18- Grand bicycle tour in Italy from 2011 (Portofino)

From Rapallo I am heading for Portofino, a hidden gem, taking a minor road.

Soon I will reach this fantastic and iconic touristy village from Liguria.

What a magnificent marina!

Here I can feast my eyes on many luxurious boats.

I stumble upon many interesting statues.

There are plenty of tourists around.

After I eat and drink something, it is time for me to go. In Santa Margherita Ligure I can admire a wondrful church.

I carry on cycling on SS1 enjoying fabulous views.

Liguria is simply amazing.

My next stop will be at Recco where I gaze at some splendid paintings.

Then I go to a beach to take a dip in the sea.

In this town I notice a peculiar church.

I will spend the night like a homeless guy sleeping under a concrete structure in the middle of town.

17- Grand bicycle tour in Italy from 2011 (Liguria)

From Marola I have to climb a few km and the views are gorgeous.

I am cycling on road SP370. I am gaining elevation and I am elated to take in fabulous vistas.

I am in Cinque Terre! What a paradise!

It seems people here grow grapes and love cycling.

From the sea level I climb to passo del Bracco.

I am lucky enough to meet some cyclists and I have a nice chat with them.

From Rivarolo I will go down to Levanto and reach the sea level again. It is time for a swim.

Now the road follows the coast.

After Sestri Levante I am cycling on SS1 passing through magnificent towns like Lavagna, Chiavari and Rapallo.

It is time for me to enjoy some great architecture.

I admire some bas-reliefs.

16- Grand bicycle tour in Italy from 2011 (Porto Venere)

After spending a great evening at a pub where I met a nice albanian guy who married the owner's daughter and managed not only to escape poverty but also to lead a wonderful life, I spread my sleeping bag under a tree next to Genio hotel and had a relaxing sleep.

Day 14) Porto Venere I decided to spend another day in this paradise. In the morning I am feeding some pigeons.

Then I go to take a dip in the sea.

I am waching some seagulls.

I see a fancy boat.

After swimming I relax in the shade of some coniferous trees watching the tourists pass by.

I am lucky enough to see a unique scene, a seagull living in harmony wuth a cat.

Then I roam about this ancient town discovering new intersting places.

In the evening I am invited to Marco's birthday party and I have a fabulous time.

This pub has plenty of good drinks and I can admire some drawings.

Day 15) Portovenere - Portofino - Recco In the morning two carabinieri check me out and it s time for me to go. Ligurian splendid coast awaits me.

turele mele