Portofino Lighthouse

Lighthouse in Portofino

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 the edge of the headland like a clean white punctuation mark.

It's one of the things to do in Portofino that delivers far more than the effort required, especially if you time it for late afternoon when the light softens and the sea turns metallic blue. It's also often visited on walking tours of Portofino because it rounds out the day with a quieter, wilder perspective than the harbour alone.

History and Significance of the Portofino Lighthouse
Things to See and Do in the Portofino Lighthouse
How to Get to the Portofino Lighthouse
Practical Tips on Visiting the Portofino Lighthouse
Where to Stay close to the Portofino Lighthouse
Is the Portofino Lighthouse Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Portofino Lighthouse
For Different Travelers
Nearby Attractions to the Portofino Lighthouse

History and Significance of the Portofino Lighthouse

Although the Portofino headland has guided sailors for centuries, the current lighthouse structure dates to 1917. It is notably compact by lighthouse standards: a white, rectangular tower with a balcony and lantern, attached to a two-storey keeper's residence, designed to be functional and highly visible against the coastline.

The beacon itself remains an active navigational aid managed by Italy’s navy (Marina Militare). The light is positioned around 40 metres above sea level and follows a characteristic single white flash every five seconds, engineered for clear recognition at sea and a visibility range that can reach roughly 16 nautical miles in good conditions.

Today, what visitors experience is less a “museum lighthouse” and more a working landmark at the edge of Portofino’s territory. It is fully automated and powered via solar energy, which fits the setting perfectly: a practical structure doing its job quietly while the landscape does the talking.

Things to See and Do in the Portofino Lighthouse

The main experience is the walk itself. From Portofino village, the route threads through a greener, calmer side of the peninsula, with occasional openings where the coastline drops away and the Gulf of Tigullio spreads out below. If you enjoy slow travel, treat it as a mini-hike rather than a quick errand-stop often, look back, and let the views stack up.

At the lighthouse, the best “activity” is simply taking in the panorama. You’ll get a different character of sea view than from the marina: wider horizon, stronger wind, and a sense of being on the outer edge of the Riviera rather than in its postcard centre.

If it’s open, the small café/terrace at the lighthouse is a perfect final stop. Even a simple drink feels elevated here because the setting is doing most of the work-one of those places where you linger longer than planned, then realise you’re watching boats trace invisible lines across the water.

How to Get to the Portofino Lighthouse

The closest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), which is usually the most straightforward option for reaching Portofino via the Ligurian coast. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Portofino on Booking.com.

The easiest train approach is to travel to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station, then continue to Portofino village by bus, taxi, or seasonal boat services depending on the time of year. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you're travelling by car, expect tight roads and limited parking near Portofino; parking in Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo and continuing by local transport is often the least stressful plan. 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.

From Portofino village, the lighthouse is reached on foot via a signed coastal route. Allow roughly 25-45 minutes each way depending on pace, heat, and how often you stop for photos; it's straightforward, but it is still a sustained walk rather than a flat promenade.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Portofino Lighthouse

Suggested tips: Go early or late for cooler temperatures and better light, and bring water because you’ll likely linger at the viewpoint.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon into early evening for golden light and a calmer feel; mornings are best if you want the path quieter.
Entrance fee: Free to visit the area around the Portofino Lighthouse.
Opening hours: 24 Hours - Viewpoint and walking route: always accessible.
How long to spend: 1.5-2.5 hours round trip from the village, plus extra time if you stop at the café.
Accessibility: The route involves uneven paths and some inclines; it is not ideal for wheelchairs and can be challenging for anyone who struggles with hills.
Facilities: Limited facilities at the far end of the walk; use restrooms and shops in Portofino before you set off.
Photography tip: The strongest shots often come just before you reach the lighthouse, where the path opens to broad sea views-shoot both forward and back toward the peninsula.
Guided tours: If you want context and smart timing, choose a walking tour that includes the lighthouse and the upper viewpoints above the harbour.
Nearby food options: If the lighthouse café is closed, plan an aperitivo or casual bite back in Portofino village-this walk pairs perfectly with a late snack by the water.

Where to Stay close to the Portofino Lighthouse

If the lighthouse walk is on your must-do list, staying in Portofino (or very close by) lets you do it at the best times-early morning or near sunset-without worrying about last buses or peak-hour crowding. For classic Riviera luxury above the bay, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino is the iconic option for views and atmosphere.

For a central stay that makes it easy to step out and start the walk quickly, Hotel Nazionale Portofino puts you right in the heart of the village.

If you prefer a quieter coastal position while still being walkable back into the centre, Hotel Piccolo Portofino is a good fit for travellers who want a calmer base.

Is the Portofino Lighthouse Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you want to experience Portofino beyond the harbourfront. The lighthouse delivers a more natural, windswept side of the peninsula, and the payoff is a genuine “end of the land” feeling that contrasts beautifully with the village's polished, postcard centre.

It's also one of the simplest ways to improve your Portofino day: the walk adds variety, the viewpoint adds drama, and even if you do nothing more than sit and look at the sea for ten minutes, it tends to become one of the memories that sticks.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,619)

Faro di Portofino sits above the Mediterranean at Via alla Penisola in Portofino and is reached by a steep, sometimes overgrown hike with many steps and resting spots; the lighthouse itself is not open, but visitors praise the sweeping, breathtaking views and a small outdoor bar where you can enjoy drinks, and many recommend going early or later in the day and avoiding very warm weather or challenging mobility conditions.

dahtal michaels

2 months ago

"take care if you're mobility limited, the walk is very steep and there are steps, however there are lots of stopping places, and the views arespectacular! the faro itself isn't open but there is a very welcome bar that serves drinks with a view!..."

See More See Less

benjamin thomas

4 months ago

"A pretty cool spot overlooking the edge of the Mediterranean. The walk is pretty long and views are okay, but can be too far for some."

Farouk Chemam

8 months ago

"After a long walk starting from the stairs next to the Portofino marina, you can enjoy the view and finally visit the area next to the lighthouse ofPortofino. The view is breathtaking. I strongly recommend avoiding warm weather...."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Portofino Lighthouse

Most travellers take around 25-45 minutes each way, depending on pace, heat, and photo stops.

No. Visiting the viewpoint and lighthouse area is free.

Generally, no-the lighthouse is an active navigational beacon and is viewed from outside.

It’s straightforward and well-used, but it includes inclines and uneven sections, so it can feel moderately challenging in hot weather.

Late afternoon is ideal for softer light and a more relaxed feel; mornings are best if you want fewer people on the path.

Yes for most families, as long as children are comfortable walking for an hour or more round trip and you keep a close eye near cliff edges.

Facilities are limited; when open, the café/terrace is the main option, so plan essentials in the village first.

Water, comfortable shoes with grip, and a light layer-wind at the tip can feel stronger than in the village.

Use caution: the path and viewpoint can feel exposed, and some services may close in poor weather.

Yes. It pairs well with Castello Brown and San Giorgio if you want a fuller walking loop, but plan your timing and energy because it adds up.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the lighthouse works best as a “walk with a reward” rather than a long sightseeing stop. Build in mini-breaks, bring water and snacks, and make the viewpoint the moment to slow down and spot boats and birds over the Gulf of Tigullio.

If you’re travelling with very young children, consider doing this in the morning when the path is cooler and calmer. The key is pacing-steady progress, short stops, and a clear turnaround time so the walk stays enjoyable.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is one of Portofino’s most naturally romantic experiences because it’s quieter and more elemental than the marina. Arrive late afternoon, stroll without rushing, and let the sea-cliff viewpoint set the tone before returning to the village for aperitivo.

If you want the most intimate version of the walk, aim for shoulder season. The path feels more spacious, and the lighthouse area becomes less of a “stop” and more of a place to linger together.

Budget Travelers

The lighthouse is a strong budget choice in a destination that can feel expensive. The views are world-class, the walk is free, and you can get a high-value experience without paying for a museum ticket or a waterfront meal.

To keep costs controlled, eat away from the harbourfront, carry your own water, and consider making the lighthouse your “main event” of the day. It's a premium Portofino experience that doesn't require premium spending.

Nearby Attractions to the Portofino Lighthouse

Castello Brown: A hilltop fortress with sweeping harbour panoramas and gardens that add context to Portofino's setting.
Church of San Giorgio: A short climb to a classic terrace view over the marina and coastline.
Portofino Marina and Piazzetta: The iconic waterfront curve for photos, people-watching, and an aperitivo stop after your walk.
Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino: Coastal and forest trails that extend the lighthouse walk into longer hikes with bigger viewpoints.
Baia Cannone: A small bay area near the village where you can catch different angles of the headland and the sea.

The Portofino Lighthouse appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Portofino!

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!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!