Portofino
Portofino is known around the globe for the charm of its brightly coloured row houses and tidy harbour. Founded by the Romans as "Portus Delfini" after the numerous dolphins in the Tigullian Gulf, Portofino today is the playground of the rich and famous. It wasn't til the late 19th century that wealthy European tourists began frequenting Portofino, but by the 1950's tourism replaced fishing as the town's principal industry. The area around the harbour is brimming with boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and places to sit, enjoy the sun and take in the scene.

Santa Margherita Ligure
Although it became a renowned tourist resort after WWII, there are lots of interesting things to see in Santa Margherita. As with so many places in this part of Italy there are remnants of the measures taken to defend the coast against pirates from North Africa, such as the 16th century tower at the Abbey of Cervara (a designated national monument). The abbey also contains many beautiful and varied gardens, once tended by Benedictine monks. Also not to be missed is Villa Durazzo, a spectacular residence from the 17th century that demonstrates the splendour of its era with period furniture, beautiful statuary, frescoes and trompe-l'oeil, mosaic floors and sumptuous gardens.

Camogli
This fishing village on the Italian Riviera gets its name from "case delle moglie" -- houses of the wives -- a testimony to the women who watched over the town while their husbands were at sea. In the Middle Ages Camogli was a considerable port known for its many tallships. For centuries the well-heeled from Milan and Turin have come to Camogli for the sunshine and pesto. Today the sunshine and pesto is still a draw for tourists, as are the colourful houses and abundance of festivals. Camogli is a favourite with clients.