The PERFECT One Day Itinerary for Portofino, Italy!

There is no better way to experience the ambience of the Italian Riviera than spending one day in Portofino. The town is packed with things to see and do, and there are wonderful places to eat. Portofino is a cliffside village that winds around a small, tranquil harbour. It looks exactly as you’d expect an Italian Riviera town to look – brightly coloured houses piled atop each other,ining the waterfront, and the turquoise sea beckoning you in.

Portofino may be a tiny speck on the Ligurian Riviera, but it's packed with things to do, making it the perfect spot for a quick getaway. When I think of spending one day in Portofino, it's amazing how much there is to fit into such a short time. Whether you're here for just a day or a weekend, choosing from all the incredible activities can be tough in this little slice of heaven. It truly feels like stepping into paradise, and once you visit, it stays with you.

This village shimmers against the promontory, where the rhythm of the sea and the hustle of the fishermen sweep me into a dream world. If you're searching for the perfect Portofino itinerary, this magical place has everything—stunning views, delicious food, and an undeniable tranquility that makes you never want to leave.

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. Everytime I've been to Portofino, I always just prefer to drive there and park in the parking garage that is in the center.

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.

Map of Portofino

How to Spend One Day in Portofino

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.

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.

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.

After soaking in the scenery, I suggest grabbing some fresh focaccia at Antica Forneria di Recco—one of my go-to spots for a quick and delicious bite.

After lunch, take a walk over to Baia Cannone, a beautiful private beach tucked away from the main crowds. To get there, head towards the port and follow the coastal path, keeping an eye out for signs leading to the beach. It’s a hidden gem with crystal-clear, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming. It can get busy during the summer, so I recommend getting there early for a good spot.

Once you’ve enjoyed your time by the water, freshen up and relax in the piazza. If you have a hotel in town, this is the perfect time to head back and change for dinner.

For dinner, I always recommend Da I Gemelli. The atmosphere is amazing, and their oysters are a must-try—fresh, briny, and perfectly paired with a crisp glass of wine. It’s the ideal way to wrap up your day in Portofino.

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.

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.

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. I also recommend visiting Baia Cannone! It's just a five-minute walk from the center, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing.

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.

Things to see 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.

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!