The Italian riviera is full of hidden gems which you should hunt out while you are in the area. We will update this section of the website nearer the time with a full list of recommendations including restaurants, walks, activities etc. Here are a couple of ideas to whet the appetite...
PORTOFINO
We suggest having lunch in Portofino prior to the marriage service, it is a wonderful experience and one we hope you will enjoy. You will be able to see the church from any waterside location - it is the yellow one on the hill. Some restaurant recommendations:
RISTORANTE PUNY - P.zza M. Olivetta 5 Tel. 0185.269037
TAVERNA DEL MARINAIO - P.zza M. Olivetta 36 Tel. 0185.269103
RISTORANTE DELFINO - P.zza M. Olivetta 39 Tel. 0185.269081
RISTORANTE STELLA - Molo Umberto I° 3 Tel. 0185 269007
RISTORANTE PITOSFORO - Molo Umberto I° 9 TEL. 0185/269379
RISTORANTE STRAINER - Molo Umberto I° 18 Tel. 0185.269189
RISTORANTE U MAGASIN - Calata Marconi 34 Tel. 0185.269178
If you have more time, there is also Castello Brown and the Lighthouse to explore along lovely meandering paths behind the church.
santa margherita
We suggest having dinner in Santa Margherita on the Friday night after the drinks party. There are some wonderful local restaurants, some recommendations are as follows:
ANGOLO 48 - Via Palestro 48 Ph+39 0185 286 650
ANTONIO'S - Piazza San Bernardo 6 Ph +39 0185 289047
EASY LOUNGE CAFE' - Via Cairoli 3 Ph +39 3407611596
REVE CAFE' & RESTAURANT - Vico Chiuso Masaniello, 5 Ph +39 0185293150
PIZZERIA IL DELFINO - Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour 29 Ph +39 0185286488
L'INSOLITA ZUPPA - Via Romana 7 PH +39 0185289594
DU COQ - Via Cairoli 11 +39 0185293351
CAMOGLI
Portofino's laid back counterpart, about a 20-minute drive/train away. This seaside fisherman's town offers quaint restaurants, historic churches, walking paths, hiking trails and stunning views of the coast. You must go to La Rotonda restaurant for focaccia fromagio, the best in the area!
ABBEY OF SAN FRUTTuOSO
We were tempted to get married here! Tucked away in a tiny pristine bay in between Camogli and Portofino the abbey can only be reached by hiking trails or by boat. The water is a unique blue color, and the Abbey can be explored by foot. You can relax on the beach, enjoy a delicious meal and take a tour of the Abbey. Go early to avoid the crowds! Divers amongst you might also enjoy visiting Christ of the Abyss (Cristo degli abissi) a famous dive site with a 2.5m bronze sculpture submerged in the waters in front of the abbey.
BOAT TOURS TO EXPLORE THE COAST
The best way to take in the sites and beauty of the area, and many of the seaside towns (Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino, Camogli) is by boat. Boats can be rented for a few hours or the entire day. We recommend the following companies: Portofino Taxi Boat and Cesare Charter Portofino.
CINQUE TERRE - Train, HIKE OR BOAT
5 beautiful, picturesque Italian coastal villages connected by hiking paths and foothills that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best seen either by hiking through each of the 5 towns, or by boat which goes up the entire coastline and allows for magnificent views. The towns are full of home-style Italian restaurants and shops to see along the way. Any of the Santa Margherita hotels will help you to plan your excursion to the Cinque Terre. Monterosso is the first town of the Cinque Terre and is a popular spot to relax, eat and stock up for the hike.
South of France/Tuscany/The Italian Lakes
All can be reached within a few hours by car.