Have you ever been somewhere so picture-perfect that it feels like you’re in a postcard? That’s what it’s like visiting Portofino, Italy. This little fishing village is located on the Italian Riviera and is world-famous for its clear blue waters, colourful houses, and luxury yachts. Portofino is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, visiting picture-perfect Portofino is a must
Getting to Portofino
Getting to Portofino is pretty easy, although there are a few different ways to go about it.
You can fly into Genoa as we did. We then took the train from Genoa directly to Portofino. There are approximately 60 trains a day( Genoa Brignole train station to S. Margherita Ligure Portofino), the journey takes around 35 minutes each way and can cost as little as €6 return. Therefore, making it a great day trip from Genoa if that is your base. You will need to hop on N. 82 bus from Portofino train station which will take you directly to Portofino. This journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
You could also fly into Pisa and take a train from there. There are around 20 trains a day on the Pisa Centrale to Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino route daily. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes and costs around €20 return. As with the train journey from Genoa, you will then need to jump on the N. 82 bus at the train station which will take you directly to Portofino.
Another option is to can take a ferry from one of the nearby ports – Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Camogli, and Genoa. Ferries run more frequently during the summer months (April – October). Taking a ferry is usually slower and slightly more expensive than taking a train however if you want to experience the beautiful coastline from the water, this is the perfect option for you.
Whichever way you choose to go, you’re sure to have a wonderful time in this lovely town.
What to do in Portofino
If you are looking for something to do during your trip to Portofino? You’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of things to keep you busy in Portofino.
The picture-perfect fishing village of Portofino has something for everyone, from hiking and swimming to sailing and dining.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Portofino:
- Visit Castello Brown (a historic house museum) for stunning views of the harbour and town
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea
- Sail around the bay on a traditional wooden boat
- Enjoy a seafood feast at one of Portofino’s many restaurants
- Grab a gelato (when in Italy, right?)
- Stroll through the colourful streets and check out the local shops
- Visit the Church of San Giorgio for a dose of history and architecture
Eating and Drinking in Portofino
If you’re planning a trip to Portofino, Italy, you’re probably wondering what the food and drink scene is like. After all, food and drink are an important part of any travel experience.
Portofino is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try the mussels, clams, and fish. You can also find some great Italian staples like pasta, pizza, and risotto. And of course, you can’t visit Italy without indulging in some gelato. When it comes to drinks, wine is king in Portofino. But you can also find some delicious cocktails and local beers too.
So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for in Portofino. Bon appetit.
A few of our favourite places to eat and drink in Portofino:
Fine Dining: Zi’Ninella Ristorante & Bistrot
Authentic: Trattoria Concordia
Drinks: Winterose Wine Bar
Gelato: Gepi Portofino
Where to stay in Portofino
With so many different places to stay in Portofino, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a cosy bed and breakfast, or something in between, Portofino has them all. It’s important to remember that Portofino is a top-rated tourist destination, especially during the summer. Therefore, it is vital you book your accommodation as soon as possible as places get booked up months in advance.
Here are some great options:
Budget: Albergo Nazionale (National Hotel)
Mid-range: Hotel Piccolo Portofino
Luxury: Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
Nightlife in Portofino
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, you won’t find it in Portofino. This small town is known for its tranquil atmosphere and its beautiful natural setting. While there are a few bars and clubs here, they tend to close early and the streets are typically quiet by midnight. If you’re looking for a night out on the town, you may want to head to a larger city like Genoa or Florence. But if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a slower-paced evening, Portofino is the perfect place for you.
We hope this guide helps if you are in the process of planning a trip to picture-perfect Portofino. It is a stunning destination and one that will not disappoint.