We will be in Santa Margherita Ligiure in July and we are very interested in not spending the whole time lying on the rocks drinking (just most of the time).
We are sorta young (35-43) and in fairly good shape (well he is) and want to find all the great outdoor attractions.
Can anyone recommend some good hiking trails? Or your favorite outdoor activity in SML.
Thanks

I am assuming that you are aware that the best hiking in that area is along the cliff paths in the Cinque Terre. From SML itself, the most interesting walk is down to Portofino. A chunk of it is alongside and sometimes actually on the road to Portofino, but other parts are on the cliffs with some spectacular views. It is all well marked and should take 2 to 3 hours at a steady pace. Ideally, head off in the morning and get to Portofino in time for bruschetta at lunchtime, have a good look round and then get the boat back to SML. We did it last year and thought that it was a perfect day! Have fun

My map of Il Tigullio (Coast and Interior) from Nervi to Deiva Marina has 96 marked hiking trails. Besides the long hike (over five hours) around the Promontorio di Portifino, my favourite hike is from the Santuario di Montalegro to Chiavari. Take the cable car from Rapallo up to the Santuario (or hike one and a half hours) and from there it is a 3 hour sublime walk to Chiavari. You can either hike back or take the train.

Thank you for the replies. I was wondering where you got your map of II Tigullio JQ?
I would be interested in getting one.

Lenox, I picked up the Il Tigullio APT (Azienda Promozione Turistica) map at the hotel (Terminus) we stayed at. I remember thinking that I wished I had this map for the hike around the Promontorio.

The map lists several tourists offices in the area, including SML, but try this link for an up-to-date APT website and e-mail address:

http://www.enit.it/comuniris.asp?Lan...RE&ID=1484

Good luck. JQ