The Italian Riviera is a gem unlike any other. In 2018, I traveled to Genoa with a fellow au pair, Kaylee, where we spent the weekend enjoying what the city had to offer. Kaylee suggested we travel along the coast. I did not know what to expect, but always up for an adventure. I was familiar with Portofino and Cinque Terre as many people would rave over those towns, but I didn’t know how small they were or that there are plenty of these small cities that are just as amazing as the well-known ones. Sadly, we did not make it to Cinque Terre, however, we made it to Portofino and Camogli.

We met up for the first time in Genoa that Friday. We met in an au pair group on Facebook. I arrived by Flixbus, which is an inexpensive option to get around Italy. A charter bus, nonstop ride from Rome for about $30. After settling into our Airbnb, we made our way around downtown Genoa. It’s always nice to get lost in a city you have never visited before.

Camogli

The next day, we woke up very early to take the train to the Camogli, San Fruttuoso station. The train ticket was less than €5 one-way at roughly 30-45 minutes–very close! Everyone speaks of Cinque Terre so often. Camogli is underrated, let’s get that right. The view is amazing! I have never been in a more beautiful small town with so many mom and pop shops and eateries along the shoreline like this.

Unfortunately, the day was a bit gloomy, but it doesn’t take away from the classic Riviera vibe along the coast. We took this trip in late October, in which the season had already moved on from summer. The weather was quite chilly and rainy, which is typical that time of year. After a few hours of exploring, we took the train to the Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure station, which was less than €5 with just over an hour duration.

Portofino

Portofino is luxurious and extravagant in the simplest of ways. There are boutiques that surround the main walkway to the coastline, however, not meant for the average person to afford, of course. And yet there are chickens clucking around. Not to mention gelato even being quite costly. I am OBSESSED with gelato. My favorite flavors are stracciatella and nocciola aka chocolate chip and hazelnut. Needless to say, I paid almost €9 for a scoop of each! More than my train ticket! Absurd, but very much worth it. C’mon, I’m livin’ the lavish life. How could you not!?

As we made our way down the walkway to the shoreline, we noticed people walking up towards a stone castle. No doubt we went to check it out even though it turned into an impromptu hiking trip. A little sweat never hurt anyone, right? It already rained on us, so why not? We soon found out where everyone gets their iconic Portofino photos from–the view was beautiful!

Furthermore, the Italian Riviera is a must-see. Each city is in close proximity to the next. I expect to go back and visit as there are over 50 towns that make up the coast. Kayley and I barely scratched the surface!