Birthday Magic on the Italian Riviera: My Journey Through Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure & Portofino

After 24 hours of travel from Nashville to Genoa, my Italian adventure finally began! ✈️🇮🇹
My flight arrived two hours late in Milan, and I barely made it to the train heading toward Genoa. Thankfully, my sweet niece came to the rescue,  she managed to change my ticket just in time! A quick (and rather expensive 😅) taxi ride from the airport to Milano Centrale got me there with only minutes to spare.

Fountain at the square in downtown Genoa, Italy - Photo by Sheyla Paz

When I stepped off the train, there she was, waiting for me right on the Binario (train platform). Seeing her after two long years was the warmest welcome I could’ve asked for. 💕
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Our first stop? A local pizzeria she swore had the best pizza in town,  and she was absolutely right! After checking in at the hotel, we picked up a few things from her apartment. We decided to spend the afternoon exploring one of the most picturesque corners of Genoa: Boccadasse.

With its colorful houses, salty sea breeze, and the sound of locals chatting over coffee, Boccadasse felt like stepping into a living postcard. We savored creamy gelato by the beach and climbed a hill just in time to watch the sun set over the Ligurian coast. 🌅 Pure magic.

By the time we returned to the hotel, jet lag had finally caught up with me. We shared leftover pizza, turned on a movie, and I drifted to sleep, content, grateful, and already falling in love with Italy all over again. 💫

A Birthday to Remember: Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure

The next morning, I woke up ready to celebrate another year of life, Italian style! 🇮🇹✨
We took a short train ride to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming seaside town brimming with coastal beauty. After wandering through its colorful streets, we hopped on a 15-minute boat ride to Portofino, a place that truly feels like a dream.

We enjoyed delicious pesto pasta by the bay, visited the town’s cathedral, and admired the view as boats swayed gently in the harbor. My niece surprised me with a beautiful necklace and matching bracelet, such a sweet and meaningful gift. 💖 We toasted with a glass of Pinot Grigio, celebrating life, love, and adventure.

In the afternoon, we hiked up to the historic fortress, where the view of Portofino from above took our breath away. We made it back to catch the last ferry to Santa Margherita Ligure, where we ended the day with gelato and sunshine by the sea.

Back in Genoa that evening, we had dinner at a traditional local restaurant, the perfect ending to a perfect birthday.
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The next morning, before catching my train back to Milan, we visited the Christopher Columbus Museum, his birthplace, and where he grew up, a meaningful stop that connected me even deeper to Genoa’s rich history.

A Hidden Gem in Milan: NEMI Nest Hotel

After a scenic three-hour train ride, I arrived in Milan and checked into the stunning NEMI Nest Hotel, a colorful and elegant five-star boutique property that truly impressed me. Their hospitality was unmatched, from a delicious Pesce al Sale lunch to a thoughtful breakfast box-to-go when I had to leave early for my train to Basel.
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Their rooms are spacious, beautifully designed, and offer the charm of a luxury stay at a four-star price point, a true hidden gem for travelers seeking comfort and authenticity in Milan.

Let’s Plan Your Italian Adventure

Whether you dream of exploring Genoa’s coastal charm, wandering through Portofino’s pastel streets, or soaking up Milan’s cosmopolitan flair,  I can help you plan an unforgettable Italian escape tailored just for you.

📩 Contact me today to start planning your Italian Riviera getaway!
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And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to be the first to read my next blog post, coming soon: “Sailing the Rhine River with Viking.” 🚢💙

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