Camogli

Portofino may be Liguria’s most illustrious escape but there is a more authentic scene on the opposite side of the promontorio at Camogli. Weathered old fishermen can still be found repairing nets along the harbour and behind them tall narrow houses rise in a multitude of colours. For the past decade, Camogli has been attracting a different crowd and now fishermen share the village with some of Italy’s top writers, artists, politicians and industrialists who weekend from the big cities in the north.

This crowd tends toward the Boschetto neighbourhood, a peaceful conservation area covered with fig trees and agave plants on Mount Portofino. Boschetto is a short drive to the centre of the town but if you feel like walking, there is a narrow path and steep steps characteristic of the towns along the precipitous Ligurian coast. New residents are also investing in the faded country houses that dot the area. Some have been magnificently restored and offer stunning views onto the Paradiso gulf that stretches from Savona to Portofino.

Camogli is known for its warmly hued houses, which were built during the 17th and 19th centuries and often reach as high as 10 floors. The Boschetto neighbourhood is home to an ancient Ligurian palace, replete with trompe l’oeils and frescos inside and out. The houses in the area were once the country homes of sea captains, later turned into villas for the bourgeoisie. The mansions are often surrounded by fasce (land terraced for olive groves) and gardens with swimming pools. Boschetto is always a little cooler than the waterfront, so it’s comfortable all year round.

BA – one flight daily

Lufthansa/Air Dolomiti – up to four flights daily

Air France – up to three flights daily

Fresh fish is sold from early in the morning with the catch of the day arriving directly from the sea in front of the shop. Shellfish and other seafood is also available from the Adriatic. Lobster on request.

Every kind of Ligurian pasta, all hand-made in the back of the shop, including trofie, gnocchi, pansoti and ravioli with boraggini. They also prepare ragu, pesto and walnut sauce to toss with the pasta every day.

Local produce for your own pot including extra virgin olive oil, taggiasche olives, wines, vegetables preserved in olive oil and a variety of dried herbs.

“The Cats of the Village” is located under the arches in the centre of town and sells modish Med threads for kids and adults.

Water transportation for small groups (maximum 10) on a rubber dingy from Camogli to Punta Chiappa, San Fruttuoso or Portofino and Santa Margherita.

Born in Camogli, young architect Guido Risicato has been making a name for himself locally for his airy sympathetic renovations in town  By mixing design with traditional style.

Connoisseurs come on foot or by boat to this trattoria to eat freshly caught seafood, including tuna from the nearby tonnara.

Not only can you find the best focaccia and focaccia al formaggio in Camogli here but its Camogliesi rum cake with dark chocolate is not to be missed. It has just one other shop, in Tokyo, which gives you an idea of just how good this place is.

Opened in 1984, the place is now run by Paolo’s wife Teresa, his chef son Angelo and his wife, Angela. They will cook only local fish and during the summer they have a small outdoor dining area with room for five tables.

If you aren’t in a hurry and you enjoy trying traditional Ligurian dishes, ask for the garden terrace of this old classic house in San Rocco which has been transformed into a restaurant a few kilometres from the centre of Camogli.

Residents and tourists share tables on two small squares, one on the harbour and the other overlooking the beach. Nice snacks and excellent coffee.

A small bottega perfectly situated on the waterfront. The best home-made gelato in town. You can choose from a list of 20 flavours – the speciality is the granite di frutta fresca.

Located in front of the small harbour where fishermen and the boats for San Fruttuoso and Punta Ciappa depart. This quaint hotel has just five rooms.

Modernist interiors and Murano glass on Mount Portofino – a must for a more secluded stay.

€4,000 – €7,000 a sq m

€9,000 – €12,000 a sq m

“The procedure is the same for both Italians and foreigners,” says Rita Ogno of agency Immobiliare Memmo, “and it takes roughly one to two months to reach completion.” If you use an agency you will have to pay 3 per cent of the price. Buy directly from the homeowner and you’ll avoid this cost but in both cases you need to hire a notary. You also need to sign a preliminary contract with the notary present. Tax on purchase of a second house is 10 per cent of the value. If you make the home your primary residence this tax can be avoided.

“I decided to move here because it’s a very traditional fishing village only an hour and a half from Milan. Lately, it has become a refuge for international intellectuals and connoisseurs while remaining true to its authentic seafaring roots. People here respect your private life and newcomers are always welcome.”

“I love Camogli. Here you can escape from the stress of city life and you are surround by tranquillity and the beauty of Monte di Portofino. A true pleasure is going to the small harbour and taking a gozzo – a traditional fishing boat – to a special swimming spot in front of Abbazia di San Fruttuoso.”

“It’s a small village with a very active and respectful social life. We almost never go to restaurants but instead to friends’ homes. Camogli is at the heart of Ligurian cultural and artistic scene which is attracting a growing number of professionals looking for a simpler seaside holiday.”

“The same families have been living here for centuries and this preserves the authenticity. The place permits you to live a very special informal life that is easily shared with friends every weekend. There’s an intellectual and stimulating atmosphere.”

“My husband and I liked the intellectual atmosphere in Camogli, that’s why we started our foundation (fondazioneremotti.it). We asked the architect Alberto Garutti to restore the 19th-century Sconsacrata church of Giannelline in the Boschetto neighbourhood. Artists such as Gilberto Zorio, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Tobia Rehberger and A12 all took part in the restoration.”