Working on a Super-yacht definitely has its perks. The Yacht travels to the quaintest destinations that most would never even know about, never mind get to see in their lifetimes. Places that that the rich and famous flock to freely. Locations where movies are made, and books are written about. Incredibly beautiful and picturesque. I am so grateful I have been able to experience such places in my career. Such places I would never even think would have been possible to see. Sadly, with stigma as super wealthy spots, most people think it is not possible or accessible for them to experience too. But do not fear, if you can’t afford to stay in places such as these, don’t skip out on the opportunity as a day trip. I am a firm believer in jumping at every opportunity when travelling. Nothing is out of anyone’s reach. Experience is everything.
Two of my favourite small towns in Italy weirdly start with the word Porto. Directly translated to Port from Italian, means that they are coastal towns. They have the quaintest little ports which I have been lucky enough to dock in and be right in the centre of the magic. There is something so magical about a coastal Italian town to me; the colourful old school buildings lining the harbour, the yachts and fishing boats filling the port. The cobble stone squares, and the boutique stores and cutest food markets stocking specialty treats from the region. These towns have a sense of magic and soul that is in-explainable. It screams to the mermaid inside of me. Gratefully, these towns are all easily accessible by ferry, car or train from their nearest and more affordable towns. Making them accessible to everyone.
Portofino
Ah Portofino… The most beautiful and quaint little fishing village southeast of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. It is tiny but an absolute must visit! The little cobblestone square just off the port is surrounded by traditional Italian restaurants and name brand stores. We walked up a long alley and found the cutest little Gelato and Pancake store in a courtyard, covered by the most incredibly beautiful old oak tree. We sat at an old iron woven table and had some of the most delicious Gelato I have ever had! OMG… It was a scene out of a novel!! Then to burn off the calories we walked up hundreds of stairs up to the famous Castello Brown. A castle on top of the hill overlooking the whole of Portofino. This is probably the most picturesque spot to take in the village and port in its entirety. I can’t explain how magical it is up there. We went up for a couple of sunsets and it was the most beautiful thing watching the town go from a multicolour view of architecture, yachts and sea views in the day time, to the most beautiful glowing and twinkling town by night as all the lights flickered on. Another beautiful adventure here is to walk to the lighthouse on the other side of the castle. You have to walk up a hill past some of the most exorbitant houses you have ever seen in your life, to reach a stunning café on the edge of the cliff housing the Light house. Sit and relax from all the walking with a glass of wine and Aperitivo and take it all in.
Portovenere
Another town I would never ever have even known about if it weren’t one of the stops on our itinerary. Located on the Ligurian Coast of northwestern Italy. It is famous for its Gulf of Poets. And incredibly picturesque bay surrounded by high cliff edges topped with incredible old ruins and architecture. You walk down the rocks and can swim in the bay known as Byron’s Grotto when the conditions are right. I came to meditate here. It had such an inviting warm, yet strong and powerful energy. No wonder it was a place that inspired the famous poet Lord Byron to write some of his most well-known works. To the left of the bay lies the incredible clifftop San Pietro Church. This town is also known for its stunning walking trails throughout the town, and its shopping streets and up to the famous Doria Castle overlooking the bay of poets. This town is also famous for its delicious Ligurian Pandolce, a sweet classic less dense fruit cake like Pannetone, and it’s Sciacchetra Wine, a mouth watering sweet dessert style wine. I found the most traditional little osteria (restaurant) up on the higher level of the shopping street and sat at the window, looking out onto the cobblestone street, people watching and eating and drinking these specialties. Let me just tell you, it was a slice of heaven. A little bit of my soul will always stay in this town.
Bucket List
Italy is such a unique place. Filled with history, culture and time old traditions. The warm and inviting mentality of the locals is something you have to experience in your life. They love unconditionally and exhibit such a passion in every instant of their lives. They throw their heart and soul’s into their food, their family and their relationships with others. I am in love with every part of this country and could honestly write about it until I’m blue in the face, but it is something that just has to be experienced oneself. Do yourself a favour and add an Italy trip to your bucket list. You will thank me later.
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