Genoa to Camogli, Punta Chiappa & back

Camogli

July in Genoa and things are heating up. It is time to find ways to get out of the heat. Temperatures in the sun often surpass 90°F, even with low humidity, it is HOT.

One the best places to be is on my 100m² terrace, enjoying my panoramic view of the city and port.

My Terrace

I have yet to tire of listening to the sounds of the city wafting up (church bells chiming, the nattering of seagulls, cars, wind, police sirens, neighbors, and concert music), or of watching the ferries head out to Sardinia, Africa and Corsica. When I do manage to make it off the terrace, I tend to pop out for a gelato or a cappuccino or a pezzo di foccacia in a shady square in Genoa’s medieval center.

Another smiling Cappuccino

Other options are heading to the beach, hiding in a cool dark movie theater, heading to the mountains (Val D’aoste – info soon to follow), or popping into the public pool to swim some laps and work off all the gelato, focaccia and cappuccino.
Yesterday my friend Françoise, who is visiting from Paris, and I decided to beat the heat and hit the beach.

Our incredibly beautiful and incredibly hot 90 minute hike led us to Punta Chiappa, a small rocky swim spot just outside of Camogli in the Portofino National park. Upon arrival we were justly rewarded with a swim in clear blue Mediterranean sea.

Camogli & route to Punta Chiappa

Surrounded by deeply tanned cell phone chattering Italians eating focaccia in tiny swim suits, we settled in for a relaxing moment of pure Italia. After we had our fill of sea and sun, the 10 minute boat ride back to Camogli was a welcome alternative to a long sweaty hike back. We finished off our day with shopping in Camogli and a fabulous organic limone gelato before heading home to Genoa, and the terrace of course.

Madonna in little church along the way

Path from Camogli to Punta Chiappa