Liguria

In the final episode of this Ligurian series, Andrea Grisdale arrives in Portofino, a place known around the world for its glamour, color and iconic harbor. Yet beyond the famous waterfront, she discovers a more intimate story shaped by the people who call this coastline home. Beginning on the water with local skipper Matteo, Andrea sees Portofino through the eyes of those working to protect its beauty, preserve its character and share the village as more than a destination, but as a place held deeply in the heart.

Her route then climbs into the hills above Portofino, where an eco-farm brings the region’s agricultural heritage back to life. Among olive trees, vineyards, beehives and kitchen gardens, Andrea explores how sustainability here is not a passing idea, but a way of honoring the past and carrying it forward. From food picked from the land and cooked from scratch to traditions maintained across generations, she sees how the soul of Liguria is rooted as much in its hills as in its sea.

The episode closes at Grand Hotel Miramare, an icon of the Italian Riviera since 1903, where elegant gardens, sweeping sea views and contemporary art sit alongside a strong sense of family tradition. In conversation, Andrea reflects on the many ways Liguria can be experienced, from hiking ancient hillsides to drifting along the coast. What stays with her most is not only the region’s natural beauty, but the artisans, farmers and local families who preserve its history, share its passions and give the Riviera its soul.