{"id":9047,"date":"2020-11-25T07:55:53","date_gmt":"2020-11-25T06:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.outdoorportofino.com\/?p=9047"},"modified":"2022-03-28T13:58:44","modified_gmt":"2022-03-28T11:58:44","slug":"outdoor-yoga-liguria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/outdoor-yoga-liguria\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Yoga: 6 beautiful spots in the Ligurian Riviera"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<p>In one of the last blog articles, we talked about the benefits of yoga. Practising it with constance allows you to maintain a healthy mind and body, an essential condition in this difficult, uncertain period.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/yogalilla\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Lilla<\/a>, our legendary Hungarian yoga teacher, loves spending her free time in the open air, going on treks and doing other outdoor activities. During her walks, she always practices <strong>yoga in the remote and enchanting places <\/strong>that she finds.<\/p><p>In this article we talk about her favourite spots on the Eastern riviera <strong>where you can do yoga in the open air, immersed in the wildest nature and in the traditions of the area<\/strong>.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Madonna di Caravaggio, Mount Orsena<\/strong><\/h1><p>Lose yourself alone in nature\u2019s silence, far from the slightest sound.<\/p><p>The Madonna di Caravaggio is found at 615 metres above sea level at the top of Mount Orsena (also called Mount Caravaggio) in the hamlet of Santa Maria del Campo. It is sited where three ridges meet and can therefore be reached with lovely walks from Rapallo, Ruta di Camogli and from the Uscio valley.<\/p><p>From the mountain\u2019s peak, exactly where the sanctuary is built, you have an amazing 360\u00b0 view over the hills and coastline of all of Liguria, After the uphill trek needed to reach the top, a yoga session is a perfect pick-me-up for stretching your muscles. A few moments of <strong>meditation and attention in nature\u2019s silence<\/strong> and a minute or two of long, deep breathing will \u201cfill you up\u201d with new energy.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/ezzC8SRZX6BY3P5MgaSyYDpAxK9Mbo1kAXaKpnxcZTOsASjvg5bTh3YKcOmq3oSsWPpV6Q61aU-n9yxysRRinNfLXDXLZfEy3Kr_n_AAc--ff8_n13lfzuDrajjG1LE97bgK6UOI\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption>Lilla practising yoga under the portico at the Caravaggio Sanctuary<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure><p>During the weekend, the Sanctuary is often very busy with hikers. To enjoy tranquility and solitary peace, we suggest that you go there on weekdays or early in the morning.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Montallegro<\/strong><\/h1><p>Located high up above Rapallo, Montallegro is another place immersed in nature where you can switch off from everyday noise and stress, indulging in genuine contact with nature. <strong>Practising yoga up here has something mystical about it<\/strong>, especially if you then delve into the religious past and miraculous anecdotes that make this place so suggestive.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/vbMdZKxrHhu6l4uStPF3kna4x5wQKEpQZI0itJwxL7qUewXZoxTnyRY6Xxmin04Z-pSbdiknn9EnFt4rav0CM5jmtAMNZnMr1NUeEfsGPkC1puimf9h39oslJ8kLaibeC8DgyZHl\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><p>A panoramic view from Montallegro<\/p><p>You can <strong>arrive here<\/strong> in different ways:<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>on foot, on the trails that start off from Rapallo, Chiavari, Zoagli (this last one is decidedly the most picturesque!)<\/li>\r\n<li>by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.funiviarapallomontallegro.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">cable car<\/a>, from Rapallo<\/li>\r\n<li>by car<\/li>\r\n<li>by public transport from Rapallo city centre<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><p>Montallegro is 600 m above sea level and from here you can admire a marvellous\u00a0 panorama of the Western coast of the Golfo del Tigullio. Various ancient mule tracks lead off from the Sanctuary, connecting to Uscio, Cicagna and Chiavari and along the way there are several clearings which become ideal places for open air yoga.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Camogli<\/strong><\/h1><p>A well-known fishing village, Camogli has maintained its great charm thanks to its still vivid traditions. Characterised by small (tall and narrow) colourful houses overlooking the sea and by a tiny port brimming with traditional fishing vessels, Camogli is the perfect place to <strong>immerse oneself in the traditions of long ago<\/strong>.<\/p><p>The <strong>quay<\/strong>, the Westernmost point once you have passed Piazza Colombo, is Lilla\u2019s favourite place for practicing asanas, with its view over the harbour on one side and of Punta Chiappa on the other. The sound of the seagulls blending with that of the church bells makes a music that is very special for accompanying the flow of breath in movement.<\/p><p><strong>An insider\u2019s tip<\/strong> off the beaten track is the so-called \u201cBardiciocca\u201d area. How do you get there? In front of the main door of the Basilica, descend a flight of stairs that will take you to a narrow (and dark) passage amongst the houses. Following on towards the light and after a series of passages amongst the rocks, you will reach a spot enclosed by chains, completely South-facing. Directly below the Dragonara castle, here you can enjoy a tranquil and privileged sea view. It&#8217;s the perfect place to take some time <strong>observing and listening<\/strong> to the voice of nature.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Niasca Bay, Portofino<\/strong><\/h1><p>Niasca beach, the flagship <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorportofino.com\/en\/portofino-eng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">headquarters <\/a>of Outdoor Portofino, couldn\u2019t be left off our list. This is certainly <strong>Lilla\u2019s favourite spot,<\/strong> where every summer she conducts <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorportofino.com\/en\/yoga-eng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Yoga and SUP Yoga classes <\/a>in Paraggi\u2019s beautiful bay. Practicing yoga in the morning in this setting, where the vegetation brushes the water and where the sounds of the sea blend with your breathing flow, is an <strong>experience not to be missed<\/strong>.<\/p><p>The <strong>best season and time<\/strong> to practise yoga here is in <strong>summertime at dawn<\/strong>, when the beach is still deserted and silence reigns. During the daytime the tiny beach fills up and it can be hard to find a quiet corner where you can be on your own.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/OQYge8QcQxWD8KYe4K_pIIcI9MizLTfnObLPCoAtSlTYpIpxPpjG9ekAmyC3zbPxqdsaoILV8usGrvNghKJ6JKA_UFKS6kf0XRrLoL6CWLXUJn2k3pR2hpbSJC-ViRJbEpdc9KXm\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption>A yoga lesson in Niasca, Portofino<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure><p>A <strong>treat <\/strong>here is to enjoy a wonderful swim in the green crystalline waters (before or after yoga, as your prefer). If you would like to complete the experience, you can also <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorportofino.com\/en\/rent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">hire a canoe or SUP<\/a> and paddle in the protected marine area, visiting Portofino from a new perspective.<\/p><p>We suggest that you reach Niasca Bay on foot, by bike or by bus, from Santa Margherita or from Portofino. Particularly in the summer months, the traffic and the lack of parking spaces can turn driving here into a stressful situation (best to avoid that before doing yoga!). <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorportofino.com\/en\/portofino-eng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Here<\/a> you can find more info on how to get to Niasca beach.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Piazza del Sole, Santa Margherita Ligure<\/strong><\/h1><p>On sunny days,<strong> the sun lights up the square all day long<\/strong>. Whether you want to practise open air yoga in the morning or afternoon, you can allow the sun\u2019s rays to warm you up at any time of day. The real high point of Piazza del Sole is its <strong>closeness to the sea<\/strong> \u2013 why not take a refreshing dip after having done yoga? \u2013 and its convenience, being so close to the centre of Santa Margherita, even though the urban sounds are well muffled here.<em> (Cover photo, Yoga in piazza del Sole)<\/em><\/p><p>You can <strong>reach<\/strong> piazza del Sole easily from the centre and from Santa Margherita Ligure\u2019s train station; it is set behind the Hotel Helios, on the Eastern side of the beach.<\/p><p>In the Autumn and Spring months, Lilla conducts her <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorportofino.com\/en\/tour\/yoga-class-santa-margherita-ligure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Yoga Flow lessons<\/a> here. Contact us if you would like to book some lessons here and\/or private sessions.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Parco di Villa Tigullio, Rapallo<\/strong><\/h1><p>Another extremely picturesque location where you can practise yoga in Rapallo is the beautiful Parco Casale, an ample green area in the English romantic style surrounding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.comune.rapallo.ge.it\/pagina514_villa-tigullio.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Villa Tigullio<\/a> which dates back to the 17th century. Overlooking the sea and circled by numerous centuries\u2019 old trees, this park is our <strong>ideal choice for yoga at sundown<\/strong>. With a splendid <strong>view over Portofino Park,<\/strong> here you can practise yoga at any time of day: the warm colours as the sun goes down make this place perfect for immersing yourself in your breath and movement flow.<\/p><p>To get to the park, starting from Rapallo Castle continue on towards Zoagli on the pedestrian boardwalk that runs along the sea. The Park is easy to spot thanks to the large green area.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/36LGU8wvDaI3MGMs2WbmavyGdVtJE3CzQWKnpsCE5-k8cpMfGFQWsc6mDLCofBPwRrud7ZZ7WI65Pp9I5_XTiTje2jXbE9v3MMxqncFwyIvlYHODsvlQPwufvSihS69lUDg7J0lL\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><p>Sundown seen from Villa Tigullio\u2019s Park, Rapallo<\/p><p>The list of course wouldn\u2019t stop here, there are many spots that are just as enchanting all over Liguria where you can enjoy a profound moment of soul searching. Our selection comes from Lilla\u2019s personal experience &#8211; our Outdoor Portofino yoga teacher &#8211; who wanted to share with you places that are full of charm, but are also (easily) reachable around here.<\/p><p>Share your experience and the places closest to your heart with us! We are curious to learn about other strategic points where you like to listen to nature and your own body.<\/p><p>Article co-written by:<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-7055 size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7055\" src=\"https:\/\/outdoorportofino.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Team_Outdoor_Portofino_Lilla_2020-300x153.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption>Author: Lilla Szucs, yoga instructor and outdoor enthusiast<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-7050 size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7050\" src=\"https:\/\/outdoorportofino.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Team_Outdoor_Portofino_Alessandra_2020-300x153.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption>Author: Alessandra Tixi, outdoor and yoga lover \/\/ Swimming instructor \/\/ Outdoor Portofino Communication Manager<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":12253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[254,258],"tags":[264],"class_list":["post-9047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","category-territory-ligurian-riviera","tag-yoga-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9047","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9047"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9047\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copyoutdoorprt.gmgnet.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}