Portofino, Italy

Things to do

2 days in Portofino

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk up to Castello Brown and the church of San Giorgio for the view over the tiny harbour.
  2. AfternoonWalk the path to the lighthouse at Punta del Capo, or swim at the cove of Paraggi.
  3. EveningHave an aperitivo on the harbour, then dinner in Santa Margherita, cheaper and livelier.

Day 2

Hike over the headland to San Fruttuoso abbey, reachable only on foot or by boat.

What to eat

Focaccia di Recco, thin bread filled with soft cheese.

Local tips

Make the most of Portofino

Beat the crowds

Very busy on summer days. Come in the morning or evening.

Best photo spot

The harbour from the Castello Brown path.

Getting there

Buses and boats run from Santa Margherita Ligure.

Don't miss nearby

San Fruttuoso abbey, reached by boat or a hiking trail.

Good to know

The coastal path to San Fruttuoso is beautiful but steep. Parking is very limited.

Plan your visit

Getting to Portofino

Getting there

  • Genoa Airport (GOA)30 km away
  • Pisa Airport (PSA)115 km away
  • Genoa25 km away
  • Parma105 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeHidden town
Good forCoast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryItaly

Questions

Portofino: good to know

Is Portofino worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like the coast. A tiny harbour of pastel houses on the Ligurian coast.

How many days do you need in Portofino?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Portofino?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Very busy on summer days. Come in the morning or evening.

How do you get to Portofino?

The nearest airport is Genoa Airport (GOA), about 30 km away. Buses and boats run from Santa Margherita Ligure.

What is there to see near Portofino?

Nearby hidden places include Genoa (24 km), Manarola (47 km) and Parma (105 km).

More hidden places in Italy (65)