Hotel Santa Margherita Ligure L'Approdo near Portofino

Portofino is mentioned by ancient Romans with the name of “Portus Delphini” (dolphins harbour), probably because of the large number of dolphins that once were there.

The country’s economy has long been based on fishing and agriculture. Starting from the early 1900’s, English and Germans travellers began to discover its unique charm to the point that this small and isolated village turned into one of the most exclusive destinations of international tourism.

The heart of the village is the famous “piazzetta” with its pebbles paving and high, narrow and colourful tower-houses.

The construction of the Roman church of S. Giorgio – patron saint of the village – dates back to 1100; the building stands in a panoramic and dominant position.

Portofino

Brown Castle was originally built as a fortress to protect the village, threatened by pirate raids. The building takes its current name from the English consul in Genoa who bought it in 1870.

The castle, open to visitors, is surrounded by an enchanting Mediterranean garden that also hosts art-works by contemporary artists.

From the laboratory-ship Elettra, docked in Portofino, Guglielmo Marconi in 1930 transmitted the signal that would turn on the lights of the universal exhibition in Sydney. Even today the dock takes the name of “Calata Marconi” (Marconi’s Descent).

The wonderful walk to the panoramic lighthouse or a hike along the many paths that climb the mountain are experiences not to be missed during your holiday in Tigullio.

Il “Monte” di Portofino and the Regional Nature Reserve
The Regional Nature Reserve represents the northernmost protected coastal area of the western Mediterranean and was first established in 1935.

The rocky ridge of the promontory naturally project out towards the open sea creating one of the most charming coastline and intact seabed of the Mediterranean.

For trekking lovers the mountain boasts a dense network of panoramic trails that cross beautiful natural environments, rural settlements and villages rich in art and history.

Among the 80 km of routes taken care of by the Authority, there are many well illustrated by signs on the paths, but it is also possible to book one of the guided excursions with a nature guide that the park authority periodically organizes.

The Natural Marine Protected Area Of Portofino is a marine protected area established in 1999 and located between the municipalities of Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino.

This area is considered a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Interest. Some zones of the area are restricted in terms of access, navigation, bathing and diving while in others it is allowed to dive only if accompanied by authorized diving centres.

In the crystal-clear waters of the Marine Reserve, divers have the chance to admire many rare species of the Mediterranean: the eel grass prairies (aquatic plant also known as the Mediterranean lung as its releases oxygen into the water), the yellow, orange, red line up of sea fans and the coral populations.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL: 6Km approx.
BACK TO LOCATIONS LIST

This charming town benefits from an enviable location. It is surrounded by the luxuriant nature of the mountains of Portofino, Pagana and San Lorenzo, which shelter the village and promote the mild climate that many loyal tourists come back to look for every year.

Santa Margherita for centuries was split in various districts: Pescino (towards Rapallo), San Giacomo (over the harbour) and Corte (towards Portofino).

Because of the strongly felt parochialism between the districts this area – even if subjected to a single government – were (and partially still are), fervent rivals.

In 1812 Napoleon reunited them under the name of “Municipality of Porto Napoleone”, which however had a short life. The locality took its name and definitive administrative order in 1863 thanks to a royal decree of Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoia.
The most important monument is the central basilica of St. Margaret di Antiochia (built 1770), whose baroque facade is flanked by two bell towers.

Located in the district of Corte, there is the oratory of Sant’Erasmo, which belongs to the homonymous sailors and fishermen confraternity; the interior is rich in votive offerings.

In the hills, a visit to the churches of San Lorenzo della Costa and Nozarego is worth the tour because the view of the gulf is stunning.

VILLA DURAZZO
The beautiful deep-red Villa towers over the town.

It was built in 1600 by order of the noble Genoese family Durazzo – Pallavicino.

The building is richly decorated with statues and paintings, stucco, marble, Murano glass and lacquered chinoiseries.

The Villa is surrounded by a beautiful park where you can walk and enjoy some fresh air during the hot summer afternoons.

In the garden there is a piece of the ship ‘”Elettra”, the yacht on which Guglielmo Marconi carried out many of his experiments in the Tigullio Gulf.

LA CERVARA
Along the panoramic road that brings you from S.Margherita to Portofino, on the very tip of a small promontory overlooking the sea is the Benedictine Abbey of la Cervara.

The complex dates back to 1300 and includes the church of St. Jerome, the Monastery with the cloister and a unique Italian-style garden where you can even admire a beautiful centenary plant of wisteria.

There is a rich calendar of guided tours for those who wish to learn more about the long history of this abbey and admire its beauty.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL: 1Km approx.
BACK TO LOCATIONS LIST

PORTOFINO, THE NATIONAL PARK AND THE MARINE RESERVE

Portofino is mentioned by ancient Romans with the name of “Portus Delphini” (dolphins harbour), probably because of the large number of dolphins that once were there.

S. MARGHERITA – LA CERVARA

This charming town benefits from an enviable location. It is surrounded by the luxuriant nature of the mountains of Portofino, Pagana and San Lorenzo, which shelter the village and promote the mild climate that many loyal tourists come back to look for every year.

BOOK DIRECTLY!