If you are planning a trip to Portofino, keep reading! I will help make the most of your time in Portofino. Showing you the top things to do as well as how to best spend one day in Portofino.
Portofino is located in the north of Italy, on the Italian Riviera. It is renowned for its timeless beauty, luxurious charm, and scenic coastal landscapes. From its picturesque harbour with colourful houses to its crystal blue waters, Portofino is one of the most popular places in Italy for good reason. In this blog post, I will share a perfect one day in Portofino itinerary covering all the top things to do in Portofino, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this alluring destination.
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Is Portofino worth visiting?
This is going to depend on personal preference. However I think it’s definitely worth stopping in this iconic Italian town for at least a day. As it’s small you can easily enjoy it in just one day, so it can be a nice day trip from Milan or Cinque Terre. In this blog post I will share a few a few reasons why you should visit Portofino.
- The colourful buildings of Portofino Harbour
- Castello Brown
- Tasty food in a waterfront restaurant
- Swimming in the Baia Cannone
- Snorkelling in the Marine Protected Area
How to get to Portofino
Portofino does not have it’s own train station however there are a number of different ways to get here.
Santa Margherita Ligure is the closest town with a train station. From here you can get a direct boat for around €9 or a direct bus for around €3.50. Alternatively you can also walk there along the coastal path which takes around one hour and a half. It’s also possible to book a boat tour from Genoa.
If you are travelling by car then you just need to be aware that parking might be difficult. Low season shouldn’t be a problem but I wouldn’t drive to Portofino in peak season unless you have parking included at your hotel.
One day in Portofino itinerary
Here are the top things to do in Portofino in one day:
1) Walk Along the Iconic Portofino Harbour
Start your day with enjoying the main site of Portofino, by taking a leisurely stroll along its iconic harbour. Take in the vibrant array of pastel-coloured buildings that line the waterfront, as well as all the luxurious yachts and traditional fishing boats floating in the sea. Make sure to bring your camera as there are a lot of photo opportunities here! Then sit in one of the charming waterfront cafes and enjoy some breakfast.
I visited Portofino in May and at this time I didn’t find it overcrowded, however I’ve heard that in the summer it can get pretty crazy so I recommend walking around in the morning before the crowds arrive. I’ve also heard that during peak season it’s not possible to stop and take photos on the harbour, I’m not sure they monitor this, but it’s another reason to go early!
2) Enjoy the best view of Portofino from Castello Brown
If you want to enjoy the best view of Portofino then make sure to climb up the hill to Castello Brown. This ancient fortress offers panoramic views of the village, the azure sea, and the lush greenery that surrounds it. The entrance fee is only €5 and the castle has elegant interiors and a lovely terrace and vista. Kourtney Kardashian loved it so much she actually got married here.
There are three possible ways to get to Castello Brown. I recommend walking up the hill past Gelateria Marconi (and avoiding the steep staircase) making sure to to stop at Chiesa di San Giorgio. Then walk back down via the garden.
3) Indulge in a tasty lunch in a waterfront restaurant
Portofino is a haven for foodies, you can sample the freshest seafood at waterfront restaurants, where dishes like grilled octopus, linguine with clams, and branzino with lemon sauce will tantalise your taste buds. Pair your meal with a glass of locally produced wine, such as the crisp Vermentino or the elegant Rossese. You’ll find both charming trattorias as well as upscale dining establishments depending on your budget. However I would expect to pay at least €30 per person for a meal.
Try a waterfront restaurant such a ristotante Lo Stella, ristorante Cracco Portofino or ristorante Taverna del Marinaio. Most restaurants book out so I recommend that you reserve a table in advance.
4) Take a relaxing swim in the Baia Cannone
One of the top things to do in Portofino is to take a relaxing swim in the Baia Cannone. You can easily walk here from the main town. Just don’t forget a towel and your swimsuit! I also recommend bringing your camera as this is a very instagrammable photo spot in Portofino. Try not to go too late in the afternoon as then there will be no more sun on the beach.
Access to the beach is very easy to spot, there’s a staircase just 200m south of the Hotel Piccolo. On the side opposite the Villa Valdameri Mondadori. Alternatively if you stay at the Hotel Piccolo you will have access to their private lounge area with deck chairs just above the beach.
5) Dive into the underwater world in the Marine Protected Area
For my nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, you have to add the Marine Protected Area to your Portofino itinerary. Book a snorkelling tour or take a scuba diving excursion to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and mesmerising coral reefs. This protected sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience for water lovers for as little as €39!
6) Explore Santa Margherita Ligure
After freshening up in your hotel, you can either enjoy an apéritivo in Portofino Harbour or head over to the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure. Take a leisurely stroll along its palm-fringed promenade, browse the boutique shops, and enjoy some gelato in the town square. Visit the enchanting Villa Durazzo and its beautiful gardens or venture further to the Abbazia di San Girolamo, a picturesque abbey nestled in a serene setting. Santa Margherita is also a great place to stay in Portofino if you are travelling on more of a budget.
You can catch a boat to Santa Margherita Ligure from Portofino for under €10, adding another fun activity and unique perspective to your Portofino itinerary.
Where to stay in Portofino
Portofino is known for its luxurious hotels, so you will find a number of incredible five star properties here. As well as more affordable apartments. I recommend booking these far in advance as they sell out fast. If you’re travelling on more of a budget then you might want to look into staying in either Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo. Below I have linked several high rated accommodations.
Luxury
Mid-range
Villa Gelsomino in Santa Margherita Ligure
Budget (in Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo)
Portofino is a small but beautiful part of Italy. From wandering the iconic harbour to exploring historical sites like Castello Brown, to diving into the underwater world of the Marine Protected Area. There are plenty of things to do during your one day in Portofino. If you decide to stay a bit longer you might want to consider going on a boat or kayak tour, or even taking a day trip to Milan, Genoa or Cinque Terre. Just make sure to add this Italian Riviera gem to your bucket list!
If you’re planning a trip to Italy you might be interested in my other blog posts:
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