Have you been dreaming of heading to a picturesque seaside village on the Italian Riviera?
Consider Portofino instead, a place known for its natural beauty, history, luxury and charm.
Set on the Ligurian Sea, Portofino is known for its postcard-perfect scenery, high-end shops and restaurants and ample opportunities for leisure time.
Keep reading!
Where Is Portofino Located?
Portofino sit on the Italian Riviera in northwestern Liguria. It’s located on a sheltered cove called the Gulf of Tigullio and surrounded by the Portofino Regional Natural Park.
The real town and harbor of Portofino are a small crescent-shaped district that faces south toward the Mediterranean Sea. The homes and shops are layered along the waterfront all the way up into the hills, looking over the beautiful blue waters of the harbor.
Portofino is some 20 miles southeast of Genoa and roughly 60 miles south of Milan. But even though it’s so close to these big cities, Portofino seems a world away from them, with its peaceful vibe and tucked-away locale.
History of Portofino
Portofino, with its thousands of years of history, is pretty fascinating. In Roman times it was called Portus Delphini (Port of the Dolphin) because of the shoals of dolphins that swam into its protected bay and inlets. Portofino became part of the Republic of Genoa in 1171 AD. There, the Genoese constructed fortifications, homes and a small harbor. This early development laid the groundwork for Portofino’s architectural style and culture, which is evident to this day.
By the 19th century, Portofino was a favorite place for artists and writers who were captivated by its natural beauty and slow pace of living. Over the centuries, Portofino has also played host to writers like Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and Guy de Maupassant and, later, Truman Capote.
Why Is Portofino So Special?
What exactly makes Portofino one of the most famous destinations in the world? Some of the most important ones are:
Stunning Natural Scenery
Portofino is endowed with beautiful natural scenery. Its port is sheltered by a naturally formed amphitheater of hills covered in Cyprus trees, olive groves and pastel-colored houses. What the sprawling view of the harbor reveals is the cliffsides, lush green hillsides, and azure blue Mediterranean waters. Several scenic trails in the nearby Portofino Natural Park also offer spectacular vantage points. The senses are bombarded by vibrant flowers, azure seascapes and sea air.
Rich History
From its Roman heritage to medieval Genoese architecture, Portofino is steeped in history.
Strolling its narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways is like stepping back in time.
Be sure to check out landmarks including 17th-century Castello Brown, the eye-catching San Giorgio Church and the iconic Portofino Lighthouse. Portofino also has its own local culture, food and artistic heritage to discover.
Luxury and Exclusivity
With its yacht-dotted harbor, designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants, Portofino has built a reputation for luxury and exclusivity. Book a waterfront hotel to have the best views. Shop on Viale Matteotti, sip limoncello and people-watch from a sidewalk caffè table.
Portofino draws an elite clientele of celebrities, royals and the wealthy. Expensive, but the town provides an archetypal taste of the La Dolce Vita way of life. In fact, don’t be too shocked if you bump into a celebrity while you’re there.
Charming Piazzetta
Piazzetta, the social beating heart of Portofino, a picturesque square that encircles the harbor. It’s also a great spot to sip on an espresso or pre-dinner aperitivo while watching the goings-on in the marina. Yachts and fishing boats bob on the water as seagulls wheel overhead. Bask in the romantic seaside atmosphere, settle at an outdoor restaurant table and live like a local.
What Are Portofino’s Best Things to Do?
When not wandering around town and soaking up the scenery and dolce vita vibe, what else should you include on your Portofino itinerary? Here are some top activities:
- Hiking or picnicking in the Portofino Natural Park with spectacular views of the sea
- Go on a boat tour to see hidden coves and castles on the coast
- Visit Castello Brown, the 16th-century castle with panoramic views
- Enjoy a lazy seafood lunch at a restaurant along the harbor
- Examine medieval sites like St. Martin’s Church and the Oratory
- Explore the Lighthouse Museum, to discover Portofino’s seafaring history
- Swim or kayak in the sheltered waters of Paraggi Beach
- Shop till you drop on luxury Viale Matteotti
- Go for a day trip to the nearby charming seaside towns of Santa Margherita or Camogli
Portofino isn’t big, but it offers a lot for visitors. You can spend your days indulging in a
combination of cultural pursuits, nature hiking, boating excursions, gastronomic pleasures and plain lounging.
When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Portofino?
One of Portofino’s charms is that it’s a pin drop of a place that makes a perfect getaway in any season. But the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are perfect for dodging summer crowds without sacrificing decent weather. June through August are the busiest and priciest months. Beautiful weather reigns, hotel prices skyrocket and the town fills up.
If you want to avoid summer crowds, shoot for April-May or September-October. These
shoulder months provide warm, sunny days without excessive heat and crowds. Hotel prices are lower too. During the winter months, Portofino is peaceful, and many shops and restaurants are shut down. But if you aren’t deterred by brisk weather, winter is the most budget-friendly time to go. Only take rain gear, because February can be very rainy.
Regardless of when you visit, Portofino will dazzle you with its beauty and charms!
How to Get to Portofino
It’s relatively easy to access, despite its remote location:
By car: Portofino is approximately an hour-and-a-half drive from Genoa or Milan. Just
follow the coastal SS227 highway to Santa Margherita then follow the signs for
Portofino.
By train: There are frequent trains from Milan or Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure
station. From there, take a 15-minute taxi boat or bus to Portofino.
By ferry: There are regular passenger ferry services from Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Santa
Margherita and Rapallo. The boat ride provides beautiful views of the sea.
Keep in mind that you cannot drive a car into Portofino village. There is limited road and parking space. When you arrive, move about by foot, shuttle bus, taxi boat or bicycle.
Budget-Friendly Portofino Travel Tips
Though Portofino’s image is one of shallows and flush, budget-minded travelers can experience the village without spending a fortune:
- Stay out of Portofino – The more budget-friendly accommodation options are in Santa
Margherita Ligure or Rapallo, and from there you can hop a train, bus or boat to
Portofino during the day. - Don’t go in summer – travel in the shoulder or low seasons and when hotel rates are
cheaper. - Have picnics – Instead of expensive restaurants, shop at local markets for fixings and
have picnics in the park. - Visit the beach: The public beaches in Paraggi or Camogli are free and a fairly close way
to access the sea. - Drink house wine – Select the cheapest local house wine when eating out instead of
forking out on better wine. - Do everything on foot – Portofino is so small and convenient to explore on foot, you can
walk everywhere instead of hiring cars or taxis.
Although certain amounts of splurging enhance the Portofino experience, budget travelers can indulge in the village’s beauty without forking over the equivalent of a king’s ransom.
Final Thoughts
Over the decades, everyone from artists and writers to celebrities and travelers have all
succumbed to Portofino’s charms.
Now it’s your turn to enjoy this jewel of the Italian Riviera and its beautiful charms.
