is part of the promenade and during the festivities is illuminated with lights, colors and music, entertaining the public with sailor tales and sea stories. It also hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

 

The Vittorio Veneto seafront is the seaside promenade of Rapallo, with palm trees that give it an exotic look, and the characteristic red asphalt. Here you can admire the mosaic with dolphins, starfish and fish, made in harmony with the old local tradition,  the artistic Risseu.
The seafront also hosts the music kiosk,  a symbol of a sharing beauty and entertainment for guests and residents, and the statue of Colombo, a symbol of the antiques explorers and travelers of Liguria

 

The old town of Rapallo is enchanting with his antique allure, adorned with shops and historical venues and buildings flaunting colorful painted facades. You can find old stores selling local products, bars and lively venues, each with their unique narrative passed down through generations. In the past Rapallo was home to several famous writers, poets, artists and Hollywood actors. Even today Rapallo continue to capture visitors with it’s magical and picturesque beauty, an ideal destination for relaxing and unwinding, enjoying the Ligurian sun and sea, tasting the delicious cuisine and exploring cultural events.

 

Such a  beautiful and strong city was yet made  fragile by the presence of the seaside. It certainly  needed to be protected by a maternal and loving hand who would be able to guide and protect the city in difficult times and also  to spread joy and generosity during happy times. It is told that on 2 July 1557, the  Madonna appeared  to a humble farmer in the Ponzema mountain asking to be venerated up there. Since 1945 the coat of arms of Rapallo has been enriched with the monogram “M”  in honour of the Madonna. On the colorful facades of the houses the image of the Virgin Mary can be found just above the doors. In the place where Madonna appeared to the farmer we can now find the Sanctuary of Montallegro, a destination of pilgrimage and prayers for numerous devoted.

Where are we:

Anita B&B

"To the curious traveler visiting Liguria, land of sailors, navigators, coral fisherman, lace-makers, poets and writers, may the sent of our land and the sea breeze takes you to most beautiful places in your heart, ones you have always dreamed of"

Scroll to Top