Portofino

Travel Guide
Portofino featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Feel as if you’ve stumbled onto a vintage Technicolor film set. You might even experience the jet set lifestyle.

Indulge your celebrity fantasies in the classic fishing village of Portofino, known world-wide as an A-list vacation spot. It’s popular with VIPs, but feels secluded because of its position on the tip of the coastline in front of rising hills. Walk along the promenade around the harbor. View the brightly colored buildings on the waterfront. Browse chic boutiques, sip local wine and dine on the region’s finest seafood and olives in a terrace bar as you watch activity around the little bay.

Portofino remains a small fishing village, but has had a celebrity sheen ever since it became a high-profile vacation spot in the 19th century. It was a fixture on the jet set itineraries of the ‘50s and ‘60s and hasn’t lost its appeal in its transition to a modern resort town. Here, small terrace restaurants serve the crowds of travelers who have come to admire this Ligurian gem. A tiny square on the waterfront called the “Piazzetta” lies in front of the boats that bob around while moored in the bay.

As well as being a glamorous holiday location, the town has the typical attractions of a regional village. Visit atmospheric old churches including San Martino and San Giorgio. One of Portofino’s iconic sights is Castello Brown, which allows breathtaking views of the little town from up on the hill. If you’d like to get out of town, explore the thick vegetation of the Portofino Regional Nature Park which starts behind the town’s pastel buildings. See the classic little white lighthouse, Il Faro, which is accessible on foot.

A short boat ride away is the more isolated San Fruttuoso Bay. Rent gear to go diving and see the original of the famous submerged statue of Jesus, the Christ of the Abyss.

Drive your sports car to Portofino via the road from San Margherita or travel like a real superstar and arrive by yacht.

Hotel Nazionale Portofino
Hotel Nazionale Portofino
3 out of 5
Vico Dritto, 3, Portofino
The price is ¥30,528 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥30,528
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Portofino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Camogli Beach and Church of St. Martin are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"Great location,great staff"

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2023

Hotel Nazionale Portofino
Eight Hotel Portofino
Eight Hotel Portofino
5 out of 5
Via del Fondaco, 11, Portofino, GE
The price is ¥107,411 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥107,411
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portofino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Church of St. Martin and Portofino Marina ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (87 reviews)
"We stayed in the hotel near the main square. Parking was provided and the service was excellent. The room was small but very tastefully furnished. I would recommend this hotel to anyone."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023

Eight Hotel Portofino
Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
5 out of 5
Via Roma 2, Portofino, Genoa
The price is ¥147,282 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
¥147,282
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portofino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a marina. Popular attractions Camogli Beach and Church of St. Martin are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Nice hotel, rooms could be more spacious but would definitely stay again. The service was really good and right by the water"

Reviewed on Nov 24, 2022

Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Look forward to a fantastic sea view from the terrace of this beautiful vacation apartment.
Look forward to a fantastic sea view from the terrace of this beautiful vacation apartment.
Portofino
Stay at this apartment in Portofino. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Church of St. Martin and Portofino Marina are located nearby. ...
Look forward to a fantastic sea view from the terrace of this beautiful vacation apartment.
Next to Portofino, fantastic location
Next to Portofino, fantastic location
Genova
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Portofino. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Camogli Beach and Paraggi Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
A magical place to stay!
"We all loved staying at Niasca. The view from our balcony; proximity to Portofino; walking trails; ease of accessing the bus and train. All made for a magical nine nights. Not to be missed: A meal at the former monastery nearby Camogli (as beautiful as Cinque Terre, and much less crowded) Old Town ..."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2023

Next to Portofino, fantastic location
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Via S. Luca 4, Genoa, Città Metropolitana di Genova
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, a kitchen, and a full-sized refrigerator/freezer. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"It is a taste of real Italy, lively street action, loud Italians to the wee hours, and the smell of bread baking 12 hrs a day. A great time, close to everything or a bus stop that will get you there."

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2023

Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Portofino

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11
" "5 - Excellent 84.61538461538461%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 15.384615384615385%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Louis
Sep 4, 2019

Can't wait to visit again!

5/5 - Excellent

Bennie
Aug 12, 2019

We have visited Portofino several times. It is very picturesque. Excellent restaurants. Take the ferry to Santa Margherita, another beautiful city on a port.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 23, 2019

Simply the most beautiful place I have been in Europe! Views were amazing!

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