Bologna and Camogli
Hi fellow explorers!
Traveling to Italy was my final summer trip. Previously I visited Rome and I have to say I did not fall in love with the city. Maybe because I went in January, and I missed the warmth of the sun combined with the yellow paint from the buildings. After all, I am an Iberian girl and I feel most at home when I relate to southern landscapes. This year we went to Bologna, and it changed my initial impression. I knew I would eventually fall in love with this country though did not know when.
We started in Bologna, a city known for its university and vibrant student life. As usual, we didn’t have anything planned. Just wander around the city to get the vibe of the people. Ironically, I am a travel designer but I plan nothing when I explore. I enjoy discovering it at my own pace and taking advantage of the simple moments as if I was a local.
Our first day included a vegan lunch at Pasto Nomade, exploring the Cineteca, and ending the day with a classic ragu at Osteria Dell Orsa, followed by drinks in the lively university quarter. It was simple as this but it worked.
On day two, we wandered through Piazza Maggiore, indulged in mortadella sandwiches at Mò Mortadella Lab, and enjoyed wine at the historic Osteria Del Sole. The streets leading to Osteria del Sole are so charming that you want to try all their displayed products. Vegetables, fish, pasta, and all kinds of delicacies.
It makes you want to live in the street and imagine you are in an Italian movie scene.
We wrapped up with delicious pizza at Il Sellaio, leaving Bologna with much more left to explore!
Our journey continued to Camogli, on the Ligurian Sea, where I felt I had arrived at one of the most beautiful places in the world. I know there are countless breathtaking places, but something about the colorful houses cascading down the mountainside toward the sea left me utterly dazzled. We arrived just as the sun was setting and had enough time for a quick swim in the blue Ligurian waters. It was the most glorious way to begin the second part of our trip.
As the days went by, we explored the charming restaurants around Camogli—though getting a table was often a challenge. Eventually, we tried the fresh pasta at Fiorella, a cozy takeaway spot where you can pick your own pasta and sauce. Our first choice was pesto, and it was unforgettable—the best I’ve ever tasted. On rainy days, we strolled with gelato from Latterie 1978 and took a leisurely walk from Camogli to Recco. While Recco lacks Camogli’s charm, it’s still a pleasant place to explore and enjoy an espresso.
On our last day, we took a train to Genoa, a port city that would need more than an afternoon to fully appreciate. Ironically, my most vivid memory is the train ride along the coast—a perfect snapshot of the area’s rugged beauty.
See you soon, Italy—and that pesto too.
