OUR EXCURSIONS
Gulf of Tigullio
Chartering a motor yacht is certainly the most complete way to experience and appreciate the Gulf of Tigullio. This coastline and stretch of sea combines heavenly pearls rich in nature, history, traditions and cuisine.
Approaching from the sea offers you a unique perspective to enjoy the area.
The Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Chiavari and Sestri Levante marinas open the door to boaters to explore their distinctive villages majestically overlooking the Gulf that you can even admire from on board.
Santa Margherita Ligure
A popular destination for international jet-setters, Santa Margherita dates back to Roman times. Its history is intertwined with the Republic of Genoa, Venice and Napoleon Bonaparte, up until its annexation to the Kingdom of Sardinia. After the Second World War, Santa Margherita, together with the village of Paraggi and the Municipality of Portofino, became increasingly popular and exclusive tourist resorts.
The key tourist attractions include: the Cervara Abbey, with its church, monastery and large park with garden, declared a national monument in 1912; Villa Durazzoa set of two villas characterised by a large seventeenth-century park that features a fascinating Italian garden with cobbled paths; and thelate medieval castle built to defend against the frequent raids of Saracen pirates.
Climb aboard and enjoy fantastic views
Rapallo
Rapallo is located in the western part of the Gulf of Tigullio, nestled in the gulf that takes its name. Its first inhabitants appear to date back to 700 BC. Over the following centuries, the territory developed until it reached the modern era and experienced great success in the tourism sector, with the opening of the first luxury hotels, major restaurants and one of the first casinos.
The most iconic places to visit are the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro, with its renowned marble façade (built after the apparition of the Madonna on 2 July 1557); the Sanctuary of Caravaggio (built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by order of the senate of the Republic of Genoa); the sixteenth-century castle (built by locals between 1550 and 1551 following frequent invasions by pirates); and its village with its many towers.
Many big names in music, art, science, art and literature are linked to Rapallo, a popular holiday destination for so many illustrious and famous personalities.
Just ask the skipper to dock and you will see why for yourself.
Chiavari
More commercial and trendy, Chiavari also hides several treasures waiting to be discovered. Don’t miss out on a visit to: the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Garden, characterised by an imposing marble pronaos and exquisite interiors; the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie on the splendid “Le Grazie” hill; and the historic palaces of “Palazzo Rocca”, “Palazzo Ravaschieri”, “Palazzo Rivarola”, “Palazzo dei portici neri”, “Palazzo Torriglia” and “Palazzo Marana”. Also worth a visit are the Town Hall, the Chiavari Castle, the Cantero Theatre-Cinema and the Archaeological Museum.
Chiavari also has an ancient history, as evidenced by the remains of a pre-Roman settlement. The birth of the city can be dated between the eighth and seventh centuries BC, when, at the time of the Roman Empire, it was considered an important coastal centre of the Tigullino territory. After the fifth century, it suffered the ravages of the Heruli and the Goths. It was first expanded in the twelfth century by the Republic of Genoa, while the architectural structure remained unchanged until the late sixteenth century, when new noble palaces were built within the Renaissance-style walls. In contrast, the new residential settlements and new roads date back to the eighteenth century, which still retain the classic road-portico combination.
Sestri Levante
Gorgeous and unique, Sestri Levante and its historic centre overlook “two seas”, the famous Fairy Tales Bay and the enchanting Bay of Silence, hence why it is called the “city of two seas”. It offers relaxation, good times at its bars, great food and shopping, with its main street as a home to many big brands.
The roots of Sestri Levante also date back to Roman times, where it became a key commercial centre, especially for maritime traffic. Over the following centuries came the succession of dominations that took place in Tigullio until it joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Don’t miss out on a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth, the Church of San Nicolò and the ruins of the Oratory of Santa Caterina, and be sure to explore the historic and stately homes scattered throughout the city.
Choose the thrills you want to experience
Choose the thrills you want to experience
Experience the Ligurian Riviera. From a new perspective
Experience the Ligurian Riviera. From a new perspective
Charter Portofino offers luxury experiences aboard magnificent yachts that can take you to the most extraordinary corners of Liguria.
All routes and tours are customisable and exclusive.