Paraggi and surroundings
Hotel Argentina is located in Liguria, on the Levante Riviera, on the western end of the Tigullio Gulf.
Famous all over the world, the Bay’s true attraction is the unparalleled beauty of its sea, with a predominantly sandy sea bed and the distinctive green colour of the water. The beach is divided between the municipalities of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino and is located in a strategic point that allows you to explore the nature of both the terrestrial park as well as the marine reserve.
Between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino
The municipalities of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino are connected by Provincial Road 227, a 4 km route that harmoniously follows the natural curving line of the coast. We highly recommend that you use a bike, motorbike or walk along the Sentiero dei Baci (Trail of Kisses) to enjoy the panorama on one of Italy’s most captivating nature trails.
A small fishing village and one of the most important tourist resorts in Liguria, Portofino is undoubtedly one of the pearls of the Tigullio Gulf: in addition to the enchanting historic centre with its characteristic tiny harbour, a visit to Brown Castle with its park surrounded by greenery, the lighthouse and the natural beauty of Mount Portofino, with the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, which can be reached on foot or by boat, are all a must.
A unique combination of tradition and worldliness, Santa Margherita is able to enchant poets with the ancient charm of a fishing village and seduce the jet-set with its sparkling, cosmopolitan atmosphere at cocktail hour. Worthy of a visit are Villa Durazzo-Centurione, two villas and a large 17th-century park with an interesting Italian-style garden with risséu cobblestone inlay, the Castle of Santa Margherita Ligure near the seafront (1550) and the ancient Cervara Abbey, a monastic complex dating back to 1361 overlooking the sea with splendid English-style gardens, now privately owned.
A walk over land
The walk winds along the coast in pleasant up and downhill stretches on a road lined with wonderful villas, and allows you to discover three of the Tigullio Gulf’s main tourist resorts and their beaches. An 8.5 km path, accessible to everyone, connecting Rapallo with Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino.
From Hotel Argentina you can reach Santa Margherita Ligure by way of a pedestrian terrace on the sea, which offers stunning views, or Portofino on a path through the woods that takes only 20 minutes, sheltered from the sun, without ever losing sight of the sea. From Santa Margherita Ligure you can also continue and reach the Rapallo seafront, passing through the village of San Michele di Pagana, a bay that is part of the Portofino Protected Marine Area, divided into the three coves of Pomaro, Trelo and Prelo.
The Tigullio Gulf by sea
You can’t leave the Tigullio Gulf without going on a sea trip: a boat trip along the coastline is an experience to be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime.
Hotel Argentina offers you the chance to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience on board the exclusive boat the Tenacia: an elegant vessel complete with all comforts, a modern version of the classic “gozzo”, designed and customised to guarantee maximum comfort even on excursions lasting an entire day.
More than Levante
An hour-and-a-half boat ride away along one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines, a visit to the Cinque Terre is a must. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this rugged stretch of coastline contested by a thousand shades of green and blue is unanimously considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and is protected by a nature reserve.
A 50-minute train ride away, you can also visit the beautiful city of Genoa: the port, with Renzo Piano’s unmistakable Bigo; the fascinating streets of the historic centre; the aquarium, the Doge’s Palace, the Museum of the Sea and the cathedral of San Lorenzo... This city is a place of never-ending discovery.
It takes a special effort to leave the blue of the beaches, but if you’re in the mood for shopping or want to use your stay to visit an art city, take advantage of your hotel’s strategic location to go to Milan, Bologna or Florence on a day trip.