Portofino is a picturesque village on the Riviera di Levante in Liguria. Nestled between green hills and the Mediterranean, it offers a picture-postcard landscape of colorful houses and boats bobbing on the sea. Home to the international jet-set and a source of inspiration for many artists, the town invites you to discover its heritage and history, and to experience the dolce vita with its cuisine, water sports and secret walks. Just 36 km from Genoa and 200 km from Nice, Portofino awaits travellers in a veritable theatrical setting. Here are the 13 must-sees on this jewel of the Ligurian coast.
1. A stroll around the fishing port
A visit to Portofino must begin with a stroll along the harbor quays. This is the best way to soak up the town's atmosphere, admire the houses in their magnificent colors of pink, yellow, ochre and rust, and take a look at the boats. In the port, fishing boats rub shoulders with luxury yachts and sailboats, all moored in a turquoise-blue sea. The quayside is always bustling with activity. A stroll in the cool of the morning or at sunset - it doesn't matter, it's always a pleasant moment.
2. A drink on the Piazzetta
The Piazzetta is Portofino's main square. Overlooking the harbor and the myriad of boats anchored there, it's a great place to have a drink, sample traditional specialties or simply sit and admire the sea and the boats. You'll also find luxury boutiques, souvenir shops and art galleries. The Piazzetta is the perfect place to marvel at the beauty of the village's colorful houses. The Piazzetta has been designated a historic site in Italy. World-famous, it has been featured in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo di Caprio.
3. Get lost in the historic streets
Portofino is a village built around its iconic marina. But don't hesitate to wander into the narrow streets of the historic center. Here you'll find typical Italian architecture, with colorful buildings smelling of the Mediterranean. The streets are home to charming artisan boutiques, art galleries and prestigious brand-name stores. Some stores feature traditional bobbin lace, little pots of pestou or fougasse génoise. It's hard to resist the temptation!
4. What to do in Portofino Visit Brown Castle
Chateau Brown is a fortress situated on a rocky promontory high above Portofino. Built in the 16th century, its role was obviously defensive, and it witnessed numerous naval battles with the Venetians, Savoyards, Sardinians and Austrians. The on-site museum reveals its long and rich history, and thus part of the village's history. The visit also includes a stroll through its pleasant landscaped garden, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view. For your information, a staircase leads visitors from the port to Castello Brown.
5. Admire the church of San Martino
Portofino, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, boasts a rich architectural heritage, including several churches. A must-see for visitors strolling through the village. The most imposing and oldest of these is the church of San Martino, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Built in Lombard Romanesque style and flanked by a tower on its left side, its horizontally striped facade immediately catches the eye. It's also worth taking the time to enter the interior to discover its décor, and in particular the ceiling decorated with frescoes from the 16th-century Genoese school.
6. Portofino lighthouse
The Portofino lighthouse stands on the Punta del Capo. It's a pleasant forty-minute round-trip walk to admire the lighthouse and enjoy a superb panorama of the sea. The starting point is Castello Brown, high above the village. Another surprise awaits walkers, with a bar on the lighthouse terrace. Perfect for a refreshing drink with a view. The walk winds its way through Mediterranean trees and offers lovely panoramic views of the gulf. You'll also pass the facades of sumptuous mansions.
7. The church of San Giorgio, a must-see in Portofino
TheChurch of San G iorgio is a must-see for anyone interested in architectural heritage. This typical 12th-century Catholic church boasts a yellow façade. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was completely rebuilt in 1950. This charming little temple houses the relics of St. George. There are also some precious paintings. A visit to this church is a must, not least because its forecourt offers a sublime panorama of the village, its surroundings and the Mediterranean.
8. Stroll through the Museo del Parco
The Museo del Parco, created in the early 1980s, is just a stone's throw from where the ferries depart. It's a terraced Mediterranean garden with rare plants. But it's also a place of art in its own right, with around a hundred contemporary sculptures. These include an enormous rhinoceros and pink lemurs gazing out over the harbour. The works are by Italian and international artists, including Man Ray, Daniel Spoerri and Mimmo Rotella.
9. Lounging on the beach
Portofino's turquoise Mediterranean waters are a natural invitation to fill up on vitamin D and take a dip on sunny days. The village is one of the best sun destinations for September, with less crowded beaches. We recommend coming early or late in the season for a chance to enjoy the Baia di Cannone, a romantic little beach with crystal-clear waters. Just around the bend from Portofino is Baia di Paraggi. Hidden in the heart of green hills, this beach invites you to lay your towel on the sand or rent a deckchair for the day. The clarity of the sea is a delight for snorkeling enthusiasts.
10. Try some of Liguria's specialties
A stay in Italy is always an opportunity to indulge in gastronomic delights. And Portofino is no exception. Portofino's lasagne, sublimated by pesto, is a real treat! The village is also famous for its fish and seafood recipes. Cappon magro is a succulent dish combining oysters, lobster, anchovies and vegetables. Serve with a glass of local wine. For a meal on the go, try focaccia, a focaccia with tomatoes, herbs, garlic and olive oil.
Are you a gourmet traveler? Take a look at 20 culinary specialties to discover in Italy!
11. Venture into the Portofino Regional Natural Park
The Portofino Regional Nature Park encompasses the Portofino peninsula. A stay in the village is therefore an opportunity to add some great walks to the program. A multitude of hiking trails take you deep into the surrounding countryside, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean flora and fauna, and seek shade at the foot of the forest trees. Hikers and cyclists can also set their sights on the beautiful neighbouring towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. Portofino has a lot to offer nature lovers.
Tempted? Click here to book your guided hike in the Portofino Regional Park.
12. Push on to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso
This is one of the most beautiful walks from Portofino. Just 5 km from the village lies theAbbey of San Fruttuoso, a heritage gem. This Benedictine monastery, built in the 11th century at the request of Adelaide of Burgundy, is nestled between cliffs and just a stone's throw from the sea. This impressive edifice is open to visitors and also hosts exhibitions and concerts. Those who wish to do so can spend some time on the beach or take part in a diving session to admire the Christ of the Abyss, a monumental bronze statue of Christ located 17 m below the surface.
Buy my ticket for San Fruttuoso Abbey
13. Water sports
Travelers with a passion for the sea have plenty to do in terms of water sports. Note that these activities are regulated, as a marine reserve surrounds the Cape of Portofino. You can rent paddles and kayaks, or take part in a boat trip. The latter option allows you to marvel at the beauty of the coastal scenery and reach inaccessible coves. Diving is another activity on offer. The Portofino marine reserve has a rugged morphology, with rocks of all sizes, sandy features and small caves. The seabed is magnificent, with a multitude of plants and fish.
Click here to book your Portofino kayak trip. More of a scuba diver? Take advantage of our partner's rates by booking your hour's sn orkeling in Paraggi Bay here .
Where to stay in Portofino?
Portofino is a small village, but it attracts many visitors. Here's a selection of hotels located in the heart of a dream setting or close to the sights.
- Hotel Piccolo, for an idyllic setting
This former villa has been converted into a boutique hotel in an enchanting hillside setting, facing a sea that reveals its most beautiful reflections. Rooms are decorated in a modern style and are of a size to suit both couples and families with children. The hotel offers access to a private beach. It also boasts an excellent restaurant serving Ligurian specialties. Click here to book your stay!
- L'Eden, for affordability
It's easy to see that hotel prices are skyrocketing in Portofino. So we're glad to know that the Hotel l'Eden still offers affordable rates. It's very well located, just a stone's throw from the port and the village's main points of interest. The rooms are simply decorated, but the comfort is there. A no-frills, good-value address that you can book right here.
What to do in Portofino when it rains?
If it rains during your stay in Portofino, don't panic! It's time to get out the umbrella and visit the Brown Castle and the churches of San Martino and San Giorgio. By car from Portofino, or by train from Santa Margherita Ligure, the ideal rainy day destination is Genoa, a large city only 36 km away, and a veritable balcony overlooking the sea. There are a number of must-see places in Genoa to delight young and old alike. These include the Genoa Aquarium, the Biosphere (a place dedicated to tropical forests), and the Musée de la Mer, an interactive space where you can learn a multitude of things about the maritime history of the capital of Liguria.
Book ahead below for the hottest things to do during your stay in Portofino:
For you, vacations in Europe rhyme with Italy? Once you've discovered Portofino's must-sees, don't miss the nearby must-sees of Cinque Terre, as well as the must-sees of the whole country!
Tempted by this selection? Take a look at our airfares now and book without delay !
