Portofino Dreams
Little seaside tableaus, vibrant colors, unforgettable dinners and the sound of cicadas… These are the memories of an Italian summer, a hazy movie that plays endlessly in my heart.
Welcome to the Italian Riviera.
Beach clubs sporting a vibrant blanket of umbrellas and crystal clear waters. The best tomatoes imaginable and endless bottles of chilled wine. Unreal pasta sauces and way too much heat and humidity. Winding streets that should definitely not be two ways and ports filled with luxury yachts parked alongside little wooden row boats. This is the Italian Riviera.
Iconic view of Portofino - Yachts and splendor for days
The pictures that you see while scrolling Pinterest and the highlights from articles boasting ‘The Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Italy’ all come to life as you drive through Portofino on your way to the fancy beach club at which you were so lucky to snag a last minute umbrella reservation. The colorful array of towels and umbrellas dotting the rocky beaches, the white-noise hum of the cicadas, the thick heat that draws you into the turquoise and aqua blue waters… it all becomes a moving postcard straight out of the gift shop. I feel incredibly lucky that my wild life has finally brought me to Italy, granting me the experiences that for years, I have only been able to collect in my dreams.
It is hard to pinpoint just a few highlights from his trip, as I find myself swimming in fuzzy, summertime memories full of colors, sounds and flavors. I will never forget how my sky blue nails paired perfectly with the stunning waters of the Ligurian Sea, my gold rings catching glints of sun rays through the perfect geometric ripples of salt water (I have never wanted a water resistant camera more). The way that humidity clung to my sun-kissed skin making me feel alive and almost miserable at the same time, sipping shakerados at a classic, picturesque cafe in the port of Portofino, the crab pasta with impossible perfect sauce (seriously, how did they make that sauce?), the awe inspiring beauty of ancient churches and the romantic hourly chime of their bells – It is all now a stamp on my life that I will be able to carry with me, always.
The cemetery behind the San Giorgio church - a 12th century beauty just a short walk up from the port of Portofino.
For me, adventures are cataloged in order of visuals and feelings and senses, and Italy was a garden of endless experiences that are now forever collected as little slices of time. I believe this is why I love photography so much. The capture of a moment, its colors, a preservation of the way the light played across a surface, the visual tableaus that only briefly exist, now frozen for me on a frame of 35mm film. Those visuals immediately encourage memories of scent and sound in a way that cannot otherwise be easily cultivated, creating a collection of moments that will forever hum quietly in my heart. Italy provided an unparalleled experience – scenery and sounds and heat and tastes that will forever be preserved in the rolls of film that I brought home with me. That is the beauty of adventure and photography, together they create a time capsule that holds tightly, priceless memories. Memories that can be unlocked and experienced and shared time and time again. Xx
*So many photos, and so much scrolling… hopefully you find a bit of a summertime Itaian escape though the endless frames of film. Plus Riviera recommendations at the end!
The dreamy Dior terrace at Bagni Fiore
La Cantina - A charming spot with sunshine yellow umbrellas tucked in a heavenly cove around the corner from popular Bagni San Fruttuoso
Bagni San Fruttuoso
Woman post swim in the Abbey coves of Bagni San Fruttuoso
Lunch with a stunning view at Spendido, a Belmond Hotel
The boats of Portofino
Sea of lime green at a beach club in Camogli
Beach Clubs.
Welcome to paradiso. Tips: be sure to make a reservation. Most will have space a day or two in advance though the exclusive spots tend to book up further out. You will not be able to walk-in the day of, even with seemingly open chairs, you are not likely to snag a spot without a reservation. The same goes for restaurants.
Bagni Fiore - This iconic beach club, perfectly situated in the Bay of Paraggi, is wonderfully chic in every way possible. With a vintage flare and crystal clear waters, this exclusive beach club, boasting a rich history of Hollywood royalty as guests, will cater to every whim and fancy of your beach day dreams. As the website says, Bagni Fiore is absolutely an ode to la dolce vita.
La Cantina - A charming restaurant with sunshine yellow umbrellas tucked in a heavenly cove around the corner from popular Bagni San Fruttuoso. Serving amazing seafood dishes, host to a handful of vibrant umbrellas and lounge chairs and boasting stunning coastal views, this spot is worth the ferry ride and the mini hike around the famous Abbey.
Bagni San Fruttuoso - Boasting an iconic background and aqua blue waters, this beach club sits in front of San Fruttuoso Abbey, a Romanesque building safely tucked in a secluded bay within the Italian Riviera between Camogli and Portofino. Accessible by ferry or a three hour hike, getting to the beach club itself feels like an adventure.
Memorable Moments.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel - Perched in the Portofino Hills, this luxury hotel is the epitome of beauty and service. I took an afternoon to treat myself to lunch on the terrace and was able to enjoy a glass of champagne another evening at the bar enjoying the scenery and live music. If you cannot splurge on a stay here (I wish), then lunch, dinner, drinks are an absolute must!
Lido’ Ristorante Pieve Ligure - Stunning views and the best pasta I have ever had. Crab and red sauce AND an option for gluten free pasta (thank god), I am inspired to perfect my pasta making skills.
Any and all ancient churches. The art and architecture is absolutely stunning. I am in awe of these structures and spaces and the beauty that they hold.
Gelato. Just gelato.
Shakerados. A wonderful way to enjoy an espresso. Shaken over ice with a little sugar and likely a pinch of salt. I am obsessed with this beverage.
