Like many other places in Italy, this small fishing village in Liguria is a popular tourist destination for its mesmerizing views. Despite being small in size, this picturesque destination is home to prominent luxury resorts with several fancy bars, famous restaurants, and ostentatious shops. The beautiful landscapes, beaches, harbor, and excellent cuisine make it a unique destination, and many celebrities are associated with this place thanks to its rich cultural heritage. Over time, it has evolved into an expensive tourist destination and the perfect summer getaway location. Some of the popular activities include lounging on the beach and indulging in different water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing. You can also explore the village, enjoy a beautiful view of the harbor, and taste local delicacies. To know more about the place, check out this rundown of the best things to do in Portofino, Italy.
1. Enjoy a mesmerizing view from Portofino Lighthouse
This lighthouse in Portofino offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area, and it is a popular tourist hotspot. As you climb towards the peninsula, you will reach St. George’s Church from where you can enjoy a mesmerizing view of nature as it unfolds in front of you. As you proceed further, following the narrow path, the scenic view will continue to amaze you until you reach a famous castle built during the Roman era. The pathway will eventually take you to the viewpoint just below the lighthouse, offering an enchanting sight accompanied by a drink and a delicious light fare.
Portofino Lighthouse
Address: Via alla Penisola, 16034, Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Portofino Lighthouse
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
2. Take time to explore Museo del Parco
The art museum in Portofino is located across one of the most famous ports in the world. Over the years, this park has become famous for a large number of camellias that bloom here, and it is a point of attraction in the entire peninsula. This place also has a great outdoor sculpture display. It contains a massive collection of 120 bronze, marble, glass, and steel statues sculpted by international artists such as Daniela Crippa, Rotella, Fontana, Cicchi, and many more.
Museo del Parco
Address: Molo Umberto I, 16028 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Museo del Parco
Opening hours: Tue - Sun : 10am - 1pm, 3pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)
3. Enjoy the serene crystal waters at Galleria del Vitrale
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located a short distance away from Portofino, Vitrale Cliff is an isolated tourist attraction. From the promontory, you can head inside a secluded house with staircases that will take you down to the beach. You first have to make your way through a tunnel entrance that will lead you to a stairway hidden by tall grass. This leads to the sea, where you can enjoy a mesmerizing view of calm blue waters and Punta del Giasso and Punta Carega.
Galleria del Vitrale
Address: Piazza della Libertà, 14/5, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Explore the water reserve of Area Marina Protetta Portofino
This natural water reserve is a protected area in Portofino. It was established in 1999 by the Ministry of Environment to protect and safeguard the sea bed and the surrounding coastal areas in the region. This place is spread out over 13 kilometers (8 miles) and is rich in marine life. It is also a favorite hotspot among scuba divers and tourists.
Area Marina Protetta Portofino
Address: Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy
Website: Area Marina Protetta Portofino
5. Savor some gelato while wandering around Piazzetta
This small place in Italy is known to be one of the most fashionable squares in the world, and it is called Piazzetta for its small size. During summer, this place attracts a big crowd of tourists eager to stroll around and experience the beautiful atmosphere of the place. During the day, you will see daytrippers stopping by to pick up a cappuccino or cornetto for breakfast. Plan a day here to explore this area while savoring a cone of gelato.
Piazzetta
Address: Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Opening hours: 24 hours
6. Explore the historic museum at Castello Brown
Just above the harbor, you will find this lavish museum constructed in the early 16th century. This structure is surrounded by some prestigious villas overlooking the popular Piazzetta. Castello Brown was transformed in 1867 by Montague Yeats-Brown, but he did not make any substantial alteration to the original building. This castle in Portofino is an ideal destination to have your dream wedding or to celebrate other special events, as it’s available for private functions, exhibitions, meetings, or conferences.
Castello Brown
Address: Via alla Penisola, 13, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Castello Brown
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
7. Plan to visit San Martino Church
Located along the slopes of Sasso San Martino, this small church in Portofino offers a spectacular view of Lake Como. The latter is a small village that is a popular hotspot among tourists, as it boasts gorgeous villas, hotels, and gardens. When the weather is calm, San Martino Church is a place you definitely must visit. A short hike from Griante along the shores of the lake will give you a mesmerizing view of the surrounding area.
San Martino Church
Address: Salita della Chiesa, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
8. Indulge in snorkeling at Baia di Paraggi (from USD 43.0)
Paraggi is a bay in Italy that lies between Santa Margherita and Portofino. The beach is a popular tourist attraction for its crystal clear waters, and it is the only sandy beach in this small town. Baia di Paraggi also boasts a rich marine life, making it the perfect place to indulge in snorkeling. If you swim toward the coast, you will see a variety of species ranging from sea bream and gilt-head bream to moray eel and many more. This bay is forbidden to boats, so it’s perfectly safe for swimming or snorkeling.
Snorkel Tour in Paraggi Bay
Duration: 1 hour
9. Enjoy bird-watching at Parco naturale regionale di Portofino
This natural park in Portofino is known for its extraordinary beauty and rich flora and fauna. This park is spread over 80 km (49.70 mi) and has been protected since 1935. Apart from having large concentrations of flora, this place is also home to a variety of birds, invertebrates, and many historical and archaeological treasures. Hiking through the trail is the best way to explore this place.
Parco naturale regionale di Portofino
Address: 16034 Portofino, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy
10. Taste Italian wines at Winterose Wine bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This is one of the most notable wine shops in Portofino, known for selling an exclusive variety of Italian wines and champagnes. This cozy wine bar lets you sample amazing wines along with a great selection of cheese and ham. Located in the most private and romantic corner of Portofino, this establishment is a must-visit for tourists.
Winterose Wine bar
Address: Calata Marconi, 42, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Winterose Wine bar
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
11. View the works at Galleria D'Arte Portofino
Posted by Galleria d'Arte Portofino on Tuesday, 12 June 2018
This art gallery in Portofino was founded in 1993. In 1997 it went through major renovations to enhance the rendering of light so that the great works housed here are presented in the best way possible. This place covers an area of around 200 meters (0.2 km) and it overlooks the popular Piazzetta. This gallery showcases works by contemporary painters and sculptors who are famous in Italy, and it also searches for new talents to introduce to the public.
Galleria D'Arte Portofino
Address: Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta, 7, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Galleria D'Arte Portofino
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
12. Relish the delicious seafood at Taverna del Marinaio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located close to the sea, this restaurant is known for offering a variety of delicious dishes, including homemade pasta, bread, fresh seafood like scampi and prawns with Catalan sauce, cappellaccio con burrata, and shrimp and calamari skewers. They also serve mouthwatering desserts. The interior of the restaurant is extremely classy and offers beautiful views of the sea. Patrons can also admire beautiful sunsets from this location.
Taverna del Marinaio
Address: Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta, 36, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Taverna del Marinaio
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 12pm - 10:30pm (closed on Tue)
13. Savor sweet delights at Gepi Portofino
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in Portofino, this homemade ice cream parlor is famous for making the best gelato in town. This cute place is a great spot for travelers to sample delicious flavors. You can also indulge in gluten-free crepes and espressos. Apart from gelato, be sure to try the house special jelly that’s available here.
Gepi Portofino
Address: Piazzetta della Magnolia, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Gepi Portofino
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
14. Enjoy paddleboarding on Baia di Paraggi (from USD 54.0)
The calm and clear waters of Portofino is perfect for adventure lovers who want to indulge in a variety of water sports activities. This one-hour paddleboarding activity on the Bay of Paraggi lets you explore the scenic beauty and rich marine life of the Italian Riviera. The instructor will help you learn the basic techniques of stand-up paddleboarding. When you feel confident enough, look up to enjoy a stunning view of the water and the coast.
Portofino Small-Group Paddleboarding Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
15. View the sunset while kayaking
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This sunset kayaking tour lets you have a unique experience paddling on the Italian Riviera. In this two-hour activity, you will explore the natural marine reserve and other popular landmarks such as Portofino Lighthouse and the Church of San Giorgio. After spending an evening indulging in a kayaking adventure, you will be taken back to the shore to taste exclusive regional wines. A blissful view of the surrounding area is bound to captivate you.
Outdoor Portofino - Sunset Kayak
Address: Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 62, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Outdorr Portofino
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: € 38
16. Enjoy boating at Marina di Portofino
As one of the most prominent harbors in the world, you’ll find Marina di Portofino situated amidst a promontory near Via Roma. There are 14 spots on the dock for boats and yachts. The harbor also has separate spaces for two mega-yachts in the Cannone Bay area. The administrative offices can be located on the square, and this is where clients can acquire all the relevant information related to booking boat tours and rides. It’s open all throughout the year.
Marina di Portofino
Address: Via Roma, 35, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Website: Marina di Portofino
17. Indulge in a private boat tour
The Italian fishing village of Portifino is an absolute wonder to behold. It is famous for its picturesque harbors and pristine waters, and it boasts spectacular coastal sceneries. Nothing beats riding on the waves aboard a private boat with a guide to explore the hidden gems of this destination, including the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, the submerged statue called Christ of the Abyss, and the promontory, among others.
Portofino private boat tour
Duration: 3 hours
Portofino - a small fishing village full of scenic wonders
Despite being a fishing village, Portofino is one of the most expensive and sought-after travel destinations in the world. This small town is famous for its swanky resorts, picturesque harbors, colorful coastal village that sits perfectly on the peninsula. To explore the beauty of this place, make sure you visit all these recommended places.
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