Portofino Coast Extension

Portofino was originally settled by the ancient Romans. Although not much is known about the Roman settlement of the area, it is believed that the name for the area came from that time period. The Romans originally named it Portus Delphini, which translates to Port of the Dolphins, so named because of the numerous dolphin families living in the nearby waters.

In terms of modern history, the Portofino Coast was mostly ignored by the international world for much of its life. Nearby Genoa took much of the limelight from Portofino because it was a thriving fishing area with ports where boats could dock much more easily than in those of Portofino.

However, beginning in the early twentieth century, travelers began to notice Portofino and to pinpoint it as a travel destination. The early tourists to the area were from Britain and Germany. They were primarily relatively wealthy artists looking for a getaway where they could explore their artistic talents. Many of them maintained seasonal homes in the area while living full-time somewhere nearby. As word of this nice getaway spread, visitors began coming to the area from further destinations. By the middle of the twentieth century, Portofino was thriving as a travel destination, and it has only been growing ever since.

Rapallo, where we'll be staying on the Portofino Coast, is a beautiful Italian coastal town, particularly famous for the small castle in its center. The castle was constructed over 450 years ago to protect Rapallo from the attacks of pirates who ranged across the Mediterranean from ports within the Ottoman empire and the Barbary Coast. The harmonious atmosphere, mild winters, and tranquil seascape of Rapallo led many renowned thinkers and writers, including Friedrich Nietzsche and Ezra Pound, to draw inspiration from its breathtaking views.

The Italian Riviera offers dramatic diversity and incredible beauty. We'll be visiting Cinque Terre where mind-boggling landscapes coincide with colorful towns and a special way of life.