Portofino

Towns along the coast in Liguria are beautiful.  We arrived first at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino.  The local train from Milan took 2 hours 20 minutes.  At the railway station you can take a bus connecting Portofino.  It became very full at the town centre of S. Margherita.  People were crowding face touching face, almost.  The bus journey passes through the sea with resorts dotted along the coast.  A lovely start of the trip.

Different pastel coloured buildings line up at the port.  They are not fighting to get the best attention but standing in harmony to charm.  Together with the many yachts it composes a fabulous view winning everybody's admiration.  No one can deny, reject the beauty. 

Walk up to the hill with a castle.  Gorgeous views of the port and surrounding will sure be shot non-stop.  We skipped the castle but walked around to enjoy the nature.

Head to the other side of the hill is a shady, quiet path passing some villas and leads to a view of the sea splashing the cliff.  Spendid!  Coming back to the sea level and head up to the hill on the right side.  A standalone little church is under the blue sky. It has old green bronze doors with a series of craving showing from Creation to the death of Jesus Christ.

Then come the hardest part, climbing up endless staircase, breathing hardly with a quick pumping heart, sweating all through.  But gorgeous views come after the hardship,  beautiful vegetation and pine trees are high up the sky.  An unforgettable trip!  Hmm, to start the trip, go back to the direction of the bus stop and walk upward.  Passing by nice houses and you will come to a wooden gate.  Get through it.  Don't worry about the warning of wild boar but be cautious of snake.  My friend met one.  He stopped and she escaped. 

Our destination is San Fruttuoso.  The walking was supposed to be 2 hours, without stopping.  We took 3 hours to enjoy the beautiful views.  The trip is mainly through a dense forest with lots of sharp inclines and declines.  Be sure that you are strong enough, else reach the destination by a boat (€7). 

San Fruttuoso has two major attractions.  One is the Benedictine Monastery and the other Christ of the Abyss (Cristo degli Abissi).   The monastery dated as early as 10th century.  It has a little dome. Doria family members are buried at the vaults.  Nearby is Doria Tower.   In front of the monastery is a little lovely beach.  Families, couples and groups enjoyed the fantastic day.  Just we must be hurry for our boat to Camogli.

Camogli is a fishing village in Liguria.  The oldest part with delightful buildings dotted around the harbour.  Most visitors are drawn to the seaside promenade.  For a lazy afternoon, just lay on the pebbly beach or dive into the sea under the sun.  What a cool day.  Bars, foccaccia, restaurants line up the promenade, eager to welcome you.  Nice is that it is free of traffic.  Not until you climb up steep staircase to Via XX Settembre where the train station, tourist office and all kinds of shops are located.