Arriving by train at Santa Margherita Ligure, I really had no idea how truly beautiful this area is. It's the first time we have visited this part of Italy and I can honestly say it's breath-taking. The rolling hills that make the backdrop are dotted with amazing villas and beautiful gardens, where majestic Cyprus trees stand tall. Palm trees line the streets, the beautiful clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea sparkle in the sun.
A Charming Atmosphere
Our hotel, The Lido Palace is just a few steps across the road from the beach. It's not quite high season here yet so the beach is not too crowded. The winding road around the shoreline is really impressive and you most definitely experience the Riviera feeling. I am enjoying have 'al fresco' meals on our balcony with my husband, and find myself spending a lot of time just people watching and soaking it all in. The lovely fashions and bright colours (especially yellow) are very evident. The sports cars whiz by with their tops down – it really is enchanting and I feel like I am on a movie set.
Yesterday we took a boat ride to Portofino. Portofino is a little smaller than I thought it would be but it is such a quaint little town with many vibrant cafés and luxury boats moored around the harbour. Cafés and little boutiques are all around the shore line. There are a few bargains to be found at the street vendor's booths but generally most places are more expensive. The temperature was 35 degrees while we were there and I think I got a little too much sun!
Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita is a lot bigger than Portofino but both are wonderful places to visit and you feel very special being in such a wonderful part of the world. There is total luxury all around. Food is more expensive here than Rome or Lucca but it is so worth a visit for a few days. It does feel like a great privilege to see these amazing vistas in person.
Tomorrow we train back to Rome for our departure to Hong Kong on Saturday. I really am going to miss Italy. I have totally fallen in love with this country, especially the places we have visited on this trip. We will definitely plan a return trip in a couple of years.
Lucca Opera
Before I sign off from Italy I would like to tell you about the Lucca Opera Festival. My husband and I met a charming young Italian man named Mattia Campetti who has opened up an old church in Lucca that had been closed for over fifty years. He has set up a wonderful opera company who are currently putting on concerts and piano recitals. He has the backing of The Alice Amy MacDonald Scholarship Trust which was set up in Australia. If any of you happen to be in Lucca this summer and like opera you can get information from www.iconcertidegliangeli.com. We were so lucky that the concerts were just a few steps away from our apartment and we could pop in on rehearsals while out on our daily walks.
Well, I am sad it's almost time to leave; it has been a wonderful experience for our family, and one we will never forget
I have to say I definitely over packed for this trip. I thought I had under packed but I didn't take into account the shopping I would do in Lucca! The bargains were plentiful and were hard to resist but heavy suitcases are not much fun.
Well time to re-pack and reduce if possible.
Next stop, Hong Kong – I must say I'm looking forward to the cocktails!
Ciao from Santa Margherita.
By Kay Rayner
Join the Discussion
Type out your comment here:
You must be logged in to post a comment.