Run to Paradise

Run to Paradise was a one-time hit for the Australian band, the Choirboys, but it didn't really describe our trip north along the Italian Riveria from La Spezia to Genoa. We were indeed heading to Golfo di Paradiso, but, typical of the Med, we were motoring as the wind was on the nose. It was paradisiacal however, the coast line here is spectacular. We sailed past Portovenere, home of Byron, and the Cinque Terra, which we had previously visited by train, and headed north to Sante Margherita Ligure.

Portovenere

Portovenere church tower

Back view of the church

Sailing past the Cinque Terra

Our anchorage at Sante Margherita Ligure


Santa Margherita Ligure proved to be a wonderful anchorage, with a very accessible small town. Here we first saw something that was to become common as we headed toward Genoa. Troupe l'ceil' (literally, to deceive the eye) is an artistic technique to create the illusion that things exist in three dimensions, when they are in reality flat. Here, cornices and decorations are painted on buildings, rather than being built in real stone.

Another statue of Garibaldi in Santa Margherita

Church facade

... and inside the church

'Troupe l'oeil' painted buildings 

Painted cornice 'trompe l'oeil'

We caught the bus into Portofino, as the tiny harbour is unbelievably packed with super yachts, no room for Pavlov. This little tourist gem was just too beautiful for words, with sculpture gardens, shady wooded lanes and lovely buildings.

Main square in Portofino

Portofino harbour

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Rhinoceros is part of the sculpture garden 

Mansions up on the hill overlooking the port

Flamingo one upmanship

Gorgeous gardens

Sea side view

Leafy trails across the headland

Undergrowth

Looking down into the harbour

Looking back to Sante Margherita

Where the super wealthy live

Main walkway

The bold and the beautiful...

A stupendous view!

You might have heard that we put Pavlov on the market. We're starting to get some interest and have several potential purchasers in the wings. This drove home the fact to me that we might be soon boatless. I think I will feel a real sense of loss when we sell Pavlov, she has become a part of our family. We determined to make the most of our remaining time in the Med, so we left Sante Margherita and continued up the coast, past the reclusive monastery town of Fruttuoso, and on to Genoa.

 

A castle to call one's own. 

The Italian Riveria

Lighthouse at the tip of the Portofino National Park

Monastery at Fruttuoso

Our berth at Genoa's Porto Antico

Pavlov in her berth

First glimpse of Genoa

Full scale prop for the movie 'Pirates'

Genoese Piazza.

We immediately fell in love with Genoa, and decided to camp out at our luxury marina for a week or so. More news as we explore this fascinating city. Ciao.