Located around 35 kilometres to the East of the hustle and bustle of Genoa, Italy’s largest seaport, lies the charming coastal village of Portofino.

Known famous for its colourful buildings, picturesque harbour, luxurious lifestyle and crystal clear waters. Thousands of visitors flock to this Italian Riviera hotspot, and all for good reason.

This post will explain all there is to visiting the picturesque town of Portofino from Genoa.

1. Getting to Portofino

Portofino is situated on the Mediterranean Coastline in the Liguria region of Italy, around 1 hour from Genoa and 2.5 hours from Milan.

Portofino isn’t as well connected as other places in Italy however getting here shouldn’t be a problem.

Train

There are no train stations in Portofino itself and the best option for arriving by train is into Santa Margherita Ligure station which is a few kilometres away. Santa Margherita Ligure is well connected to other main stations, with direct trains to and from Genoa, Milan, Rapallo, La Spezia. If you are visiting from further afield, then Rapallo is usually the main station for a change over.

Once at Santa Margherita Ligure station you can catch a local bus into Portofino that takes between 20-30 minutes. The bus ticket (July 2023) costs 3.50EUR one way, you can purchase a ticket at the shop/cafe at the train station.

To catch the bus, leave the train station and head to the right hand side. The bus parks at the end of the building, one thing to note is that the bus gets very busy during peak months, so be prepared to squash in!

Once you arrive at Portofino, the bus will drop you off around a two minute walk from the town.

Car

Driving, generally, along the Italian Riviera is considered challenging, not only are the roads narrow and bendy, parking is often hard to come by and expensive. If you do plan on travelling by car to Portofino then there are a handful of on-street parking options around Piazza della Libertà as well as a multi-storey car park located under an archway on Piazza della Libertà.

Boat

There is a ferry service that operates every day, and serves Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and San Fruttuoso. For up to date ferry information and times you can visit the website here: https://traghettiportofino.it/en/

A one-way ticket between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure is 9 Eur, with a return journey costing 16 Eur. The ferries usually leave once an hour. A suggestion would be to arrive into Portofino via train/bus and then returning to Santa Margherita Ligure by boat. The journey back is beautiful, with views back over the colourful town, whilst also whizzing past multi-million pound super yachts.

2. A day in Portofino

Now you are probably wondering what there is to do in Portofino, well this short guide should give you plenty of options for a day in this small village.

Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta

When you arrive in Portofino, start by making your way down the narrow streets towards the sea, gazing at (or going into) the luxurious shops. When the sea comes into view you will be in Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta. The Piazza is the main area of Portofino, surrounded by restaurants on three sides and the harbour on the other, the choice of places to sit for a meal or a drink is plentiful.

Start your day with a moroccan coffee and breakfast from Bar Morena, they have ample outdoor seating overlooking the marina.

Once you’ve finished your coffee it’s time to take in some culture. Poking it’s spire out of the pastel coloured buildings is the Chiesa di San Martino (Church of Saint Martin).

Consecrated in 1548, this catholic church boasts a stunning gold interior, and well worth a visit.

Continue your morning by browsing the small independent shops and wandering the narrow streets.

Portofino Harbour

The heart of Portofino is its scenic harbour where luxurious yachts and fishing boats bob gently in the crystal-clear waters. This postcard-perfect setting has long been a magnet for the international jet set, attracting celebrities, artists, and affluent travellers from around the world.

The harbour itself is small, with the concrete walkway stretching for about 200 metres. Dotted along this walkway are numerous cafes, restaurants and high end luxurious shops, such as Louis Vuitton, Jacquems, Balenciaga and more.

If you made your journey by boat, this is where you will arrive.

If shopping and eating isn’t your thing, Portofino offers a myriad of attractions for every visitor. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the lush Mediterranean vegetation that surrounds the village, as well as the nearby Portofino Regional Natural Park. This protected area is a paradise for hikers, with a network of trails that wind through olive groves, vineyards, and dense forests.

Beach

For those seeking a beach then you have a choice of a few, the Spiaggia dell’ Olivetta, situated under the shadow of Castello Brown or the pebbled cove of Paraggi Beach beckons with its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. Sunbathe on the sun-drenched rocks or rent a kayak to explore the hidden coves and sea caves along the coastline.

Castello Brown

Perched majestically above Portofino, Castello Brown is a historic gem offering breath-taking views of the Ligurian Sea and Portofino itself. This centuries-old fortress-turned-museum invites you to explore its storied past through intricate architecture and curated exhibits. Entrance fee for the castle and park is 5EUR (July 2023), entry for under 12s is free.

Faro di Portofino / Portofino Lighthouse

Once you have visited Castello Brown, then you are perfectly positioned to visit Faro di Portofino; an active lighthouse situated at the tip of the peninsula.

Situated 1km from Portofino itself, the lighthouse is still active but features an outdoor cocktail bar with sweeping ocean views.

Evening

If you plan on spending the evening here, Portofino transforms into a romantic oasis. Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants and savour fresh seafood delicacies while enjoying panoramic views of the harbour. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the village under the starry sky.

Summary

In conclusion, Portofino offers an amazingly easy and cheap day trip from Genoa and gives a true feel of the Italian Riviera.

Until next time, arriverdeci and happy travels.