2016-07-25 Carlo Riva Marina, Rapallo to Santa Margherita Harbour, Italy

The Carlo Riva Marina with very few empty berths overnight

The Carlo Riva Marina in Rapallo with very few empty berths overnight

We make our preparation to leave the marina this morning

Today is a very clear, humid and hot day, perfect to anchor somewhere for the day and have a swim and relax

Rapallo situated on the eastern side of the Italian Riviera has a population of just over 30,000 people

It has been described as an old fashioned Italian seaside resort

The delightful town of Rapallo has been described as a typical elegant old fashioned Italian seaside resort. The 16th century Castle, Castello de Mare stands prominently on the foreshore in the harbour

The sixth-century Basilica of Santi Gervasio e Protasio can be seen behind the buildings along the tree lined promenade

Once out of the harbour we head west towards Portofino

There are some amazing villas in this part of the Italian Riviera

There are some amazing villas along this part of the Italian Riviera

Just outside the harbour of Santa Margaherita a cluster of superyachts are anchored

Just outside the harbour of Santa Margherita, a fleet of super yachts are moored

Volopini, our Australian owned neighbour from our visit to Livorno, is moored in the area at the moment

Volopini, an Australian owned yacht which was beside us when we were in Livorno, was moored off Santa Margherita

On our way past we call into Santa Margaherita, as we are aware you can anchor in the harbour here

On our way to Portofino we call into Santa Margherita to have a look at the harbour, as we had read in the pilot book that you are able to anchor there overnight

After assessing the anchorage in Santa Margherita, we continue the short distance to Portofino

We arrive at the beautiful tiny port of Portofino, where the rich and famous visit

Approximately 3 kms past Santa Margherita is the beautiful tiny port of Portofino. Over the years this area has been the playground for the rich and famous. By the number of super yachts moored outside the harbour the town is still is very popular. Because of it’s charm it is a must see attraction for most tourists visiting the Italian Riviera

A rather large super yacht almost blocks the entrance to the port

A rather large sleek super yacht by the name of Ecstasea, almost blocks the entrance to the port

We thought we would go in to see if it has changed since we were here in 2003

We took the Tangaroa briefly into the port to see if it had changed since we were here in 2003

Nothing much has changed apart from fresh coats of paint and plenty of tourists!!

Not a great deal had changed, Portofino was still as picturesque as it was 13 years ago. No doubt a few fresh coats of paint on the elegant houses and also many more tourists

It is possible to anchor in this small bay beside Portofino overnight however we thought Santa Margaherita harbour was a better option

It is possible to anchor in Seno di Portofino overnight, which is the small bay north of the town, however we decide Santa Margherita harbour was a better option for us

We join a number of other boats and drop anchor along Strada Provinciale which runs along the foreshore from Portofino to Santa Margherita

A number of large and small boats are moored nearby off Portofino

A number of large and small boats are also moored nearby, quite close to Portofino

We spent most of the day swimming and enjoying the elegant scenery plus watching the super yachts coming and going

We spent most of the day swimming and enjoying the lovely scenery and watching the super yachts coming and going

When dark clouds started to appear we headed into Santa Margherita harbour and anchored as we had planned

It wasn't long before we had some loud thundery showers

It wasn’t long before we had some very loud thunder. followed by rain showers

Sunset in Santa Margherita

Santa Margherita by night

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