Home > Europe > Italy > Portofino

Portofino

• Guide
• Photos
• Discussion

Have you been to Portofino, or plan to go there? Discuss your experiences or plans in our forum!

Right on the tip of the region of Liguria lies the seaside village of Portofino. On first impressions this is a stereotypically beautiful and serene Italian area full of history, culture and fantastic food. These first impressions are generally correct! Also known as the Port of the Dolphin, Portofino is located on a promontory of the Italian Riviera, in Northwestern Italy. The sea and the inhabitants here are each as warm as each other.

While drawing in the tourists and celebrities each year, the village of Portofino is a small one. There are around 520 inhabitants, most of whom are employed into the fishing and tourism industry. Portofino is recognizable by its Italian coastal town houses and apartments which look out onto the port which is full of boats and yachts. Right at the center of the harbor you will find an assortment of tranquil restaurants, cafés and bars.

Portofino is located very close to the towns of Cinque Terre and Paraggi, separated by intimate coves and thriving gardens. From the top of Portofino's promontory visitors and residents can see the harbor of La Spezia; a city between Pisa and Genoa.

Areas

The Harbor

This is the heart of life in Portofino. The industry driving this village's economy is fishing so it's common to see boats and yachts arriving and leaving at all hours of the day. The harbor is where the restaurants, cafés, shops and boutiques are so if you've got nothing in particular planned then spending a day browsing the clothing and souvenirs in between having a meal overlooking the sea could end up perfect. At night the whole harbor lights up and is truly spectacular.

Monte Portofino

Portofino is located on a promontory (a high landmass which overlooks water) and often the best views are found right from the very top. From certain points visitors and residents are able to see the mountains of Corsica. The plants and trees on Monte Portofino are in abundance and provide some lovely shade as you mosey from 15th century castle to 11th century church.

Weather

While the weather in Portofino never reaches below 0ºC this region of Italy doesn't get incredibly hot as Sardinia or Sicily can. The average maximum temperature for July and August (the hottest months) is 28ºC and these are the best months to visit Portofino to make the most of the sunny weather.

Getting There

While Portofino is such a small village, it's actually relatively easy to get there due to the possibility of catching a ferry right to the heart of where everything is happening.

By Plane

The nearest airport to Portofino is the Christopher Columbus airport in Genoa (GOA) just 22 miles away. Whilst many visitors drive from here, it's also possible to catch a ferry from the airport at Genoa and arrive at Portofino Harbor directly.

By Car

With GOA so near to Portofino and so many taxis/car rental companies in this region it is easy to drive from the airport to the village. This journey can take longer than expected due to the traffic around the airport but going by car also allows you to go at your own pace once you are free from the A12 motorway.

By Boat/Ferry

Because Portofino is a coastal village with a harbor it's more than convenient to arrive by Ferry or Boat. Simply catch a Ferry from one of the larger neighboring cities or towns along the Italian Riviera and arrive in style!

Getting Around

Portofino is such a small village that you should not need to travel by car or bus. A large majority of the hotels, restaurants and other amenities are within walking distance of each other and the harbor.

By Moped

This is a very Italian way to travel and there are several places to rent a moped in and around Portofino so that you can get around quickly and easily. These little vehicles are perfect for navigating the thin roads and pathways that make up Portofino's streets.

By Boat

If you are looking to hire a boat or you're lucky enough to have one yourself then traveling from Portofino to the surrounding seaside towns and villages such as Paraggi and La Spezia will be a fantastic experience.

On Foot

Perhaps the best way to experience Portofino's charm is to take it on foot. While the hills may be steep, they lead to staggering views over the Ligurian Sea and you will never be far from the village center.

Food & Dining

In Portofino, you will find some of Italy's most popular cuisine including the traditional pastas, seafood, and different grilled meats and stuffed vegetables. All of these of course, are prepared with only the freshest ingredients and using the finest herbs. Portofino carries on the rest of Europe's timeline when determining meal schedules so make sure that you know when to fill up. Breakfast is served as soon as you get up and lunch is generally served between 2:00 and 4:00pm. Fill up at lunch as dinner won't be available until after 8:00pm. Most of the restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy this fine Italian cuisine are located in the harbor of the city. Here you can find several small restaurants that have been operating family-run businesses for years. There are also some fine pizzerias in the area that will have some of the finest pizza you have ever tasted!

Beaches

The Paraggi Beach (Sand beach) Location: Along the coast of Portofino Portofino only has one beach but it's so huge and offers so much that you won't need to go anywhere else! This beach follows the natural curve of the bay and is unique in so many ways. Visit the beach and travel underwater to the shipwreck that sunk there in 1917. Find the hidden places where fishermen once set up their homes and made their living from the sea or find an adventure in scuba diving, where you can travel through the waters looking for red coral - this is the only place in the world that has it!

Sights & Activities

While Genoa and other nearby cities and towns offer lots of exciting activities, Portofino itself is more suited to those looking to relax in the cafés and restaurants and walk amongst the lush greenery of Monte Portofino. There is a lot of scenery and history to be found in this Italian fishing town.

Castello Brown

Now a museum, this 16th century castle was once used to defend the harbor at Portofino. For a great day out try hiking up the mountain, through the stunning gardens and trees planted by Englishman Mr. Brown in the late 1800s and onto the promontory which overlooks the harbor at Portofino. Here you can see out to the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding coastline.

Underwater Statue

Perhaps one of the most hauntingly beautiful sights in Italy, the statue of Christ placed at a depth of 17 meters in 1954 to protect the waters can still be seen today.

St. George's Sanctuary

At the West of Portofino Harbor is a 20 minute long walking trail that takes you right up the mountainside, through flowers, plants and trees to a Roman Church and observation fortress with breathtaking views. The climb may be steep but it's certainly worth it!