Do you only have time to experience Portofino in one day? No problem! Portofino is one of the most beautiful places on the Ligurian Riviera. A quick jaunt here will allow you not only to go for a swim, stay in first-class hotels and stroll among luxury boutiques but also to be in contact with the most authentic nature. So if you were thinking of spending your one day here, this article's got you covered!
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- 🇮🇹 All You Need for Italy 🇮🇹
- How to get to Portofino
- Journey via boat to San Fruttuoso
- Map of Portofino
- The Best Portofino beaches
- Highlights of Portofino's center to visit in a single day
- What and Where to Eat
- Restaurants in Portofino
- Portofino in One Day
- Castello Brown
- The Lighthouse
- After Sunset in Portofino: Things to do in the Evening
- Things to see in Outside of Portofino
- Hungry for More Italian Adventures?
Portofino may be a tiny speck on the Ligurian Riviera, but it's crammed with stuff to do. If you've only got a day or a weekend, good luck picking from the endless activities in this slice of heaven. Really, it's like stepping into paradise. Visit once, and it sticks with you. This village glimmers, nestled against the promontory, where the sea's rhythm and the fishermen's lively hustle whisk you into a dream world you'd never want to leave.
🇮🇹 All You Need for Italy 🇮🇹
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How to get to Portofino
Liguria's Riviera di Levante, home to Portofino, is dotted by a string of increasingly picturesque towns, including Camogli, Santa Margherita, and Sestri Levante. There are a few ways to get to the settlement, but a train is not an option.
Driving to Portofino: After passing Santa Margherita Ligure, go along the coast road, according to the signage. In Portofino, parking is a common issue. While there is a rather pricey covered parking lot in Piazza Martiri della Libertà, it is often filled during peak hours, making it difficult to locate free parking.
Bus travel to Portofino: If you're feeling very adventurous, you can go to Santa Margherita by car or bus. During the summer, a bus departs from the station every 20 minutes, and the two destinations are rather near.
Go to Portofino by water: another option is to board a boat that departs from Santa Margherita, Camogli, or Genoa; for details, check out this link.
Journey via boat to San Fruttuoso
Portofino is the starting point for great boat trips. Of them, the one at the San Fruttuoso Abbey, which is situated in a narrow cove in Portofino Park, is impossible to miss. Once you pass Punta Chiappa, you can see this historic Benedictine abbey with its modest pebble beach in the distance from the sea. In slate and marble, the style is pure Ligurian. You can see the abbey, the museum, the cloister, and the Doria tower. The Christ of the Abyss bronze figure is located in front of the monastery at the bottom of the sea. However, it requires diving to a depth of 15 meters to be seen. The adjacent Camogli station is also highly recommended if you choose to extend your stay.
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Map of Portofino
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The Best Portofino beaches
Naturally, the water is one of Portofino's primary draws; it's amazing here, as it is across the Riviera. Even if there are just a few tiny beaches with sand and stones, they are nonetheless worthwhile to explore.
You should definitely check out Niasca Beach, which is located within the Bay of Paraggi. You can take a bus, bike, or scooter here. As an alternative, you can enjoy a view of the castle from Cannon Beach. Here, you descend a short flight of steps.
Highlights of Portofino's center to visit in a single day
There are plenty of things to visit in this little seaside town, even if you just have one day. Unquestionably, Portofino's quaint Piazzetta is the first feature that draws in tourists. A distinct ambiance of refinement and simplicity coexists in this charming coastal plaza, which is bordered by brightly colored homes and opulent shops.
You can discover the Castello Brown or "Brown Castle", a fortification with an amazing panoramic view of the hamlet and the sea, by continuing towards the beach. You will experience a trip back in time and take in one of the most breathtaking vistas of the Ligurian Riviera at this historic location, which got its name from one of its former owners.
At the time of this writing, the price of admission to Castello Brown in Portofino, if you were wondering, per individual, is 5 euros to enter the expansive terrace with views of the gulf.
San Giorgio Church, another significant monument in Portofino, is located not far from the castle. See centuries-old artwork and take in the breath-taking vista of the coast from this peaceful church perched on a peninsula overlooking the sea.
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What and Where to Eat
It's a great idea to set aside a few hours to dine at one of the numerous local eateries. The star of the village's restaurant menus is without a doubt fresh fish, but there are also plenty of options based on seasonal food.
Apart from the Michelin-starred eateries serving sophisticated and inventive cuisine, Portofino has a lot of trattorias and taverns serving less fancy but nevertheless delicious food. Pasta with pesto, focaccia, and Ligurian rabbit, among other well made meals following tradition, are all available for tasting here.
Remember to have a decent glass of local wine with your meals. Although Liguria is best known for its white wines, which go well with seafood, they also have great red wines.
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Restaurants in Portofino
There are a lot of restaurants in Portofino, some of which are more touristic than others. I'll give you a list of some of the places I've been to below:
U Batti is a restaurant located in a charming lane a little distance from the plaza that is most known for its scampi, which are prepared using an old technique and are so good with a lemon curry sauce that it is hard to explain; other fish dishes are also delicious.
Check out Tripoli, a classic Piazzetta restaurant with traditional food and prompt, attentive service.
Finally, the famed restaurant Langosteria is situated on the seashore within Bagni Fiore in the magnificent setting of Paraggi. It is the Ligurian version of the well-known Milanese restaurant, and it has a sophisticated ambiance.
Portofino in One Day
Paraggi Bay
The Bay of Paraggi is a tiny bay that appears blue-green in color owing to reflections from the surrounding park. It is seen from the road that leads from Santa Margherita to Portofino just before you get there. Not much more to see other than the bay (but what a view!!), a few tiny eateries, and a famous location called Carillon. This is an absolutely charming spot, particularly the seafront road with breathtaking views, which includes a little castle perched atop a point.
La Piazzetta
The small square has always been the symbol of Portofino, where there are many iconic colorful houses that narrowly overlook the port and the many fashionable shops. Here you can actually see celebrities, socialites, admire grandiose boats, observe or even buy very glamorous items in the splendid boutiques. Over time, the square has been the set of several films, the center of nightlife and a meeting place for famous people and is still today a major attraction for international tourism.
The Portofino Village
The lovely community is ensconced in the greenery of the regional park that bears its name The hamlet is tiny, and you can see everything in an instant, but don't restrict yourself to the area facing the sea; follow some side streets and you'll find wonderful nooks.
Castello Brown
The impressive area is dominated by an old castle called Castello Brown, which is about a ten-minute stroll away. A flower-filled Mediterranean garden envelops the castle. Though the vista is stunning, the interiors will wow you with their abundance of furniture and bas-reliefs. The Doges of the Maritime Republic of Genoa and Napoleon were among the many historical vicissitudes of the fortress. It was bought by Montague Brown when Italy was unified, and he refurbished it.
The Lighthouse
You can enjoy a lovely stroll that offers stunning views of the sea as you ascend towards the church of San Giorgio from the little plaza. You follow the Brown castle till you get to a magnificent terrace with a view of the ocean. Ideal for sipping on a drink or an aperitif, this is a place I heartily suggest visiting.
After Sunset in Portofino: Things to do in the Evening
This city comes alive every day of the week throughout the summer. Actually, you can always count on seeing people strolling along the street or making stops at one of the many eateries and pubs. Still, the nightlife is always sophisticated yet understated.
Undoubtedly, if you time it right, among the best activities in the area are the pubs and clubs that host events, sometimes including DJ sets or live music. Additionally, you can pause on one of the expansive terraces at sunset for an incredible vista and a one-a-lifetime setting to behold.
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Things to see in Outside of Portofino
Undoubtedly, Portofino's location is another benefit. In actuality, it is close to a few historically and naturally significant communities. Among them are Santa Margherita Ligure, which is located around 5 kilometers distant, Rapallo, and Camogli.
Moreover, the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, which dates to about the tenth and eleventh centuries, is located near the extremity of the promontory. You can also take one of the many nature paths that wind up amongst the rocks to explore the region, or you can schedule a boat excursion to see this amazing section of the coast.
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Hungry for More Italian Adventures?
So, you've had a taste of the beaches in Portofino and can't get enough, right? Well, strap in. We're dishing out a whole menu of Italian escapades that are sure to blow your mind. Buon Viaggio!
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