- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Portofino
First known as Roman Portus Delphini, Portofino's harbor is defined by colorful Genoese tower-houses. Their pastel shades helped fishermen find home from sea. Overlooking it all are Castello Brown and the Church of St. George, vital to any Portofino tourist guide.
Beyond the harbor, the Portofino Regional Nature Park offers over 80km of trails through Mediterranean scrub. A rewarding hike leads to the Faro (lighthouse), where a small bar serves aperitifs with an unrivaled view. This is essential when visiting Portofino.
Ligurian cuisine thrives on fresh ingredients. While pesto is famous, ask for 'Pansotti con salsa di noci', a ravioli with walnut sauce. Harbor restaurants serve daily catches like 'scampi'. Pair it with a crisp regional Pigato white wine for the full experience.
- PortofinoItaly
- PortofinoItaly
- PortofinoItaly
- PortofinoItaly
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightJacket
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #Swimwear
- #Camera
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- Italian
- English widely spoken in tourist areas
- #PortofinoHarbor
- #CastelloBrown
- #ChurchofStGeorge
- #Piazzetta
- #VillaKramer
- #SanFruttuosoAbbey
- Boat tour to nearby coves
- Explore hiking trails
- Dine on fresh seafood
- Visit local artisan shops
- Enjoy a gelato by the harbor
Things to do in Portofino
Discover
Exploring Portofino reveals stunning sights like the famous Piazzetta, the historic Castello Brown with its panoramic views, and the lush Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino. The iconic harbor adds to the town's picturesque charm.
Experience
Hike from Portofino to San Fruttuoso Abbey for breathtaking coastal views. Enjoy boat tours around the rugged coastline, snorkel in the protected marine area, or savor freshly made pesto, a Ligurian specialty, at local delicatessens.
The Piazzetta
The town's iconic main square lined with colorful houses.
Castello Brown
Historic castle with panoramic harbor and sea views.
Church of St. George
Historic church offering relics and stunning coastal vistas.
Portofino Marine Park
Protected area for diving, snorkeling, and boat tours.
Portofino Park Hike
Scenic trail network with dramatic Ligurian coastal views.
San Fruttuoso Abbey
Secluded medieval abbey accessible by boat or hiking trail.
Museo del Parco
Outdoor sculpture museum with contemporary art pieces.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Portofino, fly into Genoa Airport (GOA). From there, a train to S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino is your best bet. The final leg is covered by the frequent Bus 82 or a scenic 15-minute ferry ride, completing the journey to the harbor.
Getting Around
The village is almost entirely pedestrian. For public transport in Portofino and connections to nearby towns, rely on the Portofino shuttle bus (Line 82) or public ferries. Walking is the main way to explore the compact center and its pathways.
Local Essentials
Driving in Portofino is not advised due to a strict ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) and extremely limited, expensive parking. If you have a car rental, park it in Santa Margherita Ligure. Pre-book ferries and restaurants during peak season.
Where to Stay in Portofino
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Portofino offers. Taste fresh trofie al pesto and eat focaccia ligure. Locals embrace the aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink with snacks. It's a cherished ritual before a late dinner by the harbour.
Enjoy
Dine at Ristorante Puny for elegant celebrity-spotting, book ahead. Sip at Al Faro di Portofino for stunning cliffside views, sunset cocktails. Gepi Portofino offers a casual gelateria vibe, grab gelato. Where to eat in Portofino.
Ristorante Puny
Iconic Piazzetta spot for seafood and people-watching.
Da I Gemelli
Classic Ligurian seafood pasta with harbour views.
Taverna del Marinaio
Cozy spot for traditional Mediterranean flavors.
Trattoria Tripoli
A family-run place with authentic local dishes.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Portofino's heritage through its must-see religious celebrations. The Festa di San Giorgio on April 23rd honors the patron saint with a historic procession and a large bonfire in the main Piazzetta, a tradition rooted in local faith.
Enjoy
Discover modern Portofino cultural activities with open-air cinema nights like Cinema in Blu and exclusive classical music concerts. These events offer unique things to do, blending contemporary arts with the town's stunning scenery.
Festa di San Giorgio
Portofino's patron saint day in April with a bonfire and fireworks.
Regate di Primavera
Prestigious spring sailing regatta hosted by the Italian Yacht Club.
Stella Maris
August boat procession and floating lights near Portofino mountain.
Cinema in Blu
Summer open-air film screenings and live performances in the harbor.
Portofino Art & Film Gala
Exclusive August event with film screenings and art exhibitions.
Portofino Days
International fiction festival in March with screenings and talks.
As pretty as the pictures
Portofino is just as pretty as the pictures. The harbor with all the colorful houses is stunning. We spent a lot of time just sitting in the Piazzetta, people-watching with an aperitivo. It's a very relaxing place with a high-end feel.
A sophisticated spot
A truly beautiful spot on the Italian Riviera. It's quite exclusive, with many luxury boutiques and fancy yachts in the harbor. The whole town is spotless and very well-kept. Great for a sophisticated and quiet getaway.
Amazing views!
Loved the walk up to Castello Brown! The path is a bit steep but the views from the top are completely worth it. You can see the entire harbor and out to the sea. The castle's garden is also a lovely, peaceful spot.
Perfect romantic weekend
Portofino was perfect for a romantic weekend. It was quieter in February which we liked. We had some amazing fresh seafood at a restaurant on the water. The whole place just feels so special and picturesque, especially at night.
See it from the water
We took a boat trip to see San Fruttuoso Abbey, and it was the highlight. Seeing the coastline from the water gives you a different perspective. The harbor is very sheltered and calm, which was nice.
Gorgeous little village
Such a gorgeous little village. The colors of the buildings are incredible. We found a bakery and had some Focaccia Ligure which was so simple but delicious. It's an expensive place but great for a day trip to soak it all in.