With Portofino in the rear view mirror, we drove north along the coast to Genoa. The sun shone down as we drove the winding coastal road, pretty pastel towns intermixed with the tunnels through the mountains.
Genoa proved to be a flop, and we really didn't enjoy the city. However, we stayed at a gorgeous hotel, so if you do need a place in Genoa, I can highly recommend the Palazzo Grillo in a beautiful old restored palace with frescoes. The food was also great: Mamacita's for Mexican dinner and Tazze Pazze for breakfast (including vegan and gluten free options).
So, we left Genoa behind after our night there and before turning inland toward Lake Como, we enjoyed one final ocean day in Italy with an afternoon spent at Baia dei Saraceni.
Baia dei Saraceni is a gorgeous stretch of pebbled beach on the northwestern side of Italy. Pristine blue waters, gently crashing in the secluded bay, make for the perfect swim and tan spot, even in the late September sunshine.
There is not much on the beach - parking goes for €15 flat rate regardless of how long you stay on the road across, requiring a walk on the side of the busy road to the stone steps at the far end. There are no showers, no sunbeds, no refreshments... instead, you have peace, seclusion and and an invitation to slow down, snooze for a while and float in the salty little bay.
Be sure to pop into nearby Varigotti for lunch or a gelato - I can recommend La Gelateria Yogurt. But do know that all restaurants are closed from 3-7pm; the town in general is dead during these hours.
