Looking to escape to the Italian Riviera? Discover one of Liguria’s jewels: Portofino! Here’s an overview of what you can’t miss in Portofino!
Portofino is a small fishing village in Liguria, nestled in the Gulf of Tigullio.
Typical and picturesque, it’s surrounded by colorful houses and brightened up by moored boats and yachts.
This small village is world-famous. Popular with tourists and the international jet-set, it has also been a source of inspiration for artists and writers. Portofino is one of the region’s jewels.
Discover our selection of things to do and see in Portofino!
1. Chateau Brown
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto Masnovo
Castello Brown is a fortress in a dominant position on a rocky outcrop, formerly known as Castello San Giorgio. Its strategic position had a defensive and protective function over the town and bay. Construction began in the 15th century and was completed in 1557. In the 19th century, the castle belonged to a British consul, and in 1961 the town of Portofino acquired it.
Climbing up to Brown Castle is one of Portofino’s must-sees. The fortress is now a museum and is sometimes hired out for weddings and other events. Its hanging garden offers a magnificent view of the port and the Gulf of Tigullio.
2. La Piazzeta
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anton Ivanov
The Piazzetta, or Olivetta Martyrs’ Square, is the heart of Portofino. A square facing the port and the yachts, dominated and encircled by colorful houses whose warm hues brighten up the landscape. The Piazzetta and marina are the symbol of Portofino. It’s the world-famous cliché, a must-see site that continues to attract jet-setters.
It’s very touristy, but also very friendly. What to do in Portofino on the Piazzetta? Take a seat on one of the terraces of the cafés and restaurants, and sample the local flavours, or enjoy an aperitif while contemplating the view of the boats. After a good meal, head for the narrow streets that wind through the village, starting from the village center. A stroll to discover the picturesque village and its stores.
3. Punta del Capo / Portofino lighthouse
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When it comes to visiting Portofino, the lighthouse and Punta del Capo are a must. The site lies on Portofino’s southern tip, overlooking the bay and the Gulf of Tigullio. It’s a beautiful walk, taking around 40 minutes each way. The route can be taken from Castello Brown or from San Giorgio church, for example.
Arriving at the lighthouse and Punta del Capo is a moment of pure happiness and wonder at the panoramic sea views. And don’t forget the reward at the end of the road: a bar on the lighthouse terrace. Here, of course, you can admire the view, but you can also enjoy a refreshing drink overlooking the sea.
4. Portofino Regional Nature Park
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The Portofino peninsula is a Regional Nature Park. This makes it the ideal area for hiking in Portofino. Indeed, this exceptional setting is criss-crossed by numerous footpaths. Hikers can go as far as the San Fruttuoso Abbey. Then continue on to Punta Chiappa or San Rocco, via Monte Portofino (610 m) and even to the village of Camogli.
On the east/south side, a path leads along the coast to Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can take a break at Paraggi beach. Nature lovers will be delighted by the Portofino marine reserve.
5. The churches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Luca Lorenzelli
Portofino has many churches and religious monuments to visit. The Church of San Martino, near the Piazzetta, is Portofino’s largest and oldest church. Dating back to the 12th century, it is built in the Lombard Romanesque style and features a façade decorated with horizontal stripes. The interior, richly decorated in Baroque style, is a must-see.
Another emblematic Portofino church is the San Giorgio church, named after Portofino’s patron saint. Much smaller and more sober, it stands on a rocky promontory facing the sea, offering a magnificent panorama of the village and the bay. Continue on to the Oratorio di Nostra Signora Assunta, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Finally, to the north of the village, in the heart of the Portofino Regional Nature Park, is the Cappella di San Sebastiano, a small, colorful chapel.
6. Ligurian cuisine
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Oksana Mizina
A visit to Portofino is also an opportunity to sample the flavours of Ligurian cuisine. The village’s seaside location makes it ideal for fish and seafood recipes. Cappon magro », for example, is an ancient recipe based on lobster, oysters, anchovies and vegetables. Another local specialty is Portofino lasagne with pesto.
Also worth discovering is « focaccia », a kind of focaccia with olive oil, garlic and herbs. And don’t forget « panisse », a specialty made with chickpeas. Last but not least, a good meal should be accompanied by an appropriate wine, so let yourself be tempted by « Giancu de Purtufin ».
7. Museo del Parco
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dan Rata
An open-air museum to visit in Portofino is the Museo del Parco, or International Center for Open-Air Sculpture. Established in the early 1980s, it offers the chance to admire over 120 sculptures in a green setting. In fact, the garden where the works are displayed once belonged to the castle overlooking the site.
These are modern sculptures of various sizes and materials, created by Italian and international artists. A must-see in Portofino for lovers of contemporary art. It’s also easy to find, as it’s just a stone’s throw from the ferry departure point.
8. Nautical activities
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Naeblys
What can you do in Portofino if you love the sea? Portofino offers a wide range of water sports and activities. First of all, a marine reserve, created in 1988, surrounds the Portofino cape. This ensures the preservation of the marine flora and fauna and its ecosystem. Certain activities are therefore regulated, but the preservation of the site means that you can admire magnificent seascapes and dive among schools of fish.
Diving
Diving and snorkeling are just some of the activities on offer. Diving trips are organized to the world-famous « Christ of the Abyss ». This 2.5-metre-high statue, submerged in the waters off the Ligurian coast, has been there since 1954 and pays tribute to the victims of the sea.
Paddle / kayak
You can rent paddles and kayaks to admire the beauty of the coastline, the crystal-clear waters and access the small coves.
Swimming
For an afternoon swim, head for Baia Canone, a delightful public beach of pebbles and large rocks, partly shaded. It’s a beautiful spot.
Boat
Finally, why not try a day trip by boat on the Italian Riviera? This is possible aboard small boats that can access the coves. Some also offer a stop at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. And for a bit of fun, there’s nothing quite like a sea escape aboard a speedboat.
How to get to Portofino
There are many ways to visit Portofino.
Plane
The nearest airport is Genoa-Christophe-Colomb, around 30 kilometers away. To easily find the best available flights, according to your availability, don’t hesitate to use a flight comparator like Skyscanner.
Train
The nearest train station is Santa Margherita Ligure, about 5 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus. In this case, it’s the ATP 82 bus.
Boat
There is a shuttle boat service linking Portofino to other ports in the Tigullio Bay (Traghetti Portofino).
Car
The town lies about 30 kilometers south of Genoa and 50 kilometers north of the Cinque Terre, a Unesco World Heritage site. Portofino is a cul-de-sac, with traffic jams in summer and parking lots that fill up quickly.
You can also park your car in the nearby village of Santa Margherita Ligure and take the bus.
Where to stay in Portofino?
It is, of course, possible to stay on site in Portofino, but rates are high. For a more economical option, you can stay in the nearby villages of Rapallo or Santa Margherita Ligure. Our hotel comparator will help you find the best value for your money. There are no campsites in Portofino, but you can choose Airbnb accommodation.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Liguria