Portofino, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Located to the south of the Italian city of Genoa, Portofino stands out as one of the most captivating destinations to explore in Northern Italy. Despite its relatively small size, it exudes an entirely picturesque and charming atmosphere. There are numerous excellent activities to engage in while in Portofino, all along the coastline.

Our fondness for traveling in Italy is undeniable, and Portofino is unquestionably a jewel that should not be overlooked. It proves to be an ideal location for a day trip within Italy, or even for a slightly extended stay if you're traversing the northern coastline and mountains. In the latter case, you'll have the opportunity to include other noteworthy places such as Lake Como, Cinque Terre, and cities like Milan.

It’s worth mentioning that Portofino can be notably pricier compared to other Italian destinations. Nevertheless, it’s possible to manage expenses (while still enjoying pleasant weather) by visiting during late spring or early autumn. This choice allows you to benefit from reduced demand for accommodations and tours, thus helping to keep costs at a more reasonable level.

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Portofino for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Portofino on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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5 Best places to See in Portofino

This complete guide to Portofino not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Portofino and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Marina di Portofino

Portofino Yacht Marina (often called Marina di Portofino) is the heart of the village: a small, sheltered harbour wrapped by colourful façades, café tables, and the gentle choreography of tenders and fishing boats. Even if you arrive with no nautical plans, it feels effortlessly special—an elegant, lived-in slice of Liguria where a short stroll turns into lingering over espresso and…

Location: Molo Umberto I, 10, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours - Harbourfront is open at all times; individual restaurants and services set their own hours. | Price: Harbourfront: free. | Website | Distance: 57.1km

Visiting Marina di Portofino

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Castello Brown

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Parma1983

Castello Brown sits above Portofino like a quiet sentinel, rewarding anyone willing to climb a little with one of the most memorable viewpoints on the Italian Riviera. The walk up is part of the charm: shaded lanes, stone steps, and sudden glimpses of turquoise water that build anticipation with every turn. Once you reach the terraces and gardens, you understand…

Location: Castello Brown, Via alla Penisola, Portofino, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: Daily 10:00–19:00 in peak season; shorter winter hours are common. Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing. | Price: Adults: €8 (Apr–Oct) or €5 (Nov–Mar). Children under 12: free. | Website | Distance: 57.1km

Visiting Castello Brown

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Portofino. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Portofino Lighthouse

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ruben Holthuijsen

Portofino Lighthouse (Faro di Portofino) sits at the western tip of the Portofino peninsula, where the village bustle gives way to open sea, salty air, and the kind of views that make you slow your pace without thinking. The walk there feels like a gentle reset: a waterfront start, a leafy stretch of path, and then the lighthouse appearing on…

Location: Portofino Lighthouse, Via alla Penisola, Portofino, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours - Viewpoint and walking route: always accessible. | Price: Free to visit the area around the Portofino Lighthouse. | Website | Distance: 57.1km

Visiting Portofino Lighthouse

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San Fruttuoso

CC BY-SA 2.0 / VillageHero

San Fruttuoso feels like the Ligurian coast pressed into its purest form: a tiny fishing borgo wrapped around an ancient abbey, backed by dense woodland, and fronted by a sheltered bay that turns luminous on calm days. It’s not a place you “pop into” by accident—you make the effort to reach it, and that’s exactly why it still feels special,…

Location: Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, Via S. Fruttuoso, Camogli, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: January, February, November and December: 10 AM - 3.45PM every day except non-holiday Mondays March and October: 10 AM - 3.45PM every day April, May and second half of September: 10 AM - 4.45PM From June to mid September: 10 AM - 5.45PM Last admission: 45 minutes before closing time. | Price: Adults: €8.50 | Website | Distance: 57.1km

Visiting San Fruttuoso

Click here to read our blog about Italian Riviera Towns Guide 2026: Top Coastal Destinations in Italy

Santa Margherita Ligure

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Michal Osmenda

Santa Margherita Ligure is situated on the Gulf of Tigullio, nestled between Rapallo and Portofino. Santa Margherita Ligure stands as one of Liguria's most renowned and beloved tourist destinations, capturing the hearts of visitors from around the world. Nestled within a protective bay along the stunning coast, this coastal town is often referred to as the "Pearl of Tigullio." This…

Visiting Santa Margherita Ligure

Best Day Trips from Portofino

A day trip from Portofino offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Portofino provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Camogli

Camogli stands out as one of the most enchanting and romantic towns in the Golfo Paradiso, nestled along the Riviera di Levante. This seaside village's allure lies in its breath-taking panorama: a picturesque marina embraced by historic buildings adorned with vibrant hues that line the seafront, complemented by the evocative remains of a medieval castle. The stunning seaside promenade, reminiscent of…

Visiting Camogli

Genoa

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Andreasspot

Genoa, known as Genova in Italian, is a significant port city located in the north-western part of Italy. Serving as the regional capital of Liguria, it occupies a central position within this extensive coastal region at the upper portion of Italy's geographical "boot." With a history steeped in maritime importance spanning centuries, Genoa's legacy as a potent republic endures. Presently,…

Visiting Genoa

Monterosso al Mare

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Ilya Orehov

Monterosso al Mare, referred to as Munterussu in Ligurian, is a town and comune situated in the province of La Spezia, within the Liguria region of Northern Italy. It is one of the five villages comprising the Cinque Terre. Located at the centre of a small natural gulf, protected by a small artificial reef to the east of Punta Mesco…

Visiting Monterosso al Mare

Vernazza

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Med Cruise Guide

Vernazza, known as Vernassa in Ligurian and Vernasa in the local dialect, and derived from the Latin name Vulnetia, is a town and comune situated in the province of La Spezia, in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. It is one of the five towns that collectively form the renowned Cinque Terre region. As the fourth town when traveling north,…

Visiting Vernazza

Corniglia

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cs.adri

Corniglia, known as Corniggia in Ligurian and locally referred to as Curnigia (citation needed), is a hamlet within the comune of Vernazza in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy. It has a population of approximately 150 people as of 2016. Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not situated directly by the sea. Instead, it…

Visiting Corniglia

Manarola

CC BY-SA 2.0 / chensiyuan

Manarola, known as Manaea in the local dialect, is a small town located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy. It is a frazione of the municipality of Riomaggiore and is renowned as one of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists. Despite being the second-smallest town in the area, it has a population of 353. The…

Visiting Manarola

Riomaggiore

CC BY-SA 2.0 / chensiyuan

The Via dell'Amore is a pathway that links Riomaggiore to its frazione, Manarola, which is also a part of the Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore, situated in a small valley within the Liguria region of Italy, serves as the southernmost village among the five Cinque Terre when traveling north from La Spezia. Dating back to the early thirteenth century, this village is…

Visiting Riomaggiore

La Spezia

La Spezia, positioned in the far-eastern reaches of Liguria, stands as the region's largest and most densely populated city. However, its allure lies not only in its intrinsic attractions but also in its proximity to the splendid villages adorning the enchanting Gulf of Poets. Often, La Spezia merely brushes against the bustling tide of tourists drawn by the illustrious charms…

Visiting La Spezia

Portovenere

Porto Venere, a hidden gem in the heart of Liguria, Italy, sits just a stone's throw away from the renowned Cinque Terre. Despite its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site designation and its position as a scenic marvel on the Gulf of the Poets, this enchanting town remains somewhat undiscovered by the multitude of global travellers converging on the Cinque Terre.…

Visiting Portovenere

Where to Stay in Portofino

Staying in the village center offers luxury accommodations with stunning harbor views and access to high-end boutiques and fine dining. For a more budget-friendly option, staying in nearby Santa Margherita Ligure provides easy access to Portofino by boat or hiking trail.

A 2-day stay is ideal for exploring the colorful harbor, visiting Castello Brown, and taking a boat trip to San Fruttuoso Abbey. A 3-day stay allows for exploring the Ligurian coastline, hiking in Portofino Regional Park, or enjoying the beaches in nearby Paraggi.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Portofino. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Portofino Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Portofino

Portofino, nestled on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region, is a picturesque fishing village renowned for its colorful buildings, scenic harbor, and luxurious atmosphere. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Portofino:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Portofino as the weather begins to warm up, and the surrounding hillsides come alive with blooming flowers and lush vegetation. This season is ideal for exploring the village’s charming streets, admiring its elegant architecture, and taking leisurely walks along the waterfront promenade. Spring also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Portofino Regional Park and boat trips along the coast.
Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Portofino, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy Portofino’s beautiful beaches, including the rocky shores of Paraggi Beach and the sandy coves of San Fruttuoso. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Portofino, including music concerts, art exhibitions, and food fairs. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Portofino, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring the village’s historic landmarks, such as the Church of San Giorgio and the Castello Brown, without the long lines. Fall also offers opportunities for culinary experiences, such as sampling fresh seafood at the village’s many restaurants and trattorias, and enjoying wine tasting tours in the nearby vineyards.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Portofino is relatively quiet, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. While the weather may be cooler, winter still offers opportunities for scenic walks along the coastline, exploring the village’s boutique shops and art galleries, and enjoying cozy meals in local restaurants. Winter is also a great time to visit nearby attractions such as the city of Genoa and the Cinque Terre villages, which are less crowded during the off-season.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Portofino depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in beach relaxation, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Portofino has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.

Annual Weather Overview

January 10°C
February 11°C
March 13°C
April 16°C
May 20°C
June 23°C
July 26°C
August 26°C
September 23°C
October 19°C
November 13°C
December 10°C

How to get to Portofino

You can easily travel to La Spezia by various means of transportation:

Flying to Portofino

Although Portofino doesn't have its airport, two nearby airports serve the region. Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei) is located 90 kilometers away, while Genoa Airport (Cristoforo Colombo) is 115 kilometers away. Both airports offer flights to major Italian and European cities and are accessible by car or train.

Visiting Portofino by Train

The closest town and train station to Portofino are in Santa Margherita Ligure, just 3 miles from Portofino. After arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure by train, you can catch a 15-minute bus ride to Portofino.

Visiting La Spezia by Car

If you're considering driving, keep in mind that Portofino is a car-free zone, except for residents. In this case, you can park your car in one of the two small and relatively expensive car parks in Portofino. An alternative option is to park your vehicle in Santa Margherita Ligure and take the bus to Portofino.

Visiting La Spezia by Ferry

During the season, ferries operate between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure/Rapallo, as well as between Santa Margherita Ligure/Rapallo and Cinque Terre. Lastly, you have the choice to walk along the scenic 3-mile coastal path from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino, which takes about an hour and treats you to breathtaking views.

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