For superyacht Captains trying to make Valentine’s Day on February 14th special, here is a romantic getaway that takes inspiration from Italian culture.
It turns out that Valentine’s Day is said to have originated in Italy and the towns of Camogli and Alassio are among Italy’s dreamiest spots.
February is a great time to visit Liguria with a mild climate and relatively tourist-free streets. Perfect if the boss wants to use the yacht to impress the love of his or her life
Situated in the northwest of the country the Italian Riviera is the long and narrow coastal region recognised for its capital Genoa, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Cinque Terre villages and for being the home of pesto.
Camogli
Located between the superyacht friendly ports of Genoa and Portofino on the Eastern Riviera, romantic Camogli is a medieval fishing village becomes a hub for Valentine’s Day traditions and the town is dedicated to lovers. Magic cultural events attract the attention of artists, poets, writers and painters from all over the world.
The fishing nets that line the harbour wall are covered with little red hearts upon which people can write the name of their Valentine, and those which withstand the weather of the sea are said to be truly everlasting love. Camogli’s ‘Lover’s Market’ takes place along the pretty promenade and is filled with treats, culinary delights, jewellery and trinkets.
Restaraunts in Camogli also promote San Valentino with a couples menu (from €80 all-inclusive for 2 people) and the Artistic San Valentino Collection. This initiative presents couples who dine in participating restaurants with an exclusive souvenir plate produced each year by a new artist. The 2018 edition is designed by local artist Maria Teresa Di Micco.
In celebration of love, many hotels in Camogli offer couples unmissable Valentine promotions. From 11th to 15th February the Locanda I Tre Merli offers a 2 night stay, welcome aperitif, complimentary prosecco and seasonal fruit basket, free room service including personalised breakfast and access to the Locanda I Tre Merli spa – all at a discounted rate of €353 (usually €544).
Liguria, the perfect blend of authenticity and relaxation, is renowned for its incredible beaches, beautifully preserved medieval villages, stunning mountains and unique cuisine.
Alassio
Known today as the ‘Sweetheart’s Town,’ Alassio, on the Western Riviera has love entrenched in its ancient foundations and many sights to visit. Painter Mario Berrino created the famous ‘Muretto di Alassio’ which is covered in romantic works. Young couples in the 50’s would meet at the famous ‘Caffe Roma’ opposite the Muretto and would fall in love here.
Sitting upon the renowned Muretto is a bronze statue by Eros Pellini of a young couple tenderly holding hands. Raymond Peynet’s famous painting upon tiles; ‘Les Amoureux,’ depicts a couple in a gentle embrace. There’s also Mastroianni’s elegant ‘Steel Storks’, which is said to be good luck for those awaiting the arrival of a baby.
Every year, the town plays host to the ‘Beautiful Love Letters’ contest, a tradition which began in the 1950’s when Mario Berrino placed a special mailbox for the love letters usually left on the Muretto to be posted into. These love letters are sent from all over the world, and every Valentine’s Day 20 are awarded. Anyone can take part in this romantic contest by sending their own love letter to sanvalentino@comune.alassio.sv.it and liking the Facebook page.
These works and traditions of love embrace all who visit the Ligurian city from all around the world.