Portofino is an elegant, small town on the Ligurian coast, known for its picturesque harbor and charming, colorful houses, which attract numerous visitors. With only about 380 inhabitants, Portofino is an exclusive destination, featuring designer boutiques, top-tier restaurants, and luxurious yachts at the small harbor.
Highlights include Castello Brown, offering a stunning panoramic view of the harbor, as well as the 12th-century Church of San Giorgio. For hiking enthusiasts, we highly recommend the Portofino Regional Nature Park. There are several beautiful hiking trails along the coast that offer fantastic views.
A boat trip along the coast is highly recommended, offering stunning views of the villages and cliffs. For divers, the Statue of Christ of the Depths is a popular dive site.
Good to know: The cost of living is generally very high. For those on a budget, it's a good idea to bring a picnic and plenty of drinks for their day trip.
Top Highlights of Portofino
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Castello Brown
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
High above the picturesque harbor town of Portofino stands Castello Brown, a former fortress from the 15th century with a strategic view over the Gulf of Tigullio. Originally known as Fortezza di San Giorgio, the structure served the Republic of Genoa for centuries as a military outpost against pirate attacks and was reinforced multiple times.
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Portofino Regional Park
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
In the Portofino Regional Natural Park, about 30 kilometers east of Genoa, you will find a unique nature reserve that spans 18 square kilometers of land and 13 square kilometers of sea.
Portofino Lighthouse
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
The 12-meter-high lighthouse Faro di Portofino has been overlooking the Italian coastal town of the same name since 1870 and is now part of the Portofino Marine Protected Area. Its distinctive white flashing light, which shines every five seconds, can be seen from 16 nautical miles away. The pyramid-shaped tower is connected to a two-story former lighthouse keeper's house, where the "Fanalisti" served until 1987. Today, the lighthouse is fully automated and operated by the Italian Navy, and it is not accessible to visitors.
Baia Cannone
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
Villa Altachiara
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
High above the sea of Portofino stands the impressive Villa Altachiara - a historic residence from the 19th century with 30 rooms and a sprawling 35,000 square meter garden. Built in 1874 for George Herbert, the villa is closely linked to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, as Herbert financed the famous expedition led by Howard Carter.
San Giorgio Church
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
High above the harbor of Portofino stands the Chiesa di San Giorgio, a Romanesque church from the 12th century dedicated to the patron saint of the town. Inside, you can find the relics of San Giorgio, which sailors from Portofino brought back from the Crusades.
Chiesa del Divo Martino
Portofino, Liguria, Italy
The Chiesa di San Martino in picturesque Portofino has a history that spans almost 900 years, with origins dating back to the 12th century. With its distinctive Lombard-Romanesque architecture, the church, which was dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours in 1548, shapes the character of this Ligurian coastal village.
