Is Portofino Italy worth visiting in 2024?
Yes! Portofino Italy is absolutely worth visiting for so many reasons! It is the perfect romantic escape. Aside from being situated on one of the loveliest coastlines along the Italian Riviera… Portofino has fabulous restaurants, shops, and activities and is easily accessible from so many other areas, including Cinque Terre. Portofino is a charming fishing village with colorful buildings, a tealy-stealy ocean and backdrop of mountains framed by billowing clouds.
One of the best things about Portofino is that it’s close to so many other top spots and easily accessible by train. It’s only 93 miles from Milan, 124 miles from Florence, 75 miles from Lucca, and only 50 miles from the stunning Cinque Terre region, an absolute must during your Italian journey. Also, Portofino is the perfect end to a busy Italian vacation. If you’ve been doing museums and duomos in cities like Florence, Milan or Rome — Portofino is the place to unwind and relax.
Top things to do while in Portofino Italy
Think more leisurely activities and chillaxing than a checklist of museums and churches, though my list does include both. Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a waterfront restaurant, where you can enjoy truly local seafood while taking in the stunning Mediterranean views, or take a boat tour around the Italian Riviera and admire the breathtaking beauty of the coastline and snap some incredible photos. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can hike up to Castello Brown for a panoramic view of the harbor – the hike is as rewarding as the destination, with picturesque scenes straight out of a postcard at every turn!
Discover Portofino’s Charm
Start your Portofino adventure at the Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, or the Piazzetta, a lively square by the harbor lined with quaint cafes and shops, perfect for enjoying a local coffee or focaccia. Wander up Via Roma, the heart of the village, dotted with unique shops and galleries. Don’t miss the scenic stairway leading to the Church of San Giorgio, where you’ll be greeted by its vibrant yellow facade and breathtaking views of Portofino. There are also a ton of cute shops including high-end couture shops that feature more resort-style wear like capri pants.
Explore the Portofino Marina
A must-do in Portofino is a leisurely stroll around its renowned Marina, a stunning mix of colorful fishing boats and luxurious yachts, complemented by a backdrop of quaint cafes and upscale restaurants, ideal for enjoying an Aperol Spritz!! My favorite is Cracco where you can have a view to everything.
Nearby, the unique Portofino Park Museum is a highlight and a bit weird IMHO. Located at the foot of the hill leading to Castello Brown, this open-air art gallery stretches across about 7.4 acres, displaying over 100 diverse sculptures by artists from around the globe. Ranging from elegant human figures to whimsical animals like pink meerkats and a colorful cat, the artwork is a feast for the eyes.
Hike Portofino
While Portofino Italy is known for its picturesque harbor, it’s also a paradise for hikers. With over 3,000 acres of natural beauty, the Portofino Regional Natural Park, nestled between Genoa and Cinque Terre, offers over 50 miles of hiking trails.
The trails in Portofino are amazing, and often less crowded than those in the popular Cinque Terre, making them perfect for a peaceful trek. Catering to all levels, from beginners to experienced hikers, these trails are well-maintained and marked, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hiking experience for everyone.
La Portofinese Eco-Farm Experience
Nestled in the Portofino Regional Natural Park, La Portofinese is a unique eco-farm boasting a vineyard, beehives, craft beer production, and olive groves, all thriving in harmony with nature.
We did their 3-hour Bike & Wine tour which combines a scenic mountain bike ride along the coastal paths with an educational session about the park, culminating in a wine tasting session.
Enjoy wine? Delve deeper into local viticulture with another tour focused on grape varieties, including a practical lesson in grape pruning. This experience ends in an atmospheric underground tunnel under the olive groves, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive tasting of their sparkling wines.
Enjoy the beaches in Portofino
Here are the three top beaches in Portofino. PS – Make sure to have water shoes, it can otherwise be a painful experience!
- Niasca Beach: Located in Paraggi Bay, Niasca Beach is a small, sandy cove known for its emerald green waters. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and visitors can also rent canoes and stand-up paddleboards. This beach is especially perfect for morning visits as it does not get sun in the afternoons. It’s accessible by foot, bus, or bike from Portofino but there’s no car parking available.
- Cannon Bay: This pebbly beach(shoes needed) is known for its picturesque mass of conglomerate rock topped with a maritime pine, offering clean waters and an incredible view of Portofino Castle. The beach is accessible via an iron staircase from the road leading to Portofino, making it a bit of an adventure to reach but well worth the effort for its unique landscape.
- Olivetta Beach: Famous not only for its extraordinary seabed but also for its historical significance, Olivetta Beach is the smallest among the three and is more suited for underwater exploration (see next suggestion) rather than typical beach activities like sunbathing or playing beach tennis.
Diving at Christ of the Abyss
Are you a water creature and enjoy diving? Explore the Marine Protected Area of Portofino, just off San Fruttuoso’s coast, lies the iconic Christ of the Abyss, an 8-foot-tall bronze statue by Guido Galletti, revered by divers worldwide. Located nearly 50 feet deep in the bay, the statue is a major attraction, visible to snorkelers in calm waters. A replica can also be seen in the nearby San Fruttuoso church.
👉🏼 Book Coasteering in Portofino! For an adrenalin-pumping water adventure, try coasteering is the sport of climbing, jumping, and swimming along a rocky coastline. (You must be a good swimmer)
Where to stay in Portofino Italy
There are so many wonderful options to stay in and around the Portofino area including Santa Margherita and Rapallo! We stayed at the lovely Grand Hotel Miramare in Santa Margherita with its own beach club, pool, gardens and parking, then walked or took the ferry to Portofino. It’s only about 3 (flat) miles dotted with all sorts of spectacular homes and castles and beaches (painfully rocky without water shoes).
Top Three Hotel Options:
📍Luxury Option: Grand Hotel Miramare – Located on the same peninsula in Santa Margherita, this luxe option is a romantic and exquisite old-world hotel with a lovely front terrace, private pool and sea club, lush gardens and paths, and an excellent breakfast plus gorgeous rooms.
📍Mid-Range Option: Astoria – Located in nearby Rapallo, this 4-star, family-owned hotel is a stunning Art-Noveau villa along the seaside promenade overlooking the Tigullio Gulf. Ask for a room with a view!
📍Budget Option: Villa Gelsomino Exclusive House – while extremely well-priced, this is actually a gorgeous B&B located in Santa Margherita close to everything.
You also can’t go wrong dining in Portofino, especially taking in the lovely harbor view along the Piazzetta, and we particularly loved Cracco Portofino right on the water. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz and some lovely seafood dishes on custom china with 5-star service while watching the ferries, and chic yachts come and go.
How to Get to Portofino
You can easily get to Portofino or Santa Margherita by car, train, or ferry. We rented a car in Milan and took the toll roads through Italy’s center traveling through lesser-known cities and stopping to see one of my favorite chefs Massimo Bottura, tour the Ferrari Museum, and do a Balsamic Vinegar tasting then veered southwest to Portofino. You can easily get there by ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Camogli, Cinque Terre, and Genoa.
The closest train station is in Santa Margherita Ligure, with a bus connection to Portofino. From Florence, the travel time is about 3.5 hours by train. If you do drive, and have your parking sorted out, Portofino is a car-free zone so you can park in Santa Margherita. Our hotel offered parking. And, don’t leave valuables in your car. It’s ‘safe’ there, but it’s just a good habit in Italy (and anywhere). For more info on this area, click here to learn more.
Portofino Italy FAQs
Can I swim in Portofino?
Yes, it’s fabulous!! I went swimming in the Ligurian Sea in October, not warm but not freezing. Be sure to have water shoes or the walk to the beach will feel like the Little Mermaid. Painful!!
Where can I park in Portofino?
First, check with your hotel. It’s a bit hard to find parking. Our Grand Miramare included parking which was a big relief! The central area of Portofino is designated as a traffic-limited zone, restricting access and parking exclusively to residents or those with authorization. For visitors, there’s a car park open around the clock at Piazza Martiri della Liberty, conveniently situated near the village entrance on the SP227 road.
When is the best time to visit Portofino?
The ideal time to visit Portofino is from late March through October (avoid the hot touristy July and August if you can). Most shops and restaurants typically shut down during winter, reopening around the Easter holidays. While July and August can be warm, Portofino and its nearby areas always provide opportunities for swimming and enjoying the picturesque sea.
How long should I stay in Portofino?
Unless you’re using Portofino as a base (not recommended because it is more isolated), two nights is great. If you want a totally romantic holiday, stay at least four nights and truly enjoy the whole peninsula.Cities near Portofino worth visiting
What other cities are close to Portofino Italy?
There are lots of relatively close cities near to Portofino. It requires some planning, but look at this map for a better understanding, I’ve marked the best closest cities including Cinque Terre, Spezia, Florence, Lucca, Pisa and others.
How can I get around Portofino?
We rented a car, however, when we got to Portofino, we mostly parked it at the hotel in Santa Margherita. We only used it going into and leaving Portofino. While there, we walked and took the super convenient ferry. We used the taxi service once when the trip was a bit too far to walk.
Is Portofino expensive?
Yup. Portofino was one of the most expensive areas we visited in Italy. It’s small and caters to luxury travelers. That said, you can stay outside of Portofino and still enjoy its charm. But compared to our San Diego, we found it was still less expensive in Italy than in California.
Conclusion: Is Portofino Italy worth visiting in 2024?
Portofino is an enchanting destination to visit in 2024 and well worth visiting!! Nestled along the Italian Riviera, its charm lies in the blend of natural beauty, leisurely luxury, and rich cultural experiences. From the scenic harbor adorned with colorful buildings to the vibrant marina lined with cafes and yachts, Portofino offers a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration.
Its proximity to other Italian gems like Cinque Terre enhances its appeal, making it a perfect spot to unwind after visiting bustling cities. Whether indulging in the local culinary delights, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and diving, or simply soaking in the serene Mediterranean atmosphere, Portofino caters to a variety of interests. Its unique blend of natural splendor, historical sites, and contemporary luxuries make it an unmissable destination for those seeking the quintessential Italian Riviera experience.
Need help planning the best Italian vacation?
While Italy is ‘small’, it’s still hard to plan an efficient itinerary since Italy is long and some cities require so much more work, plus the whole logistics thing. That’s where I can help. As a travel agent and experienced Italy traveler, I can help you plan the best Italian vacation including transportation, hotels, and activities.
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