Visiting Portofino

Portofino Travel guide

Lonely Planet Italy: Perfect for exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled (Travel Guide)

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Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger

Review of Portofino.

Here are some of the top attractions you might consider visiting:

Portofino is a small, picturesque village located on the Italian Riviera coastline in the Liguria region of northern Italy. It is renowned for its natural beauty, colorful buildings, and glamorous atmosphere. Here's an overview of what you can expect when visiting Portofino:

1. Portofino Harbor: The heart of the village is its picturesque harbor, lined with vibrant pastel-colored buildings. The harbor is filled with luxurious yachts and fishing boats, creating a charming and idyllic scene. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the views, and soak in the atmosphere.

2. Castello Brown: Perched on a hill overlooking Portofino, Castello Brown is a historic castle that offers panoramic views of the village and the coastline. Explore the castle's interior and gardens, and enjoy the stunning vistas from its terraces.

3. Church of San Giorgio: Located in the center of Portofino, the Church of San Giorgio is a notable landmark. Admire its beautiful facade and step inside to discover its elegant interior and religious artworks.

4. Paraggi Beach: Just a short walk or boat ride from Portofino, Paraggi Beach is a small, sandy beach nestled in a sheltered bay. Enjoy a relaxing day by the crystal-clear waters, rent a sunbed and umbrella, or explore the underwater world with snorkeling or diving.

5. Walking and Hiking Trails: Portofino is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several walking and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and lush Mediterranean vegetation. The most famous trail is the Portofino Promontory Path, which leads to San Fruttuoso, another stunning coastal village.

6. Shopping and Dining: Portofino is known for its high-end boutiques, offering designer fashion, jewelry, and luxury goods. Take some time to explore the shops and indulge in some retail therapy. When it comes to dining, Portofino boasts numerous excellent restaurants and cafes where you can savor delicious Ligurian cuisine, including fresh seafood, pesto dishes, and local wines.

7. Boat Excursions: Explore the coastline and nearby attractions by taking a boat excursion from Portofino. You can visit nearby villages like Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo, or venture further to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, a collection of colorful coastal villages.

Portofino is a popular destination, especially during the summer months, so expect it to be bustling with tourists. However, its undeniable beauty and charm make it a must-visit place that will leave you with lasting memories of the Italian Riviera. 

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

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How to get to Portofino, and view the map in real-time.

To get to Portofino, you can follow these general directions:

By Air:

The closest major airports to Portofino are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) and Pisa International Airport (PSA). From either airport, you can rent a car or take public transportation to reach Portofino.

By Train:

The nearest train station to Portofino is Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino, which is well-connected to major cities in Italy. From the train station, you can take a taxi, bus, or boat to reach Portofino.

By Car:

If you prefer to drive, Portofino is accessible via the A12 highway. From Genoa, follow the signs to Portofino along the coastal road (SS1) or take the A12 and exit at Rapallo, continuing on the SP227 road.

Here's a Map for visiting Portofino and its surroundings.

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Portofino: where to stay?

Portofino is a picturesque coastal town in Italy known for its stunning harbor, colorful buildings, and luxurious atmosphere. When choosing where to stay in Portofino, you'll want to consider your budget, preferences, and the type of experience you're looking for. Here are some options:

1. **Hotel Splendido**: This iconic luxury hotel is perched on a hill overlooking the harbor and offers breathtaking views of the sea. It's known for its impeccable service, beautiful gardens, and top-notch amenities.

2. **Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare**: This sister property of the Hotel Splendido is located right on the harbor and offers a more intimate experience. It's still luxurious and provides easy access to Portofino's attractions.

3. **Hotel Piccolo Portofino**: This boutique hotel is a more budget-friendly option while still offering a comfortable stay in the heart of Portofino. It's close to shops, restaurants, and the waterfront.

4. **Eight Hotel Portofino**: Another boutique hotel option, the Eight Hotel offers a blend of modern design and comfort. It's located just a short walk from the main square.

5. **Villa Rosmarino**: If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast like Villa Rosmarino. It's a charming and cozy option with friendly hosts.

6. **Airbnb**: Portofino also has some Airbnb options if you're looking for a more homey experience. You can find apartments and houses with varying price ranges and amenities.

Remember that Portofino is a small town, so accommodations can be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially if you have specific dates in mind. Additionally, consider whether you want to stay right in Portofino or in nearby towns like Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo, which offer more lodging options and are within a short drive or boat ride from Portofino. 

Here are some accommodations to visit Portofino and its surroundings.

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7-day itinerary for visiting Portofino and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:

A 7-day itinerary for visiting Portofino and its surroundings will give you plenty of time to explore the beautiful Italian Riviera, enjoy local cuisine, and savor the region's wines. Here's a suggested itinerary:

**Day 1: Arrival in Portofino**

- Arrive in Portofino and check into your chosen accommodation.

- Spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets, shops, and cafes of Portofino.

- Dinner at a local restaurant where you can try Ligurian specialties like pesto pasta and seafood dishes.

**Day 2: Portofino**

- Start your day with a boat trip or hike to the nearby San Fruttuoso Abbey.

- After returning to Portofino, visit the Brown Castle (Castello Brown) for panoramic views of the town and the coast.

- Enjoy dinner at one of Portofino's waterfront restaurants.

**Day 3: Santa Margherita Ligure**

- Take a short drive or ferry ride to Santa Margherita Ligure.

- Explore the town's colorful streets, visit the Villa Durazzo and its beautiful gardens, and relax on the sandy beach.

- Dinner in Santa Margherita Ligure, trying local seafood and Ligurian dishes.

**Day 4: Rapallo and Sestri Levante**

- Head to Rapallo and visit the historic center and the Rapallo Castle.

- In the afternoon, drive or take the train to Sestri Levante, known for its beautiful Bay of Silence and Bay of Fables.

- Dinner in Sestri Levante, tasting more Ligurian cuisine.

**Day 5: Cinque Terre**

- Take a day trip to the Cinque Terre villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore).

- Hike, take the train, or use a combination of transportation to explore these charming coastal towns.

- Enjoy seafood and local wines while taking in the stunning views.

**Day 6: Portofino's Hinterland**

- Explore the beautiful Ligurian countryside by visiting the towns of Camogli and Chiavari.

- Taste local specialties like farinata (a chickpea flatbread) and visit local food markets.

- Return to Portofino in the evening for dinner.

**Day 7: Wine Tasting and Relaxation**

- Visit a local winery in the Cinque Terre or nearby areas like the Colli di Luni wine region.

- Enjoy a wine tasting and learn about the region's wines, particularly Vermentino and Sciacchetrà.

- Spend your last evening in Portofino with a leisurely dinner and a final stroll along the waterfront.

Throughout your stay, be sure to try local Ligurian specialties such as trofie pasta with pesto, focaccia bread, stuffed vegetables, and the delicious regional wines. Liguria is also known for its olive oil, so make sure to sample some of the local extra virgin olive oils. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful part of Italy! 

Here are some additional details about Portofino and the activities you can enjoy during your visit: