Gulf of Tigullio

The history of the towns along the Gulf of Tigullio has very ancient roots. The name “Gulf of Tigullio” comes from the presence of the Tigulli tribe, who once inhabited the area. After driving out the Etruscans, the Tigulli faced conflicts first with the Gauls and later with the Romans, by whom they were eventually conquered.

The region known as Tigullia, which stretched from Punta di Portofino to Anzo di Framura (including the inland areas), is mentioned by several Roman authors.

The cuisine of the Gulf of Tigullio is wholesome and diverse, featuring local specialties that are hard to find elsewhere. Thanks to its geographical location, the area offers a rich culinary tradition that includes both seafood dishes—thanks to its many fishing villages and the tonnarella of Camogli—and land-based recipes, such as pesto and focaccia, accompanied by other regional delicacies.

One of the best places to eat in the Gulf of Tigullio is undoubtedly Portofino, a renowned and beloved destination for tourists, surrounded by olive groves that produce a typically Ligurian olive oil with a rich flavor and delicate aroma.

Nearby Santa Margherita Ligure is famous for its red shrimp, sustainably caught using traditional trawling methods. Rapallo offers incredibly varied cuisine, thanks to its unique position between the sea and the hills, serving pesto, focaccia, and fried seafood.

Zoagli is a charming seaside village overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, known for its scenic coastal walkways and artisanal velvet production. Here, you’ll find many restaurants serving authentic seafood dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

The ferry that connects the villages of the Gulf is certainly the most scenic way to explore the coast and its unique landscapes. Departing from Santa Margherita, you can also reach the Cinque Terre National Park, making the journey itself a memorable part of the experience.

Among the must-see destinations is the Monte di Portofino Natural Park, with its scenic trails and hiking paths.
Don’t miss the beaches, the charming fishing villages, Genoa with its historic center, the renowned Aquarium, and the ancient hilltop fortifications.
Savor the region’s culinary delights in traditional restaurants and enjoy a romantic aperitif by the sea.

The origins of Portofino are lost in the depths of ancient history. Some believe it to be of Phoenician, Greek, or Roman origin. However, it is likely that the village dates back to protohistoric times, as it’s hard to imagine such a naturally sheltered spot—with protection from winds and waves—remaining uninhabited.

Its favorable geography not only encouraged early human settlement but also played a key role in transforming Portofino into one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations.

Portofino sauce (Sugo alla Portofino) has a curious origin. One evening, a large group of diners arrived at the Puny restaurant, but there wasn’t enough pesto to go around. To stretch the supply, the chef decided to mix in some tomato sauce—hoping to “make do.” Thus was born a new, now classic, recipe blending pesto and tomato, a perfect example of spontaneous kitchen creativity.

One of the most significant cultural landmarks is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, nestled in a bay at the foot of Mount Portofino. It can be reached by boat or through a scenic hike along the Portofino Park trails.

Don’t miss Castello Brown and the nearby Portofino Lighthouse, both easily accessible on foot and offering panoramic views.

Another gem is the Church of San Giorgio, perched on a cliff above the sea, just steps from the famous Piazzetta, the iconic heart of Portofino known worldwide for its dolce vita atmosphere.

Just a 10-minute walk from the center lies the enchanting bay of Paraggi, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, relax at elegant beach clubs, and enjoy gourmet meals in renowned seaside restaurants.

From the nearby Niasca Bay, you can join kayak tours with Outdoor Portofino and explore the rugged beauty of the coastline from the sea.

Located in a fertile and strategically important area—overlooking the gulf and controlling the route to the Ruta pass—Rapallo has long held a dominant role over neighboring coastal towns. By the 17th century, its jurisdiction extended from Portofino to Zoagli, as well as much of the inland Fontanabuona valley.

From the second half of the 19th century, Rapallo began to thrive as a tourist destination.

The fin de siècle Rapallo became a renowned resort town, attracting international travelers and distinguished guests to its elegant hotels.

Among the first to choose Rapallo as a holiday retreat was the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in 1901, followed by Franz Liszt, Guy de Maupassant, Eleonora Duse, Sem Benelli, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, and American writer Ernest Hemingway, who in 1923 wrote his short story “Cat in the Rain” during his stay.

The beautiful town of Rapallo offers many easily accessible sights for visitors eager to explore historic landmarks and breathtaking views.

One must-see is the Sanctuary of Montallegro, perched atop the mountain of the same name. It can be reached on foot via a charming ancient mule track or by taking the cable car located in the town center, which offers stunning panoramic views of the gulf.

Another highlight is the Castle of Rapallo, located at the eastern end of the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto. Surrounded by the sea and connected to the mainland by a small pier, its unmistakable silhouette is one of Rapallo’s most iconic landmarks.

The seaside promenade, overlooking the harbor, is a classic and enchanting walk not to be missed.

Just a few hundred meters from the town center, in the district of San Michele di Pagana, you’ll find a small but well-equipped beach—perfect for families and vacationers looking for relaxation by the sea.

The presence of the ancient Roman road (Via Aurelia) highlights the strategic importance of the area as a connection point with Rapallo, stretching from Recco to the old church of Ruta.

It’s believed that during the 12th century BC, the original settlement moved from Castellaro to the area where the current town center stands, around Priaro and near today’s port.

In the Middle Ages, Camogli began to take shape as the charming village we know today. The Castle was built on a large rocky outcrop just offshore from the original beach. It was connected to the church and the first cluster of houses by a walkway over the sea.

Records mention Castel Dragone as early as 1130, along with its complete defensive system. It’s said that a small chapel was built on the islet to serve the soldiers stationed at the fortress.

Let yourself be enchanted by the pastel-painted façades that line the seafront promenade, and admire the pebble beaches, whose stones are used in the traditional black-and-white risseu mosaics seen on churchyards—like the striking one at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Camogli.

Two local legends suggest different origins for the name Camogli:

• From the dialect words “ca” (house) and “mugge” (wives), meaning “house of wives”, referring to the fact that Camogli was mostly inhabited by women while the fishermen and sailors were away at sea.

• Or from “ca” and “moggi” (piles), meaning “houses in heaps”, referring to how the buildings appear stacked one on top of another, both from the sea and from the Via Aurelia above.

• The Dragonara Castle, an ancient fortress built on cliffs overlooking the sea during the time of the Saracen invasions.

• Just steps away is the pier where boats depart for wonderful sea excursions.

• On the second Sunday of May, the famous Fish Festival takes place, with fish fried in a giant Guinness World Record pan.

• On the first Sunday of August, the Stella Maris Festival lights up the sea with thousands of floating candles set adrift in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Camogli is also the perfect starting point for hikes and excursions. You can walk to Ruta, then up to the summit of Monte di Portofino, or take a more relaxed route from San Rocco to Punta Chiappa.

The more adventurous can hike all the way to San Fruttuoso, visit the iconic abbey in its secluded bay, and dive in to see the submerged statue of the Christ of the Abyss

The village beach is wide and spacious, well-equipped thanks to numerous beach clubs, and especially suitable for families.

Zoagli has been inhabited since the 4th century BC by ancient Ligurian populations who lived off livestock farming and built shelters from stone, wood, and foliage on flat hilltops enclosed by dry-stone walls, known as castellari.

Two such sites are still identified today: Castellaro, near the Church of San Pantaleo—where ceramic fragments have been found—and Monte Castello.

After being rebuilt following the war, Zoagli lost part of its appearance as an ancient fishing village but preserved a strong identity tied to both the sea and the land. It now offers visitors rare scenic beauty, discreet hospitality, and a refined atmosphere, enhanced by new public works that have made the area more accessible and enjoyable.

On July 2, 1557, the Virgin Mary appeared to a farmer on a hill near Rapallo. This event sparked a deep and lasting devotion among locals. In Zoagli and its hamlets, the Madonna of Montallegro has long been revered, with many people entrusting their health and hopes to her through acts of faith and devotion.

This connection is so profound that, in Zoagli, devotion to the Madonna often surpasses that of the local patron saints. In the early 1800s, a small sanctuary was also built on the slopes of Montete Anchetta, dedicated to Our Lady Cause of Our Joy (N.S. Causae Nostrae Laetitiae).

In 1986, a bronze statue of the Madonna del Mare was placed on the seabed in front of the eastern seaside promenade, as a protector of seafarers.

At the start of the 20th century, Hotel Nave, an impressive Liberty-style building, began welcoming European nobility and tourists—particularly from England, Switzerland, France, and Germany—drawn to the peace and privacy of Zoagli.

Over the years, the village was visited and inhabited by many artists, including Nietzsche, Tosi, Kandinsky, Sem Benelli, and Ezra Pound.

From the center of Zoagli, dozens of mule tracks and trails climb toward the ridges, forming a web that connects hamlets and farmlands, offering breathtaking panoramic walks.

The Canevaro seaside promenade is a stunning path along rocks and coves on both sides of the main beach. Lit at night, it allows access to the sea along a long stretch of coastline.

By day, it offers wide panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio; by night, it becomes a scenically lit, relaxing walkway.

Another unique aspect of Zoagli is its renowned textile tradition. You can still visit silk workshops that continue the village’s historic velvet production.

The main beach is easily accessible via the promenade and features both free areas and beach clubs equipped with all summer comforts.

In the equipped areas, you can also rent canoes, paddle boards, and other water sports equipment.

Additional small coves, tucked between the rocks, can be reached along the same promenade—perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquility by the sea.

The Corte district was once a separate hamlet, distinct from the neighboring village of Pescino, the original name of what is now Santa Margherita. The two communities were divided by the ancient castle, which, beginning in 1550 under the looming threat of Saracen pirates, became an early but hesitant symbol of unification.

Centuries passed and the division remained—until Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French and ruler of Italy, decreed the unification of the two villages on December 22, 1812, even naming the city after himself. Thus, for a few years—until the Congress of Vienna—the old village of Pescino was renamed Port Napoleon.

Later, by Royal Decree on December 31, 1863, the name Comune di Santa Margherita Ligure was officially established.

In Santa Margherita Ligure, particularly in the Ghiaia district, Spring begins with the Feast of Saint Joseph.

“A San Gioxeppe, se ti peu, impi a poela de frisceu…” (“On Saint Joseph’s Day, if you can, fill the pan with fritters…”), declare the locals of the ancient Pescino.

In traditional culture, fire marks the seasonal transitions of the year—especially the end of the cold, damp winter. A joyous bonfire is lit to drive away darkness and celebrate the arrival of spring. Two effigies, male and female—Tunin and Manena—are burned as a symbolic act of renewal and protection.

According to tradition, a good spring is foretold when the female puppet catches fire first.

Among the most charming spots in Santa Margherita is Villa Durazzo, with its elegant park in the heart of the town, often hosting cultural and artistic events.

The harbor is another highlight, offering a scenic backdrop to the seafront promenade, lined with trendy cafés and restaurants—perfect for relaxing over an aperitif or enjoying fine cuisine.

The town center, with its historic shops, is also a must for those who love authentic local shopping experiences.

Thanks to the layout of the waterfront, Santa Margherita offers a variety of options—from luxury beach clubs to free and equipped beaches, catering to all kinds of summer visitors. Whether you’re looking for a shady umbrella or eager to try water sports, you’ll find the right spot here.

There are also several high-quality diving centers in town, ideal for exploring the marine protected area of the Portofino Park.