Seven days in Liguria is the right amount of time. Enough to visit several places without rushing, enough to find your rhythm. This is the itinerary we recommend to guests who ask where to start. The plan uses Camogli or Rapallo as a fixed base — no bags to move between nights.
Day 1 — Arrival
Arrive in the afternoon, walk the seafront, dinner in the village. Do not overthink the restaurant on the first night.
Day 2 — San Fruttuoso
Morning ferry from Camogli. The Benedictine abbey rising from the sea, a swim, pesto at the trattoria on the jetty. One of the most beautiful places in Italy.
Day 3 — Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure
If based in Rapallo, visit Camogli (18 min by train) or Santa Margherita (5 min). In Santa Margherita, do not miss Villa Durazzo and the gardens above the harbour.
Day 4 — Portofino
Ferry from Santa Margherita (15 min). Arrive before 10am. Walk to the lighthouse, swim at Paraggi, aperitivo watching the yachts. Lunch better back in Santa Margherita — Portofino is expensive.
Day 5 — Genoa
Train in the morning (30–40 min). The medieval caruggi (UNESCO), Porto Antico, Aquarium, Mercato Orientale for lunch. Back for dinner.
Day 6 — The Cinque Terre
Train to Monterosso (1 hour) — the only village with a proper sandy beach. The regional train between villages is straightforward and scenic. Best done in June or September.
Day 7 — Free Morning
Buy focaccia to take home, one last swim, café by the sea. The best things reveal themselves when you stop looking for attractions.
Your Fixed Base
CasaViva has apartments in Camogli, Rapallo, Santa Margherita and Recco. Browse availability for your week.
