16038 Santa Margherita Ligure, Metropolitan City of Genoa

"Rent a bike in Santa Margherita di Ligure Catch the train from Genova Brignole station to Santa Margherita Ligure (about a 30-minute ride, leaving every ~30 minutes) and walk down to the large dockside pedestrian area. You will see the bike rental station just a few steps away from the bus ticket kiosk. For ~5 euros, you can have a bike for the whole day—a perfect option for exploring the fantastic surroundings! While the roads are all paved, they are incredibly narrow, and cars tend to drive quickly. Just be aware and stay very close to the edge for your own safety. Portofino (a 15-minute ride) is a gorgeous town frequented by international tourists and stunning yachts in the summer months. Originally named for the schools of dolphins (Port'Delfino) that often pass this cove, the landscape around the village is breathtaking. If you come in the spring, you can ditch your bike to spend the day hiking the paths up to the perched fort and church, or simply enjoy a gelato while gazing at the quaint fishing boats in the marina."

"Watch the catch come into market Plan a trip to Santa Margherita Ligure, to enjoy the day walking the gorgeous 'passagiata' along the ocean, eating lunch in a small trattoria directly on the water, and then meandering down to the dock across from the fish market at quarter to four (you will know where to stand - just look for the gathering crowd of locals). Very slowly, the fishing boats will start to pull into port, unloading their fresh catch, and hauling them into the market across the street for immediate sale. Octopus, bright red shrimp, and big-eyed mupa are always stacked in their wooden crates, along with any special finds of the day. If you are staying in your own apartment, this is a great opportunity to purchase your dinner! If not, just enjoy the daily community ritual that has been going on for hundreds of years now."